A range of microphones and adaptors.

There is more to connecting a microphone than matching the plugs and adaptors.  There are two issues to consider, level and power supply.

Levels

The line input expects about 200 millivolts. This quasi-standard ensures components are compatible with most audio equipment. If the output of the mic is lower than that, you will be 'whispering' to the electronics. This means that the amplifier has to work harder and buzz, hum, clicks and background noise are more likely to be recorded.

Ironically, professional microphones generate only 1 millivolt. You might need to pre-amplify the signal and there are many low-cost devices are available to accomplish this. However, modern microphones often have the amplifier built-in.

Power supply

Many quality mics have batteries built-in. Others get the electricity they require via the plug.  It might look like a stereo plug but the central portion provides an electrical supply for the microphone.

Physical connection

Many of the items are colour coded to help you plug them into the right socket.

If you can't find a ready-made adaptor, there is probably a good reason - The devices are incompatible.

Remember to plug the "output" side of one device into the "input" side of the other. To connect your stereo receiver to your computer, you will need a cable with left and right RCA plugs on one end and a stereo mini plug on the other.
Most stereo equipment has output for a ‘tape’ or ‘aux’ which is probably about the right level for the computer. The sockets always appear in pairs, for left and right stereo signals and they are normally colour coded white and red. 

Microphones Recording

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