HELP - can't get signal from my Shure SM57 mic into laptop

[ElGuitarrista]

Hey, if anyone is online right how, could you give me a hand?

I just got back from Guitar Center. I bought a Shure SM57 mic... want to record some stuff on my laptop. However, it's not picking up the mic when I plug it it. In other words, there's no signal going into the computer. (I bought all the XLR adapters and all, so I have it plugged in).

I'd appreciate any help

My AOL IM is goldngrms
Yahoo IM is pghpowerlifter

-ElGuitarrista

[ElGuitarrista]

Got it fixed.

[Roastbeef]

What was the problem?

[superman0710]

you might need a mic preamp to boost the power on the mic. look into it.

[ElGuitarrista]

You know... it was pretty foolish actually... I forgot to press the little 'R' on Cool Edit to record on that track.

So, I was able to get the signal in, but it's not the greatest quality. Even though I have a high-end laptop, I don't think the sound card is great. So, I'm getting a slight 'buzz' on all of my recordings.

I was at Guitar Center today and talked to one of the guys that knows about recording. He suggested usinging a box that plugs into your USB port. Basically, it's a way to get multiple simultaneous inputs into your computer... like a guitar mic and vocal mic for example. This thing cost $149... I can't remember the name of it... it's sort of like an M-Box, but less expensive.

Apparently, it works well with software called Cuebase... anyone ever hear of it? The sales rep said Cuebase is probably a better multi-track program than Cool Edit. For example, with this $149 box, you can run a vocal mic and guitar mic into your computer and record them as two separate tracks - simultaneously! Isn't that cool? I don't think you can do that with Cool Edit. Someone let me know if you can.

Anyway, if anyone has experience with this stuff, please post or IM me.

AOL IM: goldngrms.

Peace

-ElGuitarrista