Connecting two lapel mics to one computer

I would like to connect two lapel microphones (trs 3.5mm connector) to one computer and having the two inputs separated inside the computer (to use in two different softwares)
what are my option in doing so? Can I use an audio interface? (with adapter from 3.5mm to 6.35mm)
Do I need a phantom power for those mics?

Thanks

Why are you asking this question on an Arduino forum ?

You are right. I should not do this again. Probably I should ask at ask electronics on reddit or something similar

Many PCs I have include both a front and back audio input.

I gather most electret microphones do.

Apparently the "red" audio jack provides this, I am not sure exactly what the connections are as I think it can also be used for stereo.

Wikipedia may know! :grin:

But only one (mono) microphone input.

An easy way is to buy a lapel mic with a USB plug.
Or a lapel to USB conversion cable.
Leo..

Actually, no, my Acer Veritons have both a front and back microphone (pink actually) input. Just looked. :grin:

I seem to recall one or the other may be switched to either microphone or Line In.

(I think I have about a dozen Veritons!)

The easiest way would be another USB soundcard. Most computers have mono mic inputs but even if it's stereo you probably can't use two different applications. And, you need a stereo splitter/adapter, and that might be hard to find or you might have to mix-and-match a few different adapters or you could make it yourself.

Most "computer mics" are electret condensers. These need 5V power and the soundcard provides 5V in series with the signal connection. This is not phantom power.

Studio condensers are 48V phantom powered. Stage/studio mics are not compatible with laptops or regular soundcards. They use a balanced (differential) connection so you need a preamp or audio interface. Phantom power is applied to the two signal connections referenced to ground. The power is not differential.

There are some electret stage mics that have a battery inside.

Dynamic mics don't need power.

Dynamic mics don't need power.

Do you mean 1 sound card with two inputs?
So I can connect the two lapel mic to each of the audio interface input (with 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter) and that should just work? the soundcard will provid 5V at its line input by default?

each mic:


is connected to the front mic input at the audio interface :

via the adapter:

A lapel mic with USB lead has a preamp+soundcard embedded into the USB plug.
You can also get that as converter lead or connector. Try camera shops.
Make sure it has lapel-level phantom power if your mic doesn't have it's own battery.
No need to go expensive (audio interface) for one or more lapel mics.
Leo..

Not the same as true "phantom power" in a balanced system, but serves the same purpose. :grin:

OK, so this is now a totally different question to connecting lapel microphones to a PC.

You are now talking about your secret interface unit - like the one I have on the shelf here with a 1394 interface; not sure I will ever use it!

That means you have to provide the full datasheet on the interface in order for us to even begin to be able to address the question.

I will however say that since any "phantom power" it provides will be quite different to powering electret microphones as @DVDdoug points out, it will almost certainly be quite unsuitable. :-1:

A lapel mic that you can plug straight into your computer starts from $5.98
You can use as many as you have/add USB ports.

Why two.
DAW software can mix/route it to whatever/wherever you fancy.
Leo..

Will it recognize the two lapel mic as separated input?

I have connected the lapel mic through a 6.35mm adapter to the input of that audio interface and no sound came through

Yes. The DAW software I have worked with does.

The 6.35mm socket in the center of the XLR connector is for line level (instruments).
It does not provide phantom power.
Only the XLR connector does, but 48volt might be too much for YOUR unspecified lapel mic.
Lapels usually run on 3-9volt. Didn't the lapel come with a battery box?
Leo..

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That interface box is simply not intended to be used with electret microphones (unless such microphones have their own power supply). It is a "professional" audio interface box. The pink socket on a PC is specifically intended to be used with electret microphones, generally as part of a headset.

As is the USB adapter in the Amazon listing cited in #11. Each such USB adapter is a separate sound "device" and each program on the PC can and must choose the appropriate device from those available. But you need to keep the USB devices always plugged into the same USB port for it to be seen as the same device.

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why some of the lapel mic have 4 points (separated by 3 black lines) on the 3.5mm connector and other have only 3 points?
Whats the difference?

The TRRS plug matches that on a stereo headset with microphone. Unfortunately there are two alternate wiring configurations.

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