How to Record From an External Microphone on My PC
Connecting an external microphone to a PC enables the user to make and save digital recordings of interviews, live musical performances and virtually any other audio source. Most PCs are equipped with a sound card and microphone jack, along with recording software that makes capturing sound sources fast and simple. An external microphone, available at electronics stores, connects to the PC via a 3.5mm mini-plug. If the computer is not already loaded with a recording program, free software is available for download on the Internet.
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Instructions
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Insert the plug on the end of the microphone into the PC's sound card Aux IN or Microphone jack, which is located on the back of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a desktop and typically along the left edge of a laptop.
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Open the digital recording software on the computer by double-clicking the name of the program.
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Switch the microphone to "ON" if the mic is equipped with a sliding switch on the barrel.
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Click the "Record" button on the computer software to begin capturing an external audio source. The button traditionally features a red circle in the center if it is not already clearly labeled "Record."
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Click the "Stop" button on the software when finished recording, then click the "File" tab to reveal a drop-down menu.
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Click "Save As" and type a name for the recording, then choose "Save As .WAV File" from the drop-down menu underneath the name field. A WAV file is a digital audio format suitable for burning to a CD or uploading to a personal audio device such as an MP3 player or iPod.
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Click "OK" to save the recording to the computer's hard drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Plug a Y-adapter into the computer's sound card jack and attach two microphones to the Y adapter for stereo audio recording.
Be sure it is permissible to record live musical performances before setting up the gear. There are many sad stories of confiscated recording equipment at rock concerts and other music venues.
