very low recording level on US-122

[EgoProfit]

I have a very simple recording setup:

SM57 -> Tascam US-122 -> Cubase SX

For some reason, when I record even with the level knobs ALL THE WAY UP the mic is not sensitive, it is always recording at very low volume and I have to GAIN THE HELL OUT OF IT to get it to show up on the tracks.

Why is this? Thanks.

 

[scrubs]

A few thoughts:

1) make sure you're going into the XLR input (XLR-XLR cable). That input is hotter. Going into the 1/4" input will not give you enough gain.

2) dynamic mics, in general, don't have high output, so you need to be miking very close (inside 6 inches). For vocals, I'm usually right up on the mic (2 inches) and the same for guitar cabinets (get it right up on the speaker and don't be afraid to crank the amp). The preamp of the US-122 probably doesn't have enough gain to mic a quiet acoustic guitar with a 57.

3) make sure everything is configured correctly in the software.

4) if all else fails, you may have a bad mic, cable, etc.

I just tested mine with an XLR cable. For normal singing (at about 2 in from the mic), I could get the O/L light to come on with the gain at about 75-80% of maximum.

 

[EgoProfit]

Thank you!

I am using a XLR -> 1/4" cable. I am pretty sure that is the problem.

I'll try all of that.

Thank you!!