Want to record some sound on your computer but don't like the quality of the born microphone? Amazed to find that your PC or laptop doesn't even take a microphone?

Well, in that case, you'll need to hook one up. Perhaps you have one on hand... but the jack doesn't look like information technology will fit the port. So how are you supposed to connect it at present? Here are several methods you can utilise to connect your microphone to your estimator right now.

1. The Easy Manner: Using the Headphone/Mic Port

Connect a standard headset to your computer

You almost certainly own a easily-gratuitous headset, or at least a microphone with a 1/eight-inch jack; it might have come with your phone, for instance.

There's likewise an excellent take a chance that your computer has either a microphone port or a combination socket for a headset with a built-in microphone. Some computers may have a i/4-inch port, then you'll need a suitable adapter to connect your headset in that situation.

On a desktop computer, the port will exist plant around the back of the machine. Fortunately, many modern systems likewise have a port at the front, normally found alongside a USB port and perhaps an SD menu reader.

All you need to do is plug in your headset and cheque the results. You lot can effort it in an online game or record a video with your webcam. You could even start a Skype or Zoom call or simply employ an audio editor such as Audacity to cheque the audio is working. Only ensure the microphone is selected before you hit tape!

2. Using Various USB Mic Options

USB is also an selection for connecting microphones to your estimator. This falls into a trio of choices:

  • Using a USB microphone
  • Connecting a phono microphone via a USB adapter or soundcard
  • Connecting a phono or XLR mic via a USB mixer

If you have a USB microphone or headset, it should install almost straightaway when continued. Again, this is the easiest solution and lets you lot just get on with what you desire to record.

Using a USB adapter is another good choice. These devices can be bought online for only a few dollars from Amazon and volition allow you lot connect your existing mic or headset.

Planning to utilise a USB mixer? If yous already own an XLR microphone and don't see the need for an extra mic, this is a good manner to connect it. A USB mixer has other advantages, too. For case, it'south ideal for podcasting or recording yourself playing an instrument.

3. Using an XLR Mic With an Adapter

A close up shot of an XLR cable on a pink background

Own a proficient quality XLR that you desire to connect to your computer just don't want to buy a USB mixer? A more affordable option is to hook upwards the XLR mic to a TRS adapter, which yous can find on Amazon. These come in various shapes and sizes, from straightforward XLR to phono adapters, to Y-adapter splitters.

All yous demand to do is connect the adapter to the mic port on your computer, and then connect the XLR mic to the adapter. (Notation that an XLR device will seem very quiet without a phantom power supply, then ensure you have ane of these connected every bit well.)

four. Using Your Mobile Device as a PC Microphone

Remarkably, it's even possible to utilise your mobile device as a PC mic. As yous know, your smartphone has a built-in microphone. This is how the people you call tin hear you!

Utilizing this mic lets y'all save coin on a microphone for your reckoner. It'south an excellent option for setting up a mic in a compression and works over USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

The best option for this is to use WO Mic from Wolicheng Tech. Yous'll need to install the app on your Android or iOS device and the driver and client programs on your Windows calculator. (WO Mic also works with Linux, and similar apps can be establish for iOS.)

Download: WO Mic for Android | iOS (Both free)

Check out our in-depth look at WO Mic to discover out how to prepare information technology up and use your smartphone as a PC mic.

five. Using a Bluetooth Mic

All the microphone solutions above rely on y'all plugging in a cable. Equally you probably know, these tin can get untidy.

Wouldn't it exist great to have a wireless solution?

Bluetooth microphones (and headsets) have been around for a while now, and their quality continues to improve. Electric current Bluetooth mics accept the build and audio quality to be used reliably with a figurer.

While they may not exist ideal for professional person-sounding vocals, a Bluetooth microphone is perfect for online gaming, Podcasting and Vlogging.

Windows-10-Bluetooth-setting

Connecting a Bluetooth mic might non be as uncomplicated as plugging in a cablevision, but it's not far off. Begin by determining whether your calculator has built-in Bluetooth or not. You can check this in Windows by pressing Windows Key + I and selecting Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. If Bluetooth is a feature, the on/off toggle volition appear.

If not, y'all'll need to add a Bluetooth dongle. These are very affordable and can exist picked upwards online at Amazon for a few dollars. See our roundup of Bluetooth adapters for suggestions.

To connect your microphone or headset, check the device instructions to set information technology to discover mode. Then, on your computer, click Add together Bluetooth or other device, and follow the steps to found a connexion. You may demand to enter a Pivot.

A few moments subsequently, your Bluetooth mic should be paired to your figurer. Encounter trouble? Our guide to setting upwardly Bluetooth on Windows 10 should assist.

Connect a Microphone to Your PC Today

Virtually whatever form of microphone can be connected to your computer. Phono, XLR, USB, and even Bluetooth devices tin can exercise the trick.

Connecting a mic to your PC is simple. To recap, you lot can:

  1. Connect your microphone to the headphone/mic jack.
  2. Use a USB microphone or a USB soundcard with the mic connected.
  3. Connect your XLR mic to your PC's audio interface with an adapter.
  4. Employ your mobile telephone equally a microphone using an app.
  5. Keep things uncomplicated and wire-free using a Bluetooth mic with your calculator.

If yous connect your microphone and discover that the quality isn't upwardly to your standard so you tin can always look at upgrading also.

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, and so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won't affect the price yous pay and helps united states offering the best product recommendations.

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