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Micro Bird SM1

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Ade45 Posted messages 3 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -  
Ade45 Posted messages 3 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -
Hello,

for Christmas, I received a Bird SM1 microphone for recording, but the problem is that the sound coming out on my laptop isn't very good. The microphone came with an XLR cable, so I bought another cable that is XLR/jack to connect it directly.
Despite all the configurations made (to get the microphone to output sound), the sound is not clear.
Do I need to add something to get better sound?
Thank you very much.

1 answer

  1.
    Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   10 013
     
    Hi,

    Probably a preamp, like on many "XLR" mics ;-)

    So a breakout box with a preamp would have been necessary, like a Focusrite or something similar, which connects via USB to the computer and XLR to the mic.

    The sound should be much cleaner, in my opinion.

    However, the Bird SM1 remains very "poor" in terms of quality, barely €10 -> you shouldn't expect miracles.

    --
    ~ To know how to listen is to possess, besides one's own, the brains of others... said Leonardo da Vinci.
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    1. Ade45 Posted messages 3 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
       
      Good evening, thank you for your reply.

      However, what is an interface card with a preamp?

      Before, I had a microphone that came from a Wii game ^^ and I already had a fairly good sound, and I’m just starting out with this; it’s time for me to practice and have a bit of fun before getting something really professional. ;)
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      1. piquesous Posted messages 15734 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   6 123 > Ade45 Posted messages 3 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        Hello,

        No need to move on to something professional.
        Unless you need it.
        But already, if you go for a Bird EM1, or even the UM1, you will have something much better at a reasonable price.

        The risk here is investing in additional equipment for a poor-quality microphone.

        See you!
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      2. Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   10 013 > Ade45 Posted messages 3 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        An interface card is a card that "interfaces" between the two devices that do not have the same connectors.

        You will thus have an external sound card, to which the microphone will connect via XLR, and from that card, you will have a USB cable that goes to your computer.

        For all more "professional" microphones, it will also be necessary, sometimes even for its phantom power.

        You can check Behringer for entry-level options: https://www.woodbrass.com/usb-behringer-u-phoria-umc22-p172237.html

        Otherwise, look at the slightly better Focusrite options: https://www.woodbrass.com/usb-focusrite-scarlett-2-solo-p223249.html but also more expensive.
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      3. Ade45 Posted messages 3 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   > Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention  
         
        Thank you very much for all this information anyway

        And going pro is not for now, I love singing, making recordings... so later having better sounds will be great, but the budget is not there yet ^^
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