There are a bunch of cables and boxes that convert 48v phantom and standard dynamic mics to USB. MXL MicMate, Centrance MicPort Pro, etec. and some cheaper ones that I haven't really investigated. I've been using a set of mics outside my house for nearly three years that are almost completely exposed to the elements, so for that, I decided to use dynamic mics. I'm just using a pair of very cheap Behringer XM8500's ($20 a piece in the USA,) and a cruddy old Alesis MultiMix8 board behind it, with a USB output, which I don't actually use, because it's partially broken. I didn't want to use 48v phantom due to bad interaction with the elements. I've had those Behringer mics out there on an ORTF stereo bar since March 2010, through flooding, heavy winds, snow, ice, etc. and they still sound as good as the day I bought them. I hope to get this on Locustream at some point. Right now, they're just on my own personal stream in 128 KBPS AACPlus stereo.

The disadvantage to using dynamics over condensers, however, is their relatively low output level. Your preamp has to have a pretty decent signal-to-noise ratio. If you're going to experiment with those, I'd perhaps recommend something like the Art Tube Pre USB or Centrance MicPort Pro. MXL makes two versions of the MicMate, one specifically designed for use with dynamic mics, while the other provides phantom power as well, but I don't have personal experience with those.

Dynamic mics, such as the ones I'm using, are really not designed to be used in the way that I've deployed them. THey're really supposed to be vocal mics. I've found that their wide frequency response and relatively wide axis, for cardioid dynamics, anyway, is still quite good for ambiant pick-up. It surprises me how well they work for that, actually. And, should something bad happen to both of those microphones, I'm only out $40.

On Dec 8, 2012, at 3:04 AM, Alejo D <alejoduque@gmail.com> wrote:

Hola August,

-I'm wondering if an external USB microphone would be better. What do you think?  Could you recommend one that works with the box?

Peter Sinclair had a nice usb mic capable of powering 48v mics. That could be the best way to go. I'm hoping he can chime in and let us known more.

Buen weekend
/a

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