Can microphones be connected to an audio mixer through 1/4" jack inputs?

Question

I am planning on getting an audio mixer, but I need to be able to put 8 different microphones into the mixer at the same time. I have found mixers that have 8 XLR inputs for microphones, but they are quite expensive. I have seen rather cheap audio mixers on the internet which have only a couple of XLR inputs, but they have quite a few Guitar line inputs. Would it be possible to use an XLR-1/4" adapter to run the microphones into the mixer, and would the audio from the microphone be transmitted as stereo or mono? I am relatively new to audio recording, and if I can not do this, then I will have to wait until I have a bit more money saved up.

Answer 1

Yes, this is totally do-able, but there can be some drawbacks. The main difference between XLR and 1/4" cables is that XLR's are balanced, 1/4" are typically unbalanced. So XLR potentially has much lower noise, especially at longer lengths. However, I have read that 1/4" balanced cables do exist that have an XLR connector on one end. This might give you the best of both worlds.



But if you go with the cheaper unbalanced cables to save money, you want to keep your cables as short as possible - perhaps 20 ft. or less - and try to keep your cable runs clean, not all bunched together. An adapter like you mentioned should work fine.



The signal will be monaural if you're using a monaural mic. If you're using stereo mics (which are less common, especially for vocals), you would need to use a stereo 1/4" cable.



Check out this site:



http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/cables/cables_buying-guide.php



The guys at Sweetwater are very helpful and can give you more explanation about what you should do. They have pretty good gear to choose from at reasonable prices (I'm not afilliated - just had good experience with them). Another option might be to buy a good used mixer on eBay. Perhaps you could find an XLR solution that won't break the bank.



Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Go here, see what I have first - http://asimplelife.ca/boss.html



I have done Microphone inputs with them being plugged in to my mixer via 1/4 plug. It worked fine, but at the same time I know how to make my mixer work wonders on audio. Make sure you have no crossed cables and have Fun

Answer 3

Many mics. have XLR terminals and an xlr lead which could easily be replaced over. If the USB mic is like this that is greater helpful only to purchase yet another lead that has a jack plug on the loose end. you may get adaptors yet they are appropriate prevented as they upload greater connections to the sign direction, and make the plug-partly longer so if it gets pulled it has greater stress to break the socket it is going into.

Answer 4

Most are.