Using a headset (1/8" jack) into Multimix16 USB

[GaminGuy]

Let me first start off by saying, I'm sorry if this question is really n00bish. When it comes to recording audio and stuff, I have really no clue what I am doing and trying to learn. :oops:

I'm planning on doing a weekly podcast with a couple of my buddies and I picked up an Alesis Multimix16 USB (probably overkill, but the Multimix8 USBs are out of stock everywhere). I was hoping I would just be able to use regular headsets for doing recording and not need to get regular microphones. I picked up a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter for the microphone connection on my headset and I plugged it into the "Line In 1" on my Mixer, but I can't get any audio to record in Cubase LE 1.07. If I hookup my iPod using a 1/8" to 1/4" cable into that same Line In 1 jack on the mixer, I am able to record the audio that is playing on the iPod.

So what is my problem here? Is what I'm doing not possible? This headset is a really cheap one, but I know it works if I hook it into the microphone port on my soundcard. If I can't hook a microphone into the "Line In" on my mixer...are there any headsets that I can hook into it? I saw this one (link (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?pg=2&parentPage=search&cp=&productId=2102926&origkw=microphone&kw=microphone&tab=summary)) at radio shack, will that would better? I'd like to not have a desktop microphone, but maybe that's not possible.

*sigh* It's extremely frustrating being really good with techy stuff and being brought to my knees because I'm clueless about recording audio. :?

Thanks in advance for any help that you can provide.

[revupreview]

You may already have checked this, but shouldn't a microphone be connected to a MIC input rather than a LINE input?

I use a Behringer UB802; it has two mic inputs (XLR connectors) for channels 1 and 2 as well as two line inputs for the same channels, using 1/4" jacks. But the line inputs have much less gain, even though they're on the same channels.

Maybe what you need is a set of adapter cables with 1/8" sockets at one and and XLR connectors at the other (this is an assumption -- I haven't tried it).

[GaminGuy]

My headsets (not pro audio gear, just normal headsets from best buy) don't have the XLR connectors, that's why I was trying to use the Line In 1, because it would(or at least I thought it would) allow me to just use an 1/8" -> 1/4" adapter with my headset.

I was just lookeding at samash.com and they have a Balanced 1/4" Female to XLR Male adapter...think I could use this with another adapter (to take the 1/8" headset and make it a 1/4" connection) and make it work on the XLR ports?

You may already have checked this, but shouldn't a microphone be connected to a MIC input rather than a LINE input?

I use a Behringer UB802; it has two mic inputs (XLR connectors) for channels 1 and 2 as well as two line inputs for the same channels, using 1/4" jacks. But the line inputs have much less gain, even though they're on the same channels.

Maybe what you need is a set of adapter cables with 1/8" sockets at one and and XLR connectors at the other (this is an assumption -- I haven't tried it).

[revupreview]

I was just lookeding at samash.com and they have a Balanced 1/4" Female to XLR Male adapter...think I could use this with another adapter (to take the 1/8" headset and make it a 1/4" connection) and make it work on the XLR ports?
I would expect it to work, but as I said I haven't tried it. Also, the more connectors the more potential degradation (due to less than perfect connections) you'll have.

[WyethDigital]

That should work fine. I wouldn't worry too much about signal loss/degradation from the two or three adaptors that you'll be using. If you had a large amount of cable and adaptors, it would be more of a problem. But since your cables are likely to be short, and your connectors all in line, you should be fine for recording voice.

That said, a couple things to keep in mind when working with adaptors: Keep other cords/wires away from them (those will introduce noise); Keep the connections tight -- don't do a lot of unplugging from each other. You're best off taping them together with electric tape, and if you need to unplug them from your board, unplugging them as a singel unit (as opposed to from each other); and finally, if you have a pro audio store, buy your adaptors from them instead of from Radio Shack. Seriously. Your connectors will usually be better built, and last longer. The staff should also be more knowledgeable of what they have (if you've ever had to explain the difference between a "male" and "female" plug to a pimple-faced Beavis at Radio Shack, or what a cat-5 network cable is to a store manager, then you'll understand my low opinion of Radio Shack).

Eric

[GaminGuy]

Another thing I was thinking about... Does it matter if my headset isn't a powered one? Perhaps my mixer requires a powered microphone/headset? Is that possible?

Even if I did get all these adapters to get that 1/8" headset connector to fit in the XLR Mic 1 port, would the headset put out enough of a signal (hope that's the right word) for that port? I know my headset isn't going to work with that phantom power turned on.

Thanks again for any help. :)

[WyethDigital]

Another thing I was thinking about... Does it matter if my headset isn't a powered one? Perhaps my mixer requires a powered microphone/headset? Is that possible?

Even if I did get all these adapters to get that 1/8" headset connector to fit in the XLR Mic 1 port, would the headset put out enough of a signal (hope that's the right word) for that port? I know my headset isn't going to work with that phantom power turned on.

Thanks again for any help. :)

Not going into a Line In jack. I think it will work going into a balanced adaptor, though.

Eric