How to Use a Regular Aux Mic on an Audio Interface
To use a regular aux (3.5mm) mic on an audio interface, plug it into a 3.5mm to XLR adapter that turns the interface's 48V phantom power into the low-voltage plug-in power small mics run on. RØDE's VXLR Pro accepts 12 to 48V phantom power and outputs 4V plug-in power.
Skip the plain 3.5mm to 1/4 inch plug. It passes no power, so a plug-in power mic stays silent. The interface only sends 48V through its XLR pins, and the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen guide states that 48V is not sent to the 1/4 inch inputs.
Steps
- Plug the mic into a 3.5mm to XLR adapter. The VXLR Pro's internal transformer also converts the mic's unbalanced signal to a balanced one.
- Connect the adapter to an XLR input. On a combo jack, the XLR pins are the outer three holes, not the 1/4 inch center.
- Turn on 48V for that input. The adapter needs phantom power to create the 4V plug-in power.
- Set the gain. Speak at your normal level and bring the gain up until peaks stay clear of the clip light. Gain staging has the target numbers.
The exception is a mic with its own battery: a passive 3.5mm to 1/4 inch adapter into the instrument input can work. Phantom power is explained in what 48V does on an audio interface. Ready for a real vocal mic? XLR picks are in the microphones for home recording hub.
Related questions
Can I plug a 3.5mm mic into the 1/4 inch input with an adapter?
Only if the mic has its own battery. A plain 3.5mm to 1/4 inch adapter passes no power, and interfaces like the Scarlett 2i2 send 48V only to the XLR inputs.
Will 48V phantom power damage my 3.5mm mic?
Not through a converter made for it. The RØDE VXLR Pro takes 12 to 48V phantom power and outputs 4V plug-in power for mics like the VideoMicro.
What is plug-in power?
It's the low voltage a phone, camera, or computer mic jack sends to small mics that have no battery. Many clip-on and camera mics with a 3.5mm plug rely on it.
More answers: Home recording FAQ