HOMEPAGE COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS

How to Make a USB Mic

By: Gary Wolfe
Updated on: May 13, 2017

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Microphones are used to transmit voice or other sounds to another audio device, such as an amplifier, PA or mixing board. You can even connect a microphone directly to your computer. To do this, you need to create a USB microphone cable that has a USB male connection on one end and the connection for your microphone on the other end.

Remove the existing connecting end of a microphone cable.

Strip 1/8 inch of insulation off each wire in the mic cable, and twist the wire strands together.

Solder the ends of the cable to the pins of a male USB cable adaptor using a soldering iron and electrical solder. The cable adaptor will indicate pin connections on its packaging.

Connect the USB end of the modified XLR cable to an available USB port on your computer.

Most recent

  • Microphones can connect to any computer that supports USB devices. They don't need additional drivers or programs to work on a computer system.
  • Condenser mics needs phantom power. Most computers are not configured to work with condenser mics, and most good-quality sound cards do not possess phantom power, either. In this case, you need an external mixer or phantom power interface.

Gary Wolfe has been a copywriter and editor since 1994. He developed fitness training and nutritional plans for clients in conjunction with his own sugar-free foods, and has continued to provide fitness advice through sponsored walking events. Wolfe holds a B.A. in English from UCLA.

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