--- Forwarded Message from "Chen Xiaobin" <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: "Chen Xiaobin" <[log in to unmask]> >To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum" <[log in to unmask]> >References: <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #8044.9 Audio Recording (!) >Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2005 23:41:30 +0800 Thanks! In all, all these things are related to the quality of the recordings. If we want to have a more clear effect, we should not attach the mic to the sound card directly. Right? Thank you very much for the explanation. Chen Xiaobin ----- Original Message ----- From: "LLTI-Editor" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 2:28 AM Subject: Re: #8044.9 Audio Recording (!) > --- Forwarded Message from Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]> --- > >>Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 12:52:16 -0700 (PDT) >>From: Bob Majors <[log in to unmask]> >>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum > <[log in to unmask]> >>Subject: Re: #8044.5 Audio Recording (!) >>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >>References: <[log in to unmask]> > >> ... why don't you just attach the mic to the >> "mic input" of the computer sound card? I think it is the easiest way to >> record sound directly into the computer. But I don't know whether the >> effect >> of the sound will be satisfactory. >> Regards, >> Chen Xiaobin > > I'm not the original poster of the external mic pre-amp/ USB audio > converter follow-up message, but there are some advantages of using an > external USB or FireWire analog converter: > > - Balanced microphone inputs, which offer better quality (when balanced > mics are use) and lower noise. When using an unbalanced mic or mic input, > longer cable runs (to isolate the mic from the computer acoustical noise > (fans, hard drive noise)) -- the noise problem of an unbalanced signal is > increased. > - Often phantom power is available in external boxes, which is required by > many quality microphones. > - (Usually) better microphone pre-amps. > - (Usually) better A/D and D/A converters. > - The mic pre-amp, which amplifies a *very* low level audio signal, can > pickup RFI and other noises prevalent inside the computer (from hard > drives, etc., etc.). This can add noise to a recording. > - An external box is portable (can be used on different computers). > - External boxes have control pots (potentiometers -- knobs) for > headphone volume and output volume, which are handier to grab and ride > than adjusting software settings. > - Some audio cards either have mic inputs or line-level inputs, so while > there are ways to use either for either source, having a dedicated line > and mic input in an external box is handy. > - The headphone and audio jacks are often less prone to breakage -- > compare a 1/8" mini jack on a sound card to 1/4" jacks on external boxes. > > That all said, in many cases a built-in sound card may do the job just > fine, depending on the quality desired, the components in use, etc. > > Bob Majors > Language Learning Center > University of Washington >