Urgent! Can I use a microphone port instead of a line-in port?

gpd2paul4 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 03:48 PM

I am planning on applying to broadcast a feed, but the computer that I would be using does not have a line-in port that I know of. Can I use the microphone port?
I will be leaving town in two days and I need to know before then! Please help!!!!!
Thank you in advance!
Dan

N_Jay · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 03:49 PM

Try it

ffemt601 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 03:57 PM

Using the microphone port in my application works better then the line in.

NYRHKY94 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 04:04 PM

I use the Mic-In for one of my feeds and it works OK. I prefer to use Line-In and agree with others who say that Line-In is the optimal method. However, as long as you disable Mic boost under sound properties, you should be OK with the Mic-In. Just adjust the volume slider and make sure it sounds OK to you.

XTS3000 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 04:36 PM

Keep in mind that the mic input on a PC output voltage that powers the electric condenser microphone. When I use the mic input for anything other than a PC mic, I put a capacitor to block the DC voltage from feeding into the scanner or what ever else I use the mic input for.

N_Jay · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XTS3000

Keep in mind that the mic input on a PC output voltage that powers the electric condenser microphone. When I use the mic input for anything other than a PC mic, I put a capacitor to block the DC voltage from feeding into the scanner or what ever else I use the mic input for.

The mic input on most PCs are designed for a dynamic element and do not have bias or "Phantom" power.

KAA951 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYRHKY94

...as long as you disable Mic boost under sound properties, you should be OK with the Mic-In. Just adjust the volume slider and make sure it sounds OK to you.

X2

I am using the front mic port and it works fine. I had to fine tune it and make sure the microphone boost was disabled as it was causing issues with the feed (overpowering it and dropping the connection).

gpd2paul4 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 06:04 PM

Thank you for all your help!
I think I will go on and set up the feed.

Thayne · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2009, 06:32 PM

If it overloads, it is fairly easy to make an attenuator out of a couple of resistors and build it right into the connecting cable.