How can I use my Shure beta 87a mic w/ my laptop to record vocal performances? What do I need for hookup?

I just bought a microphone XLR to 1/4 cable, but how do I plug in the microphone to my laptop when the jack is 1/8? Can I use any adapter that converts the 1/4 to 1/8 plug?

I currently have a $15 usb logitech microphone to sing with and want something better for my vocal recordings. I hope I didn’t just shell out a bunch of money and the microphone won’t even work with my system.

Will my laptop recognize the microphone without any software or drivers since it is not a usb microphone? I’m unclear as to how it could know the microphone is there and what it is.

I want to have all my ducks in a row once the mic gets here some time next week.

Has anyone else had to configure this microphone for laptop recording and if so how did you do it? If anyone has any suggestions or answers please let me know.

Thanks!

For the best results you will need a transformer to go from the XLR output to a 1/4″ or other connection. An adapter that goes from 1/4″ to 1/8″ will work, but the quality may suffer. You should pick up an audio interface box for your computer. Most of the will have XLR mic inputs built in and they will have studio quality sound. Another option is to buy a mixing board to plug your mic into and out of the mixer to a line level input on your computer.

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