[Kevin_Ageeee]

This is a very simple question, but for a condenser mic do you just plug in to your computer and start recording like the cheap $5 mic i have, or do you need special cables and have to set it up and everything? Because I just want a high-quality mic that can record my acoustic guitar well without much setup. I don't know much about recording as you can see. Anyways, thanks for the replies.

[Rockerbob]

Condenser mics usually require power, either a battery or phantom power. Most provide a LowZ output and the PC card is most likely HighZ. You can get line transformers to change the LowZ to High if the mic runs on batteries.

[scotty_b]

And you can get external phantom power adapters to power the mic. Condensors usually require 48 volts.

[brandondrury]

Don't forget to the preamp! You need level control that your computer's internal soundcard will probably not have.

Brandon