Checking the functionality and quality of a microphone by using a computer can be easily done.
Computers can be used as powerful audio systems to play music, record performances and test electronic instruments and audio devices. Connecting a microphone to a PC is a simple task that will allow you to check the microphone for functionality and quality. The process listed here will show test a condenser, dynamic, crystal, ribbon, or any other type of microphone on a PC.
Instructions
1. Turn on the computer and open an audio recording program. Use a free program like Free Sound Recorder or Audacity (see links in References) or purchase more professional software such as Cubase or ProTools. If you do not have a recording program, you can download one online or buy the software from a music store like Guitar Center or Zzounds.com.
2. Connect a USB audio interface. Use an audio interface with one or more XLR inputs, such as the ART MobilePre USB or the Edirol UA-25EX. Plug the thicker end of the USB cable into the audio interface and the thinner, wider end into the PC. Insert the software driver CD into the computer or download the driver for the interface on the manufacturer's website. Follow instructions on the installation guide to ensure that the USB interface will work properly on the computer's operating system.
3. Plug the microphone into the USB audio interface. Connect the male end of the XLR cable into the female XLR input on the audio interface and plug the female end of the XLR cable into the input on the microphone. Plug the headphones into the 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch headphone input on the audio interface and put them on. Adjust the output on the interface to a low level.
4. Start a new recording on the audio recording program. Speak, sing, play an instrument, or make any noise of varying volume into the microphone at varying distances and angles. Record one to two minutes of audio. Stop the recording.
5. Play back the recording to make sure that the microphone received the audio input and successfully transferred the signal via the XLR cable. Listen to the recording closely to check the microphone for sensitivity and tone. If the recording does not sound similar to the live sound used for the recording, adjust the equalizer, resolution and volume settings on the recording program via the "Preferences" or "Options" menu. Slowly turn the volume knobs on the audio interface to adjust the headphone volume to a comfortable level.
