KVR Audio

g8torcliff · Post by **g8torcliff** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:30 pm

Hi all....

I am just a home studio recorder so I hope you don't mind me bringing my problem here.

I just purchased a new condenser mic and I can't get it to work. Here is the setup and other information:

Mic > Phantom Power mic in > phantom power mic thru > XLR in on powered mixer > powered mixer main (L) out > input ch on unpowered Peavey mixer > unpowered mixer out > PC

mic is http://www.mxlmics.com/tech_advice/manu ... Manual.pdf

Powered Mixer is http://www.behringer.com/UB502/index.cfm

Phantom Power = http://www.behringer.com/PS400/index.cfm?lang=ENG

Peavey Mixer = basically used as a large patch bay with a bunch of instruments plugged into the different channels.

The XLR cables I have are XLR on one end only, the other ends are 1/4 inch which are plugged into RS 1/4 to XLR adapters (low Z).

I have checked the powered mixer with a dynamic mic and the mixer works. So I think I have narrowed it down to a) condenser mic, b) mic cable, c) phantom power supply. But, should my setup work as connected? If you need more info I will be happy to provide.

thanks

cliff

bsork · Post by **bsork** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:42 pm

If I understand you correctly, you're connecting the mic using an XLR-to-jack patched into an insert point. If that's the case, the mic will not get any power. You should use a proper XLR-to-XLR between the mic and the mixer. You're also probably bypassing the preamp/gain part of the mic input as well by using the insert point.

C00kie · Post by **C00kie** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:46 pm

g8torcliff wrote:Powered Mixer is http://www.behringer.com/UB502/index.cfm

That's not what we call a powered mixer. A "powered" mixer should have an amp that can drive speakers. For example this one, from your fav company: http://www.behringer.com/PMP1000/index.cfm?lang=eng

But anyway...

g8torcliff wrote:The XLR cables I have are XLR on one end only, the other ends are 1/4 inch which are plugged into RS 1/4 to XLR adapters (low Z).

Inbetween the mic and your phantom power supply there should be a plain simple XLR male - XLR female cable. Once you convert it to 1/4" jacks there's a good chance that phantom power is cut off, because that requires the third pin to be connected without any interruption.

Also inbetween the phantom power unit and the baby mixer (that you use as a mic preamp) there should also be a simple XLR male - XLR female cable. That way you use the mic input properly.

Keep things simple is always best...

vinayk · Post by **vinayk** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:06 pm

yeh i had a similar prob.. it was the xlr to 1/4 cable thats the prob... power is sent thru one of the xlr pins

have fun
vinay

g8torcliff · Post by **g8torcliff** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:51 pm

Thanks for the responses. I was a little suspicious about the cables.

Sorry bout the "powered mixer" thing. I was thinking that this mixer (which was given to me new in the box) has "invisible mic pre" and can be used as a mic preAmp which is what I thought made it "powered".

Again, thanks for the replies. I'll get new cables.

cliff

g8torcliff · Post by **g8torcliff** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:27 pm

yup....it was the connectors. just connected the new cables with xlr's all the way around and holy s***, it sounds good. can hear my feet on the carpet....

thanx all

cliff

P.T. · Post by **P.T.** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:52 am

Tell us how the mic works out.

I have been interested in that mic and some other mxl mics.

g8torcliff · Post by **g8torcliff** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:10 pm

PT

i have only just spoken into the mic and it sounds fantastic. for $50 on ebay (new in the box), i think it will work out well. but, it is my first condenser mic, so ....of course, i think it sounds good ...know what i mean?

cliff

and it looks good...

Should this work (condenser mic ?)