Interfacing Help for Shure Computer Microphones to Computer Sound Cards
We assume that you are reading this document because you are having problems interfacing a microphone with your sound card. This information was compiled from Shure's experiments with various sound cards and from reports from sound card users. This document contains recommendations that hopefully will help, but it is not a substitute for the installation instructions that came with the sound card.
To begin troubleshooting, find the sound card's make and model in the following table and read the appropriate section. If your sound card is not listed, see Section 3.
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Creative Labs (See Section 1 below) |
Other Sound Cards (See Section 2 below) |
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If Your Sound Card Is Not Listed Above, See Section 3
Section1: Creative Labs or Sound Blaster Compatible Sound Cards
Sound cards in this group have audio inputs with the following characteristics:
- Input Type: Unbalanced Low Impedance
- Input Sensitivity: Approx. -20dBV (100mV or 0.1Volt)
- Input Impedance: 600 to 1500 (Ohms)
- Input Connector: 3.5mm Miniplug (Stereo Jack)
- Input Wiring: Audio on Tip, Ground on Sleeve, 5Volts DC Bias on Ring
The Shure HW505, VR250B headworn microphones, VR116L hand held microphone and TCHS Computer Wireless (TM) System will work properly with these sound cards.
The wireless receiver can be connected to the input of the sound card using Shure's C124 cable (a 1/4” mono plug to 3.5mm stereo miniplug cable) which is included with the TCHS Computer Wireless (TM) system.
Typical dynamic microphones will not supply the signal level required by the input of these sound cards. A microphone pre-amplifier (often called a booster) will be necessary. A pre-amp with 40 to 50dB of gain is recommended. Note that too much gain will result in overloading of the input of the sound card. For this reason we recommend pre-amps with adjustable gain control.
Section 2: Other Sound Cards
Sound cards in this group have audio inputs with the following characteristics:
- Input Type: Unbalanced Low Impedance
- Input Sensitivity: Approx. -50dBV (3mV or 0.003Volt)
- Input Impedance: <600 (Ohms)
- Input Connector: 3.5mm Miniplug (Mono or Stereo Jack)
- Input Wiring: Audio on the Tip, Ground on the Sleeve, DC Bias not supplied
Note: Some sound cards such as Ensoniq can supply DC Bias by changing the jumper setting on the sound card board. Section 1 instructions can then be applied to these sound cards.
The Shure HW501, VR230D headworn microphones, VR116L hand held microphone and TCHS Computer Wireless (TM) System will connect directly to this input and work properly.
Any other dynamic low impedance Shure microphone terminated with an XLR connector can be connected to this input using Shure's RP292 cable (see the Technical Specifications section for RP292 details.).
To use a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, you must use a phantom power supply (Shure PS1A or similar.) The microphone connects to the power supply with a standard microphone cable, and the power supply connects to the sound card's input (usually a RP292 cable can be used).
Section 3: If Your Sound Card is Not Listed
For those sound cards not listed in the table, it is necessary to find out the specifications of the microphone input. This information might be described in the manual or can probably be obtained from the manufacturer of the sound card. Here are the specifications that you need to find:
- Input Sensitivity (usually in dBV, millivolts or Volts)
- Input Impedance (usually in Ohms)
- Input Connector and Wiring (usually 3.5mm jack; Tip is audio, Ring is bias, and Sleeve is ground)
Chances are that the characteristics of these sound cards are similar to those described in Section 1 and 2. If this is the case proceed as described in those sections. If the characteristics differ from those call Shure Applications Engineering at (847) 600-8440 for help. The fax is (847) 600-8444.