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Just got myself an Art Studio Preamp www.amazon.com/ART-Tube-Studio-Mic-Preamp/dp/B0002E50MC/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_3
And an Audix I5 Mic www.amazon.com/Audix-i-5-I-5-Instrument-Microphone/dp/B0002IHNA0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1213211060&sr=8-1

I'm planning on putting this through my laptop, using Audacity for now to record and edit but hopefully moving on to something more streamlined. What I'm wondering is this: what would be the cleanest hookup to my laptop? Through the default 1/8" mic imput on my laptop, or through the USB 1.0/2.0 in the back? I'm not sure if PnP would work here or is even applicable, or if the computer would pick up the USB port as another mic in through Audacity/whatever. Although it looks like it should be cleaner than straight analog? Would appreciate clear-up on this.

I also have the option of feeding into the preamp either XLR or 1/4". Is there a difference in sound quality?

Kevin

If you can use the USB (via an interface for example) do it, it will be much better than using the input on your laptop. It sounds to me like you are considering somehow plugging your preamp directly into the USB port... how in the world would that work???? and no, i don't think (if you could do that) that the computer would be able to use it, as it wouldn't have any drivers/protocol for it.

as for XLR vs. 1/4", if it's an unbalanced 1/4" connection, you will lose a lot of signal, so XLR is better in that case.

Well, I was thinking of getting software like this one
http://www.download.com/USB-Audio-ASIO-Driver/3000-2120_4-10066659.html?tag=lst-2&cdlPid=10561691

Seems pretty straightforward... although I'd rather spend 55 dollars elsewhere. I'm more worried that an 1/8" adapter plugging into a crappy laptop standard mic input is going to kill the sound. I guess I'd just have to try it.

dude, you need an audio interface. Either USB or firewire. An audio cable cannot connect to your usb or firewire port without an interface. Most USB audio interfaces come with a preamp built in, so if you haven't bought the ART preamp don't buy it and just spend your money on a USB audio interface.

In recent years, most computers have pretty good sound cards - for recording and playback. I've recorded a variety of things using the 1/8 input on various computers using Audacity as the recording software. So, you have a free sound card and audacity's free. Give it a try! Whatchagottolose ceptin fer time and trouble?

Read up on Audacity (for PC's) and read up on your sound card. Pay attention to quality sample frequencies and setting levels - good advice in any case, eh? Unless you have, for some reason, a really crappy sound card (which I doubt), you should be able to make excellent recordings through the 1/8" input (mike or line, depending).

sanus_excipio
In recent years, most computers have pretty good sound cards - for recording and playback. I've recorded a variety of things using the 1/8 input on various computers using Audacity as the recording software. So, you have a free sound card and audacity's free. Give it a try! Whatchagottolose ceptin fer time and trouble?

Read up on Audacity (for PC's) and read up on your sound card. Pay attention to quality sample frequencies and setting levels - good advice in any case, eh? Unless you have, for some reason, a really crappy sound card (which I doubt), you should be able to make excellent recordings through the 1/8" input (mike or line, depending).

Don't take my post the wrong way, going into your sound card WILL work. However, it WILL sound like that's what you did. If you just need a quick recording, or you're not altogether worried about how it sounds, or you just want to screw around with sounds, the method of using a stock sound card's line/mic in is fine.

However, if you want anything that anybody is gonna want to hear, you will need something a little higher quality. If you want lower latency, ASIO4ALL is free, and is very intuitive. It works with most sound cards.

ejfortin's advice to buy an interface instead of the preamp is not a bad one. If you really like the ART stuff, there's a preamp/USB interface that they offer. You can see it here. A hundred bucks and you're off and running. As with just about anything in the world, you will only get out of a recording what you put into it - and that includes money!

Oh and if you want a more 'streamlined' recording platform, I suggest Krystal Audio Engine

I'm going to be a bit snooty here: That microphone is likely not going to reproduce audio at a quality that is much higher than the builtin preamp on your laptop. The quality of the ART preamp is (sort of) debatable, but it is definately a little better than your laprop's preamplification circuitry. If you spent money on the ART preamp, you might as well at least get a condenser microphone.

nicStage
I'm going to be a bit snooty here: That microphone is likely not going to reproduce audio at a quality that is much higher than the builtin preamp on your laptop. The quality of the ART preamp is (sort of) debatable, but it is definately a little better than your laprop's preamplification circuitry. If you spent money on the ART preamp, you might as well at least get a condenser microphone.

Snooty indeed! All of the reviews that I have read about the Audix i5 are that it sounds better than a 57. And the preamp will not take away quality, though it will add colour. As far as the condenser mic is concerned, it depends on what you're using it to mic. If you want a good general instrument mic, you've got one in your hot little hands. If you want to record nice sounding vocals or acoustic instruments, you might need a condenser. But I wouldn't throw away the i5, that's for sure!