Arts >> Music >> Recording Music

How to Control the Input Level of Microphones

When using a microphone, being able to control its input volume is crucial for optimal microphone sound quality. Whether you are recording or performing live, having a console mixing board can make this task more precise. Console boards take one or more inputs and offer you the ability to adjust their frequency ranges as well as their volumes. The console then combines all inputs and outputs them as one sound.

Things You'll Need

  • Microphone
  • XLR cable
  • Console board
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Plug the female end of the XLR cable into the male XLR jack on your microphone.

    • 2

      Insert the male end of the XLR cable into the female jack on your console board labeled "Input 1."

    • 3

      Plug your console board into a power outlet.

    • 4

      Look at your board and locate the RCA inputs. They should be in the top right corner of the console. These are the tape input and outputs.

    • 5

      Plug the RCA end of your RCA to 1/8th-inch male cable into the "Tape Output."

    • 6

      Plug the 1/8th-inch male end of your cable into the microphone input on your computer's sound card.

    • 7

      Test your microphone by speaking into it. As you speak, gradually turn up the "Input 1" volume on your console board. There are two volume knobs on your microphone's channel, and one main board volume output knob.

+:
+:

Recording Music

Related Categories