PC Interface and Mic Blues

[Kojo27]

I brought this up in another thread, but I'll move it here to avoid a hijacking.


I need/want to be able to monitor my acoustic guitar, through headphones, amplified, as I play. I also want to record that way when I want to, for playing back.

I bought an M-Audio interface - an older model, but it was only $38 and brand new, and an M-Audio condenser microphone. I can monitor and record an electric guitar, via 1/4" plug, just fine. I'm using Audacity software and Windows Vista on this computer.

However, it seems the microphone sensitivity is too low to pick up and amplify the acoustic guitar, or vocals, or whatever.

One of the main reasons I joined this forum a year ago was to figure out a way to do this -- but various things came up and I still haven't done it. I *really* want to do this now. Any help most appreciated.

Here's the interface:



The microphone is similar to this, very inexpensive:

[cosmic gumbo]

I looks like you have a high quality M-Audio Pulsar II small diaphragm condenser mic, which usually goes for well over $100 new. It requires +48volt phantom power to operate. Unfortunately, the M-Audio Fast Track usb interface does NOT provide phantom power to power it up.

You need a standard xlr dynamic mic, similar to a Shure sm57 or sm58 to use with this interface, or you could get a phantom power supply unit to power your Pulsar II mic. Another $20-30 should get you a cheap mic or a phantom power unit. Good luck.

[Kojo27]

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

I looks like you have a high quality M-Audio Pulsar II small diaphragm condenser mic, which usually goes for well over $100 new. It requires +48volt phantom power to operate. Unfortunately, the M-Audio Fast Track usb interface does NOT provide phantom power to power it up.

You need a standard xlr dynamic mic, similar to a Shure sm57 or sm58 to use with this interface, or you could get a phantom power supply unit to power your Pulsar II mic. Another $20-30 should get you a cheap mic or a phantom power unit. Good luck.

Thanks, CG -- my bad yet again -- this is not THE microphone I have. I couldn't find a pic of it, so I grabbed one that looked similar. The one I have is CHEAP. I think I paid $18 for it. It's an XLR, but is a condenser. I got it from eBay - not sure how much it's worth. The guy said he'd used in only a couple of times, and it *does* pick up some sound - just very little.

The guy I bought the interface from (eBay again) told me this interface has phantom power. He lied?

I'll look further, try to determine how much power it takes, etc. Now I feel like I'm getting somewhere. : )

kj

[scottwilson]

I don't see that specific interface on the current site...

It seems there's a new one. But what bothers me is that the new one has a 48V switch which yours does not have.

Generally something with phantom power includes a phantom switch (not all mics need them, and it can be bad for ribbons). Yours doesn't include this switch, so my guess would be that it does not include phantom power.

http://www.m-audio.com/images/global...II-frontsl.jpg
http://www.m-audio.com/images/global...kII-backsl.jpg

(shows the current model with phantom power)

-s

[scottwilson]

What are your options?

1. Get a non-phantom mic. Probably less than ideal.

2. Get phantom power: Behringer Behringer PS400 Ultra Compact Phantom Power Supply Phantom Power Supplies at Markertek.com - don't forget that you'd still need another xlr cable! I'd consider this only a stopgap.

3. Get an external preamp: There's any numer of options, but something like this would do: Behringer Behringer Minimic MIC800 Ultra-Compact Microphone Modeling Pre-Amp Microphone Preamps at Markertek.com - you would then go into the 'line' input of your interface. This is the most flexible.

4. Get a different interface... ebay the other one.

[merritt stone]

I think you should just upgrade the interface. Look at Focusrite stuff, it's fanatstic and sounds great. You should also try Reaper (free to try and dirt cheap to buy, 40 bones). Then If you still want to ungrade get the Shure SM58. Awesome little recording package for under $300, plus you'll recuperate some of the costs with the older stuff you sell.

[kenbennett]

You can also buy inexpensive condenser mics with built-in battery powered preamps. MXL makes some that sound fine.

[Kojo27]

Originally Posted by scottwilson

What are your options?

1. Get a non-phantom mic. Probably less than ideal.

2. Get phantom power: Behringer Behringer PS400 Ultra Compact Phantom Power Supply Phantom Power Supplies at Markertek.com - don't forget that you'd still need another xlr cable! I'd consider this only a stopgap.

3. Get an external preamp: There's any numer of options, but something like this would do: Behringer Behringer Minimic MIC800 Ultra-Compact Microphone Modeling Pre-Amp Microphone Preamps at Markertek.com - you would then go into the 'line' input of your interface. This is the most flexible.

4. Get a different interface... ebay the other one.

Originally Posted by merritt stone

I think you should just upgrade the interface. Look at Focusrite stuff, it's fanatstic and sounds great. You should also try Reaper (free to try and dirt cheap to buy, 40 bones). Then If you still want to ungrade get the Shure SM58. Awesome little recording package for under $300, plus you'll recuperate some of the costs with the older stuff you sell.

Originally Posted by kenbennett

You can also buy inexpensive condenser mics with built-in battery powered preamps. MXL makes some that sound fine.

Thanks a bunch, guys -- this is helping a huge lot. Maybe I'll come to understand this stuff before too long.

kj