I bought a USB mic and now I am faced with the prospect of going straight to my computer. I have used a XLR mic to a mixer and then to my laptop in the past with great results, but I thought I would try this way. Is the set up going to be similar? Can I use a mixer (software) as an intermediate like a real mixer?

I bought a USB mic and now I am faced with the prospect of going straight to my computer. I have used a XLR mic to a mixer and then to my laptop in the past with great results, but I thought I would try this way. Is the set up going to be similar? Can I use a mixer (software) as an intermediate like a real mixer?

Usually cheap (150-200usd) USB mics have a higher level of noise than XLR phantom-powered mics. Also they may be dynamic instead of condenser.

Which mixer software?

I use the mixer software that comes with a firewire audio interface, dedicated to it, and yes, it mixes like a real analog audio mixer.

What would you mix the usb mic's output with?