Hello all,

I'm a home recording novice. I want to start using my half-way decent
Audio-Technica condenser mic to record into my PC for vocals and acoustic
guitar (I have Cakewalk and N-Track). The mic has an XLR/1/4" cable and I
used a reducer to be able to plug the 1/4" jack into the mic input
(soundcard). I know the mic battery is good, but I couldn't get it to
record. Am I correct in assuming that this is because I need a preamp for
the mic? I was thinking of buying a digital recording USB like an M-Audio
Mobile-Pre (or similar unit) to run the mic through instead. In running such
a device through a USB, does it use the soundcard, or does the unit have one
and also a preamp built-in? I know some of the M-Audio devices are
soundcards with a cable that connects to an external I/O box, but the
Mobile-Pre is all external (and USB, like I said).

Anyhow, before I buy a USB device, would a preamp between the mic and the
mic input be a satisfactory and perhaps cheaper solution?

Thanks. All feedback greatly appreciated.

Tom