Input not loud enough

[JonPorobil]

I'm running a mic into a Johnson J-Station and then into the computer. Even with both the "Master Volume" and "Level" knobs turned all the way up, the input just isn't loud enough. To be heard when I'm singing, I have to get too close, and then wind up having to noise-reduce my sibilants, which makes the whole thing sound a bit weird.

I thought it was the cable, so I bought a new one, but the problem persists. I don't have this problem so much when I line-in instruments like my keyboard and guitar; just the microphone. But on the other hand, I can boost the volume of my guitar and keyboard on their own.

Does this mean my microphone is dying?

[Ross]

Did the mic used to be louder through the same set up? Is it a condenser or dynamic? I found myself investing in a small preamp for my sm-57 before getting into Condenser mic', which needed a preamp with phantom power. I can tell you what I got if you're interested. It was recommended by Ken and works really well.

[ken]

A guitar pedal is not meant to be a mic preamp. Why are you doing this if it doesn't give you the sound you are looking for?

Ken

[Billy's Little Trip]

Jon, does the J-Station line in via usb to the computer, or do you have an analog to digital interface, like my Pre Sonus Firebox?
I used to run my mic through my POD (similar to your J-Station) because I thought it was giving me a mic pre amp. All it did was make my vocal tracks sound annoying. I now just plug my sm-57 direct to my Firebox with the 48v button on and crank the volume almost all the way. I also keep the monitor button active on my vocal track with a vocal reverb effect active while recording. I've found that I get more into my vocal recording if they sound big and dramatically wet while.

[ken]

the Sm57 is a dynamic mic and does not need phantom power (+48). There is no reason to have this on when you use this mic.

Here are a couple of cheap and decent mic preamps:

ART Tube MP - http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=180581
M-Audio Audio Buddy - http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=701104

[Billy's Little Trip]

Honestly, I don't even know what that 48v button does. I never notice a difference on or off. Does it cause a problem if it on with a condenser mic?

Ken, what would I notice if I bought one of those mic pre amps?

[ken]

Hey BLT-

the 48v button supplies power to condenser mics. You don't need that power on a 57. You don't need external mic preamps either. You have them already in your Firebox. Those suggestions were for Generic who seems to be trying to use the wrong tool for the job.

Ken

[Billy's Little Trip]

Ah, ok. Thanks.

[Ross]

Here are a couple of cheap and decent mic preamps:

ART Tube MP - http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=180581

That's the one - works good.

[ken]

If you are still running things into your computer's built in sound card, you should think about upgrading to a simple external interface like the M-Audio Fast Track: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... ku=703606V

I recently picked up a used one for a friend for cheap and it works great!

Ken

[JonPorobil]

A guitar pedal is not meant to be a mic preamp. Why are you doing this if it doesn't give you the sound you are looking for?

Ken

Three reasons:

1.) Because it is a preamp.
2.) Because it used to work.
3.) Because I don't have anything else.

I'm mainly interested in finding out if there's a way to fix this without buying new equipment, and, barring that, at least diagnosing which part is causing the trouble (I've ruled out the cable, so it's either the mic, the preamp, or my comptuer).

[Billy's Little Trip]

If you are still running things into your computer's built in sound card, you should think about upgrading to a simple external interface like the M-Audio Fast Track: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... ku=703606V

I recently picked up a used one for a friend for cheap and it works great!

Ken

Wow, $79 bux new? Along with one of the free daw programs, there's no reason for a musician not to start recording music. Isn't Reaper a free program?

[ujnhunter]

Wow, $79 bux new? Along with one of the free daw programs, there's no reason for a musician not to start recording music. Isn't Reaper a free program?

"REAPER is available for download without technological limitations for evaluation purposes. Once you have evaluated REAPER, you should purchase a license.

The normal price for REAPER is $225.00 USD, however for users who wish to use REAPER only for non-commercial use we offer reduced price licensing for $50.00 USD. Upgrades from non-commercial licenses to full (commercial) licenses are available."

[JonPorobil]

Did the mic used to be louder through the same set up? Is it a condenser or dynamic? I found myself investing in a small preamp for my sm-57 before getting into Condenser mic', which needed a preamp with phantom power. I can tell you what I got if you're interested. It was recommended by Ken and works really well.

It's a dynamic. Yes, it used to be louder with the same setup.

[Spud]

When I was in need of a pre-, I went this route: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... ku=630138V

I figures as long as I was spending the bucks, I might as well get more than just a pre for my money. It's like getting a free mixer.

Ken, anything wrong with this logic?

[Billy's Little Trip]

The double post owns you, Spud.

edit: but you showed it who's boss.

[Spud]

Seeing double, blt? Might want to take it to the fdrink thread...

[Billy's Little Trip]

The double post owns you, Spud.

edit: but you showed it who's boss.

[ken]

Sure, you can use a mixer as a preamp. I used the Mackie 1402 as mine for long time. I still have it and use it for gigs. What you want to look for is inserts that allow you to bypass all the EQ and whatnot and go directly from the mic preamp to your soundcard. Of course, that is unless you want to use that stuff or mix multiple sources together.

[Rabid Garfunkel]

Ummm, have you changed the power source? (Replaced batteries/tried another power adapter/&c.)

[JonPorobil]

Haven't tried that, no. Might have to make a trip to RadioShack.

However, I'm pretty sure at this point that it's the microphone. The problem has gotten noticeably worse since I first posted this. Either this week or next, I'm just going to go ahead and get an SM58. If it doesn't fix the problem, then at least I'll have an SM58.

[JonPorobil]

Hm. I got a new microphone, and it's still recording too quiet. I don't get it. It used to clip when I turned the master volume up even halfway. Now I can't get an audible tone even if I'm right up against the mic, Rone-style. Have to boost it by about 20db in post-production. It's a little aggravating, but at least I can still record.

I guess my next purchase is a mixer.