So I just got my mic and turns out it wasn't the same model that I was researching and now I need to get a phantom power supply. However I was just curious if I could use an xlr to usb cable to give the mic power without having to get a phantom power supply. Sadly my guess is no, but I hope I am wrong.
No sir. Phantom power is +48 volts. USB is typically +5 volts. A preamp with phantom power would be the best thing to get. Here are some ideas for you -
http://amzn.com/B005OZE9SA - Focusright 2i2 2 input 2 output preamp. Great little digital preamp for $150 US.
http://amzn.com/B00KAPGLQC - A cheap phantom power supply about $30 US - downfall is it outputs XLR, so you would still need a Direct Box or something to convert the signal from Low-Z (grounded) to High-Z (un-grounded) - Once again a pre-amp is best as mentioned above. A preamp can give you the USB out you need.
Or this - http://amzn.com/B001EW5YQS - XLR to USB inline adapter/preamp/phantom power. $30 US - It is made by BLUE which is one of the best Mic makers in the world - but at $30 I can't speak for the quality.
This may be the right answer for you - found this last in my searching or this response would have been shorter.
I'm still a supporter of a small multi-channel preamp with USB output, like the 2i2 mentioned above. More versatility and the ability to route and mix things, plus it gives you a balanced stereo output for nice monitors or powered speakers.
Hope this helps.
Ah just read this about the ICICLE on Blue's website (this would be a deal breaker for me on quality) "The Icicle's digital output is set to 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, just like an audio CD. But this is something that only audio geeks really need to worry about."
Just out of curiosity...I plugged my mic in and it works however it is pretty quiet, is this what the phantom power fixes? If so would this phantom supply work ok? I only have 20 dollars to work with right now...
http://www.amazon.com/Innogear-Condenser-Microphone-Recording-Equipment/dp/B00KAPGLQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420515473&sr=8-1&keywords=phantom+power+supply
LOL. I never said I would buy a Blue myself - WAY overpriced for what they are, but every Blue mic recording I have ever heard and my own personal experience in a few studios, shows me they are amazing mics. Can you get just as good or possibly better for WAY cheaper - for sure. I have owned multiple condensers and multiple dynamic mics over the years. I'll stick with a Shure Beta57 for my daily driver all purpose mic. Just sounds amazing and can survive the Apocalypse.
Sorry I took so long I have been away. The mic came with an xlr to 3.5mm cable. The mic is a bm800 it seems to be a commonly rebranded model.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M6NEBD6/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1420676917&sr=1&keywords=bm800+microphone
So your saying that I need an audio interface for this....then I won't be using this for awhile as I don't have much cash at the moment.
bump...are you saying that I cant just use a phantom power adapter?
You can. What we are also saying is that you will not get a very good level of control, nor can anyone guarantee quality if done that way. Best bet is to save your $$ and get an interface of some sort, but If you absolutely have to get up and going and have only enough $$ for the phantom power thing, just get that, it will work.