ECM-77 into computer.

[vegasarian]

I have a cheap computer mic (Creative) which I use for Skype and it works fine but I would like to be able to use my ECM-77 Lapel mic or Senny 416 to record V/Os. Neither of these two mics are being picked up by the computer. Everything in audio settings is maxed out, Mic boost is on but still nothing. Is there extra hardware I need to add in order to use these "pro" mics on the comp?

[Supreme2k]

What type of sound card do you have? If it is onboard, many of the motherboard sound chips do not work very well (or at all) with the higher grade mics.

[vegasarian]

Ah! that could be it then. Its on an Intel Core 2 Duo - MSI MS-7246 motherboard. Any recommendations as to a minimum priced sound card thats going to satisfy my mics? Or am I looking at big bucks to get them working?

[Supreme2k]

A cheap Soundblaster Audigy or x-fi will do, for about $30 or so. You can probably get a pci-e card for that price if you shop around.

[vegasarian]

Many thanks for your help Supr.

[edDV]

Pro mics need a 600 ohm XLR type connection for best performance. The Sennheizer needs "Phantom" 48vdc power.

A cheap solution for voice over (ECM-77) is the Behringer 502 mixer that will raise Mic to line level and allow mixing other sources. It doesn't suport 48v Phantom power.
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-502-5-Input-Mixer/dp/B000J5UEGQ

Other solutions in this article
http://www.musiconmypc.co.uk/art_connect_microphone_to_pc.php

[vegasarian]

Interesting links edDV.
I think you just solved my problem. I already have an SQN-4s Audio Mixer -
http://www.sqn.co.uk/old/n4s/SQN4S.html
which are quite common with news crews here in the UK.
Being a cameraman and not a sound engineer it didn't occur to me to put the mic through the mixer before PC. (It also supplies 48v phantom power to the 416). Will give it a go tmrrw.

[aedipuss]

if you have a beachtek or similar pro mic to cam unit, you could probably use that.

[Supreme2k]

I actually should have suggested the Griffin iMic, which I have. I got one on eBay for about $12 total. Here's an example of one, with the XLR cable

[vegasarian]

Thanks for all the help. Both mics work fine when put through the audio mixer.
You guys in the States get real bargains.That mic on ebay in the UK is around 45 dollars!
http://www.google.co.uk/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=buy+imic+ebay&gs_rfai=&um=1&ie=UTF-...ed=0CBkQrQQwAA