Set up the microphone stand according to the directions of the stand manufacturer.
Assemble the microphone into its complementary part for the microphone stand. This is the part that connects the microphone to the stand. It is usually a part that screws onto the top of the stand.
Connect one end of the microphone cable into the respective position on the microphone. Connect the other end of the same cable to the microphone preamp. The preamp should not be on.
Connect one end of the XLR cable to the microphone preamp. Connect the other end of the same cable to the external soundcard. The soundcard should not be on.
Connect the soundcard to the computer via USB cable.
Double-check all connections.
Turn on the soundcard. Turn on the preamp. Turn on "Phantom Power" on the preamp. (If applicable) Turn on the microphone.
Press the power button to turn on the computer. Double-click, or right-click and "open," the audio mastering software in the programs area.
Look in the menu and click on "File." Click on "New." Name the new session.
Select a track to check the microphone's response. Set the recording to "mono" (left or right).
Set the track to "Record."
Record a vocal sample into the microphone. After recording, if the track was set to the left and no (or little) sound was received, switch to "right" and record again. If there is a drastic increase in reception, the microphone's reception side is the one with the larger pick-up.