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Many people are aware that their computer can record sounds and music directly from a microphone. However there is much confusion about exactly how the technology works and what equipment you need. This tutorial is intended to help the average PC user record directly from a standard dynamic microphone to a Windows based PC.

Equipment needed

• Dynamic microphone
• Cord for microphone with mono 1/4″ phone plug or 1/8″ phone plug
• Adapter to go from mono 1/4″ jack to 1/8″plug

Recommended equipment

• Windows PC with sound card.

1. Software

   Every Windows based PC comes with a program called Sound Recorder. This will record short files of 60 seconds or less. Unless you intend on recording a phone answering machine message, you will probably need another recording software program. Recording packages run from Freeware to thousands of dollars. For casual to serious amateur I would recommend either Audacity, which is a freeware program, or one of the lower end Cakewalk programs like Guitar Tracks or Guitar Pro. Cakewalk Guitar Pro is an easy program to learn because its interface is simple to understand and use. The volume of the recording is controlled by sliding controls and buttons designed to look and act like their analog cousins on recording equipment. The Freeware program Audacity is also very easy to use and has the advantage of being able to run on Windows 98 through Vista, Mac OSX and Linux.

2. Prepare the microphone.

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   The old adage, you get what you pay for, applies to your microphone. If you are using a microphone that costs less than $20, you will probably get a file that sounds tinny and thin. If you are looking for a good sound, invest in a decent microphone. If you have $80 to $100, I would suggest a Shure SM 58. The SM58 has been the go to microphone of choice for musicians across the spectrum for decades. However, even if you invest $40 wisely, you will obtain a much better recording than a $10 microphone from the local big box electronics store.

   Almost every Windows PC sound card will have a 1/8 inch mono input to accept the microphone. Therefore, your microphone must have a 1/8 inch mono plug. If your microphone has a 1/4 inch mono plug or a strange looking plug with three smaller pins, (XLR plug), you can obtain an inexpensive adapter at Radio Shack. Bring the microphone to the store and show them what you have and what you need. The sales clerk will be able to sell you the right adapter.

3. Plug the microphone into the computer

   Look at the input – output connection on the soundcard of your computer. Read your computer manual to identify the proper input for the microphone. If you cannot find your manual, there should be a small picture of a microphone at the appropriate input jack. Plug the microphone plug into the microphone jack.

4. Open recording software

   On your Windows computer, click programs-accessories- entertainment- sound recorder. The button with the red circle is record. Click the record button and talk or sing into your microphone.
   If you are using Audacity or Cakewalk, open the program, start a new project and set the system to record. Press the red record button and sing or speak into the microphone. (note: This part of the process will require that you spend a little time becoming familiar with the particular software package you are using.)

5. Play back sound file.

   The button with a rectangle is the stop button. When you are finished talking or singing click the stop button. Then press the triangle button to play the file. If everything is hooked up and working properly, you should hear yourself. If there is no sound on your file, repeat these steps, check your computer and microphone manuals.

At this point, the microphone is setup and ready to record. The area of sound and music recording is rich with more information, software and equipment. This tutorial has shown only the most basic way to record a voice or an instrument to a digital computer. Using this and more advanced techniques, it is possible to capture single and multi-track, live and studio recordings on your PC computer.