buying a mic for computer

[wayward_blue]

well..you're going to need sometype of preamp for the mic, whether it be just a preamp of a mixer you're going to go like this

mic --mic cable-->Mixer/Preamp--1/8" cable-->Mic port

You'll also need a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter to be able to plug into the out of your mixer or preamp...

And yes Cool Edit will work

You don't really need a mixer or a preamp. I have a sure mic that I run the cable directly into my pc and it works fine. The cable I use has the XLR to hook into the mic on one end and a 1/8" jack on the other that I just use a adapter to plug straight into my computer. it works fine for me! I would recommend not getting a pc mic unless you can't afford anything else. it'll be worth it in the long run.

[CheersDtoT]

Yeah you can run a mic directly inot the PC. But the PC input isn't a Mic-Pre. The impediance loads are VERY different between an XLR and 1/8''... thats like running two 2600 watt power amps off of 120 volt. You will be able to make sound... if you are going for quality just by a mixer ( because they have mic pres in them) ... or just buy a mic pre. 1/4 and 1/8 are much closer impediance loads than XLR and 1/8. Infact don't run 1/4 out into a 1/8 converter... buy a mixer or pre with TRS... and run TRS to 1/8 (Balanced) into the computer... the DQ will be much better.