EDIT: Figured it out. Read last edit below.
So, I just bought an Audio Technica AT4040 Microphone, along with a 20-ft Livewire XLR Microphone cable. After hooking it all up to my Komplete Audio 6 interface and turning on the 48V phantom power, I recorded a bunch of test vocals with different settings on the mic and on the interface.
Much to my disappointment, there's a LOT of noise in the recordings no matter what settings I use. Ugh, and that was my biggest fear!
What do you think is causing the noise? It surely isn't the microphone. Could it be the cable? Should I buy another cable? Or... is it what I think it is: the audio interface? Am I really going to have to just buy a dedicated pre-amp?
If the pre-amp is indeed the issue, any suggestions under $700 would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
EDIT: It's not a hum. It's a hiss. And after doing more research, I'm pretty sure it's just my audio interface not amplifying the signal enough. I'm probably going to have to buy a dedicated mic pre. If anyone has suggestions, they are welcome. Otherwise, a mod can close this thread, because my initial question has been answered.
EDIT: SOLVED! The microphone isn't getting enough phantom power. This is likely because my interface is defective (see http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... c&start=15) If I turn the phantom power OFF and ON on the interface, the volume is perfect (it sounds great!) for 5 seconds or so, before the hiss fades in. This means the interface was able to supply enough power for a bit before it couldn't keep up. I have decided to contact NI and see if they can send me a replacement.
What's causing all the noise? EDIT: Solved!
-
- KVRist
- 84 posts since 4 Jul, 2009
Last edited by Dalal on Sat Mar 23, 2013 7:12 am, edited 3 times in total.
-
- KVRAF
- 5375 posts since 22 Jul, 2006 from Tasmania, Australia
I bet you've got a ground loop-damn.
hmm,
perhaps you can use a ground lift somehow.
So , the way to test if it is a ground loop is-
plug the audio interface into the wall socket without a ground pin.
If that works you can get a ground lift device for the mic, possibly.
hmm, the sound I am talking about is a hum,
it's called like 100hz hum or something.
Anyway, you can briefly try lifting the ground by taking away the ground pin in the interface.
It is strongly advisable not to leave it like this though,
it's dangerous if the soundcard shorts.
You can post up arecording of the noise if u want,
we can be sure.
Something else worth trying is running the computer and the interface from the same power strip.
This never worked for me though,
I have still got my ground lift filter, and 2 DI boxes with the lift.
Thankfully my current set-up is OK.
If a ground lift filter turns out to be the solution-
get decent ones.
I was scratching around to get them at all-
and 3 stereo ones died.
hmm,
perhaps you can use a ground lift somehow.
So , the way to test if it is a ground loop is-
plug the audio interface into the wall socket without a ground pin.
If that works you can get a ground lift device for the mic, possibly.
hmm, the sound I am talking about is a hum,
it's called like 100hz hum or something.
Anyway, you can briefly try lifting the ground by taking away the ground pin in the interface.
It is strongly advisable not to leave it like this though,
it's dangerous if the soundcard shorts.
You can post up arecording of the noise if u want,
we can be sure.
Something else worth trying is running the computer and the interface from the same power strip.
This never worked for me though,
I have still got my ground lift filter, and 2 DI boxes with the lift.
Thankfully my current set-up is OK.
If a ground lift filter turns out to be the solution-
get decent ones.
I was scratching around to get them at all-
and 3 stereo ones died.
I wonder what I want in here
-my site is gone and music a mess
-my site is gone and music a mess
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 84 posts since 4 Jul, 2009
It's a hiss! I'm pretty sure it's the mic pre in my audio interface. I may just have to buy a good mic pre!