Easy Instant Recording with Microphone to USB LightSnake

[Jason Dunn]

<img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/lightsnake-microphone-to-usb.jpg" /> <br /><br />Sometimes the simplest things can also be the most effective: the <a href="http://www.soundtech.com/lightsnake/xlr10.asp">LightSnake cable from SoundTech</a> falls into this category. The concept is delightfully simple: it was created to allow a quick and easy way to connect an XLR-based microphone to a Mac or PC. If you haven't read the words "XLR" before, it probably means you're not a musician - XLR is the cable connector that high-quality microphones use. It's a solid, sturdy connection that's the industry standard. A sound tech or serious musician gear head could explain it better than that, but that will do for the purposes of this review.<br /><br />The LightSnake is, essentially, a sound card built into a USB cable. It features an embedded 16 Bit Analog to Digital Converter with "audio signal boost" to ensure extremely low audio loss. The 48/44.1 KHz sampling rate provides excellent quality for audio recording, and it also features something called HSDL (Host Side Data Loss) Noise Reduction function which prevents unwanted noise when going from an analog to digital signal. It also lights up when connected, giving you a visual indicator that it's connected and functioning.<!><br /><br />I tested it under both Windows XP and Windows Vista, and the results are wonderfully simple: you connect the cable, Windows will identify and install it, and it will be selected as the default recording device ("USB Microphone" under Vista). You connect your microphone, and you record in whatever program you wish. Yes, it's really that easy. No drivers are required - I connected it to a Vista machine today for the first time and after five seconds of an auto-install, I fired up Skype and was chatting using the attached <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shure-Beta-Supercardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0002BACB4">Shure Beta 58a</a> instantly. I wish every piece of technology worked as great as this did!<br /><br />There's really no down side to the LightSnake hardware - about the only thing I wish was that it included some sort of full-version software. There's a CD that includes demo versions of Sony's Acid and Soundforge, but it would be nice if the LightSnake were a complete package from end to end and included a full version of Soundforge (even if it were a "lite" version). That one tiny niggle aside, I have nothing but positive things to say about the LightSnake - it's simple to use, works flawlessly, and is affordable at only $39.95 USD (presumably - I can't find the product online to confirm the price). If we had an Editor's Choice Award, this product would definitely warrant it.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE:</b> The biggest problem with the LightSnake may very well be actually finding it. SoundTech lists <a href="http://www.soundtech.com/lightsnake/dealers.asp">five online resellers</a> for the product on their Web site, but I searched all five and none of them have the microphone to USB LightSnake cable. It's really disappointing that SoundTech can't get this excellent product into more online stores for easy ordering.<br /><br /><i>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys mobile devices, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. Sometimes he dreams he's a rock star.</i>

[sundown]

Oh man, that's perfect. Thanks for covering this! I just put together a new computer and the mic port doesn't work well. I didn't want to have install a new sound card. This device is overkill but it's inexpensive enough that it doesn't matter. According to the website you linked to for purchasing this puppy, it comes with adapters and a splitter, too.

Edit: Turns out the link to the purchase page above is incorrect. It's actually for their USB to instrument cable, which is different from their USB to XLR Microphone Cable. Same price though.

[Jason Dunn]

Edit: Turns out the link to the purchase page above is incorrect. It's actually for their USB to instrument cable, which is different from their USB to XLR Microphone Cable. Same price though.

&lt;sigh> I noticed that when I clicked on a couple of the "where to buy" links I couldn't find the product, but didn't notice that I linked to the wrong one - that's been fixed. I also updated my review regarding how impossible it is to find this thing - SoundTech really messed up by not having this product available for ordering from online resellers!

[mrozema]

Online ordering is all well and good, but maybe give the local music shop a try. I think one or two here in Calgary stock them, or can special order them. :)

[bmhome1]

Amazingly, I ordered one two days ago. I believe it retails for $70. Mine sold on eBay for $35 + $8 shipping. There's two sellers to search. I have 30 year old XLR Sennheiser MD421 still used in major productions for rich sound. Can't wait to hook up slate tablet and mic for unique portable recorder offering digital HiFi direct to hard drive using Audacity.

$43 investment total and 1977 hardware now running in Vista. How long ago that was hit home opening the MD421 accessory foam windscreen box, finding time wasn't so kind for that, now just dust pile inside like ancient artifact to make one feel old.

It should arrive tomorrow, I was slightly concerned about Vista support, but even as esoteric as these are, simply auto-installs right drivers. There hasn't been a single driver that Vista hasn't seamlessly self-handled for my other hardware on-the-fringe choices shopping local never heard even exists. I bet most pro sound retail will just discourage pursuing seeming good advice. I tried local first with exact experience. Shopping by eBay was only option. Hasn't such high-tech quests that require purchase using instinct exponentially grown also?

I bought my Motion slate never seeing the whole category once besides web pictures. No one has ever heard of even such a brand at local level. 99% assume Apple product, regardless computer hardware knowledge otherwise. Ask typical web forum for insight buying tablets generate advice against from opinions formed never touching one past glancing at frozen display, missing stylus Averatech display orphan CompUSA floor sales hated more. One of worst tablets ever made likely selected for obscene markup at retail.

The sad truth is that besides CD sleeves, my local retail offers bad advice, $4 cables for $59.95 and Vista ignorance and misinformation taken to new heights for uncle Bob, and mess left for you to undo.

[sundown]

BTW, I checked the forums on their website and it seems as though this is a mono-input only. Stereo microphone support will be available "mid-year 2007".

[bmhome1]

XLR is three wire but never for stereo. There's + and - with third wire ground shield separated from - tied together with it. The benefit for low-impedance, low-level mic output is huge. Cable runs can be hundreds of feet long, two wire mic cable must be below 20 feet while shorter always better maintaining acceptable signal-to-noise and rejection of hum. Stereo 3 wire has same issue compounded.

Analog buried backround noise digital faithfully captures. The challenge became clean silent passages, not buzz. The genius here merges XLR quality analog to digital USB without sound mixer.

[Jason Dunn]

BTW, I checked the forums on their website and it seems as though this is a mono-input only. Stereo microphone support will be available "mid-year 2007".

Ah, interesting - I didn't notice that because I didn't try it with any "real" recording software. Thanks for pointing that out, it might be an issue for some people!

[bmhome1]

First impressions are that cable and connectors are exceptionally robust and heavy-duty while maintaining light weight and flexibility ordinary cables have.

Vista auto-installed drivers instantly on two tablets, Sound Control Panel needed configuring getting Audacity to "see" the USB mic. Once set-up recording simple, very bright flashing led's at both connector ends confirm signal processing.

Initial tests very satisfying: with deep, rich vocal free of harsh clipping even with mic gain set 100%, while playback noticeable for refreshing absence of buzz or hiss in backround pauses. Easy and simple mic audio refinements anyone can hear. Both elusive qualities non-pro hardware long ago abandoned achieving as difficult or impossible without giant leap and deep pockets to pro gear for decent mic live recording.

My only regret is not buying one a year or two ago when first announced.