How can I increase my microphone's input levels?

[Mysteriouskk]

I'm using a Shure SM58 microphone and I want to be able to increase the volume in comes into the computer. When I try to increase the volume using adacity or something, it puts in noise. What hardware can I use to increase the volume of my mic?

Would an ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp help increase my microphone volume? Anything else you would recommend around $50?

I'm mostly just doing like podcast /talking.

[BJ_M]

m-audio audio buddy

[DereX888]

whats wrong with any $2 microphones for *podcasting*?
Your podcast sound quality is probably heavily compressed anyways.
Find the specs for your card's mic input impedance, then buy appropiate mic, and I'm sure you don't need any excellent sound card nor any pro brand microphone for some podcast's low bitrate high compression MP3 or AAC sound

[Soopafresh]

So you've got a low-to high impedence adapter/transformer to convert the XLR connection to 1/8" mini, correct ?

Some software volume controls have a checkbox to add +20dB of boost to the mic input signal.

Also, are you 100% sure you're using MIC in and NOT line in ?