Mic signal drops off?!?

[LukeAE]

I'm having a problem where the mic signal drops off at random times during recording. I initially thought it was just my mic that crapped out, but I got a new one and still the same problem. Here's my setup:

MXL 990 (now replaced with Studio Projects B1)
MXL 991
Behringer UB802 Mixer
Fostex MR8 (1st version)
Generic XLR cables from mics to mixer
Generic 1/4" cables from mixer to MR8

Any insight on what the problem could be? It's driving me crazy. I guess I just have to isolate each component and test each one. That will be time consuming though

Also, my budget is zero right now. Otherwise, I'd probably just replace everything but the mics and start over.

[superspit]

I guess I just have to isolate each component and test each one. That will be time consuming though..............

Hi,
this is what I'd suggest to you.....and it's all your own work!!
Regards,
SSpit

[rayc]

Try bypassing themixer. that'll tell you something straight away.

[LukeAE]

If I bypass the mixer my condenser mics won't work (recorder doesn't have phantom power). I may still have an old dynamic mic around. I can try that.

Looks like I'm in for a long day of trial and error.

Thanks for the replies.

[DAS19]

I bet its your computer just thinking slowing down and it has a little like hicup soo it freezes for a second mine does it to its annoying but you gotta live with it unless you have a really fast comp.

[LukeAE]

Geez this is frustrating. I hooked the mixer directly to my computer and recorded (w/Audacity) using all the different mics, mic cables, channels, etc. and I couldn't reproduce the problem. Also hooked a dynamic (the MR8 has no phantom power so couldn't use the condensor mics) to both channels on the multitrack and no problem. Gave up for the day. Next step is to hook everything back together, get the problem to happen again, then break things down and try to eliminate it.

And DAS19, I'm recording entirely on the MR8, then uploading the WAVs to the PC so it can't be the computer at fault.

Thanks for the help!