Wireless, mixer and computer: Will this work? at DVinfo.net

Bob Kerner · February 4th, 2008, 05:11 PM

I need to narrate some material for a short video and would like to go directly into my mac. I have a wireless set up with mics and an SD 302.

Would I be able to run the wireless into the SD 302 and then run "mic" level out to the computer? Would that make sense?

Thanks
Bob

Jimmy Tuffrey · February 4th, 2008, 06:59 PM

If you have a line in on the pc then yes. Might be a bit noisy depends. Better of with a dedicated sound card. Try it and tell us..

Guy Cochran · February 4th, 2008, 07:13 PM

http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic...te/micMate.htm

MXL Mic Mate would work.
Small, easy, inexpensive XLR to USB. You'll need a USB cable (not included)

Bob Kerner · February 4th, 2008, 08:41 PM

Thanks. I'm going to have to wing it, as my deadline got pushed up by half a day. I'll let you know what I discover.

Steve Oakley · February 4th, 2008, 10:50 PM

why not go hardware ? if its audio only it'll be cleaner.

Bob Kerner · February 4th, 2008, 11:42 PM

Agreed that would be best. I always forget that the mac requires powered mics with mini connectors. I rarely need to narrate. Unfortunately, the project was given to me at very last minute and there won't be time to hit the store in the morning before it is needed.

So what hardware do you reccommend for narration work? I guess I basically need something to go from XLR to firewire or usb. Are the USB kits marketed toward podcasting suitable for narrating into Final Cut?

Thanks again

Steve Oakley · February 5th, 2008, 12:24 AM

there are plenty of 2 channel USB or FW audio adapters to be had at the local music store. there are also USB mics, but I would stick with the USB/FW converters. if you can run hardware, make sure the adaptor can supply 48V phantom power ( which means most of the cheapest ones are out ), or battery power the mics. if you have the 302, you can use its phantom power for the mics, but be sure to select its outputs to match the USB/FW adaptors as line into mic level is never good.

Jack Walker · February 5th, 2008, 02:07 AM

There is a thread nearby that covers many, many interfaces.

I will mention E-mu since I have two of their high end audio interfaces and I am very happy with them. (I have the 1812m -- discontinued -- and the 1616m.)

For what you want the USB 0404 would be great I think:
http://www.emu.com/products/product....&product=15185

It has two channels, line or mic input, 24 bit capable, very good mic preamps, limiters, phantom power, Mac OS X compatability, S/PDIF, TOSLINK, MIDI etc. etc. Here is a review in Sound on Sound:
http://www.emu.com/news/reviews/file...OS_Jan2007.pdf
This has a street price of $160-$180.

There is also the 0202 that is less expensive with different features.

I think the e-mu or another brand interface makes more sense than the USB mics and other podcast type gear. The 0404 can be used with virtually any input on any computer just by plugging into the USB.

Bob Kerner · February 5th, 2008, 12:30 PM

It can be done. I took my Senn wireless and plugged it into the back of the Mac. Required really cranking the RF out to get signal on the FC voice over window but it worked in an emergency.

Now onto a better solution!

February 4th, 2008, 05:11 PM	#1
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Wireless, mixer and computer: Will this work? I need to narrate some material for a short video and would like to go directly into my mac. I have a wireless set up with mics and an SD 302. Would I be able to run the wireless into the SD 302 and then run "mic" level out to the computer? Would that make sense? Thanks Bob

February 4th, 2008, 07:13 PM	#3
Guy Cochran DVCreators.Net Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 892	http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic...te/micMate.htm MXL Mic Mate would work. Small, easy, inexpensive XLR to USB. You'll need a USB cable (not included) __________________ Guy Cochran DVinfo Sponsor, Cool Gear - DVeStore!

February 4th, 2008, 06:59 PM	#2
Jimmy Tuffrey Major Player Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bristol U.K. Posts: 244	If you have a line in on the pc then yes. Might be a bit noisy depends. Better of with a dedicated sound card. Try it and tell us..

February 4th, 2008, 08:41 PM	#4
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Thanks. I'm going to have to wing it, as my deadline got pushed up by half a day. I'll let you know what I discover.

February 4th, 2008, 10:50 PM	#5
Steve Oakley Trustee Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: United States Posts: 1,158	why not go hardware ? if its audio only it'll be cleaner.

February 4th, 2008, 11:42 PM	#6
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Agreed that would be best. I always forget that the mac requires powered mics with mini connectors. I rarely need to narrate. Unfortunately, the project was given to me at very last minute and there won't be time to hit the store in the morning before it is needed. So what hardware do you reccommend for narration work? I guess I basically need something to go from XLR to firewire or usb. Are the USB kits marketed toward podcasting suitable for narrating into Final Cut? Thanks again

February 5th, 2008, 12:24 AM	#7
Steve Oakley Trustee Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: United States Posts: 1,158	there are plenty of 2 channel USB or FW audio adapters to be had at the local music store. there are also USB mics, but I would stick with the USB/FW converters. if you can run hardware, make sure the adaptor can supply 48V phantom power ( which means most of the cheapest ones are out ), or battery power the mics. if you have the 302, you can use its phantom power for the mics, but be sure to select its outputs to match the USB/FW adaptors as line into mic level is never good.

February 5th, 2008, 02:07 AM	#8
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	There is a thread nearby that covers many, many interfaces. I will mention E-mu since I have two of their high end audio interfaces and I am very happy with them. (I have the 1812m -- discontinued -- and the 1616m.) For what you want the USB 0404 would be great I think: http://www.emu.com/products/product....&product=15185 It has two channels, line or mic input, 24 bit capable, very good mic preamps, limiters, phantom power, Mac OS X compatability, S/PDIF, TOSLINK, MIDI etc. etc. Here is a review in Sound on Sound: http://www.emu.com/news/reviews/file...OS_Jan2007.pdf This has a street price of $160-$180. There is also the 0202 that is less expensive with different features. I think the e-mu or another brand interface makes more sense than the USB mics and other podcast type gear. The 0404 can be used with virtually any input on any computer just by plugging into the USB.

February 5th, 2008, 12:30 PM	#9
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	It can be done. I took my Senn wireless and plugged it into the back of the Mac. Required really cranking the RF out to get signal on the FC voice over window but it worked in an emergency. Now onto a better solution!