How to Connect a Microphone to a Home Reciever so Sound Comes Through the Spreakers

Stop by RadioShack to get the parts for your project

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Connecting your microphone to your sound system is pretty much a snap. Just make sure you have the right parts and a basic understanding of your audio inputs.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Stereo system with audio inputs
A microphone
Possibly a connector adapter

Step1

An RCA Connector : The Most Common Audio Input Locate the audio inputs on your stereo. These are generally on the back of the stereo receiver, and are RCA inputs. Some older (or more expensive) receivers also have a 1/4" plug. On most models, there will by RCA inputs on the front. These will be a set of 3 round plug, that are yellow, white, and red.

Step2

A 1/4" Tip : The Most Common Microphone Plug Identify the plug on your microphone. Most microphones have a 1/4" tip, although some will have a 1/8" connector (like on headphones for a CD/MP3 player). Very rarely will it have RCA connectors.

Step3

Female 1/4" to Male RCA : The Most Common Connector Get the right connector. You can skip this step if both connectors are the same.

If your set up is common, your stereo will be RCA and your microphone will be 1/4". For this, you'll need a male stereo RCA to a female stereo 1/4" connection (RadioShack part #42-2548).

If you have another set up, you need to look for a connector that accepts your microphone (female) and fits your stereo (male).

Step4

Do it. Plug the male end of your connector to your stereo's audio inputs. Then, plug the microphone into the female end. Change your stereo to the correct input (if it's on the front, it's usually AUX). Whatever it is, it should be labeled on your receiver, under where you plugged it in.

Tips & Warnings

If your stereo has three RCA jacks (red, white and yellow) use only the white and yellow jacks. The red is for video.
Make sure your microphone has batteries and is turned on.
If you don't hear sound when you plug it in, first check to make sure you have your receiver set to the correct audio input.
If you still don't hear sound, check where you plugged it in. Is it labeled "input"?
Unless you are using a very high end stereo, or using this set-up for a performance, don't purchase "premium", "gold-plated" or "Monster" connectors. These cost much more than standard plugs without providing much return on sound quality for the standard system.