computer microphone

Hi folks, sorry if this is not the best group for the topic, but I'm
sure that someone on this N.G. will know the answer. I have a friend
who has a computer with no sound card as such, (it's on the mother
board) When using yahoo messenger with a hand held microphone, no
problems. When using a "Verbatim" headset with a boom microphone, no
response, when the same mic. is plugged into my computer, no problems.
I have been told that this microphone needs a sound card to power it,
but I'm not convinced. Maybe it uses an electret insert & needs a power
supply. Perhaps fed via the ring, tip & sleeve 3.5 mm plug.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
T.I.A. Ian Sutherland.

 

[Pooh Bear]

zsutherland_oz@yahoo.com wrote:

Hi folks, sorry if this is not the best group for the topic, but I'm
sure that someone on this N.G. will know the answer. I have a friend
who has a computer with no sound card as such, (it's on the mother
board) When using yahoo messenger with a hand held microphone, no
problems. When using a "Verbatim" headset with a boom microphone, no
response, when the same mic. is plugged into my computer, no problems.
I have been told that this microphone needs a sound card to power it,
but I'm not convinced. Maybe it uses an electret insert & needs a power
supply. Perhaps fed via the ring, tip & sleeve 3.5 mm plug.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
T.I.A. Ian Sutherland.

Some computer mics are indeed electret and work the way you mention. Quite
possible that a mobo 'sound card' might not supply this ( though no good
reason why not ).

If the boom mic has a trs mini-jack you just answered your own question.
See 'soundblaster way' in the following link.

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/microphone_powering.html


Graham