V67G Mic + Interface Problem?

[egwich]

Hows it going everyone? I'm working for a local tv station, real low budget type stuff. Anyways to do narrative work I have a m67g Mic, Fast Track Pro Audio Interface Box, and it connects via USB into my computer. I have NO idea what I'm doing so this is probably just a small problem. Just plugged all this stuff into my computer and installed the drivers. When I record I can only hear a faint whisper, followed with a lot of static in the background. The mic on my computer is turned all the way up but yet it barely records. Any idea what I'm doing wrong?>

 

[mikeeb]

Whatsup man..welcome To HR!
You might want to give this a try.
First off, if you have not done so, I find that restarting my computer after installing ANYTHING always helps. Next, try to increase the volume on the fast track rather than your computer. I have had occasions where the computer main volume has cause static on the other side. If that does not help, click on your control panel and make sure that your main input is the fast track. If you are using software such as audacity, reaper, ect. make sure your main input on those is selected as the fast track. If that does not help at all, make sure all your connections are good and see if the XLR cable you are using does not have any splits. Worst comes to worst, I could just give you a few more tips.
-Mikee

 

[egwich]

Whatsup man..welcome To HR!
You might want to give this a try.
First off, if you have not done so, I find that restarting my computer after installing ANYTHING always helps. Next, try to increase the volume on the fast track rather than your computer. I have had occasions where the computer main volume has cause static on the other side. If that does not help, click on your control panel and make sure that your main input is the fast track. If you are using software such as audacity, reaper, ect. make sure your main input on those is selected as the fast track. If that does not help at all, make sure all your connections are good and see if the XLR cable you are using does not have any splits. Worst comes to worst, I could just give you a few more tips.
-Mikee

Thanks I will try this first thing in the morning. I'll get back to you.

 

[pohaku]

And have you turned on the phantom power to the mic?

 

[egwich]

Ok well I tried all those things to no avail. To give a little more information, my mic is barely getting picked up...the wave lines are extremely small on audacity. I switched the inputs to the fast track pro and it recorded exactly the same as if it was set up through the mic settings. I found something odd though.....I started talking into my speakers (small normal speakers for a computer) and it for some reason recorded onto the computer and louder then the mic did?? Wtf is this all about haha.

The fast track pro only came with a usb cord to connect into the computer, am I missing wires? I have my mic plugged in with a microphone chord (which is in good condition) into the fast track. Then the usb connected into the computer. Also what exactly is the phantom power to the mic? As far as I can tell there are no buttons on the mic? Sorry I'm a complete newbie at this, but my work is requiring me to do this. Thought it was going to be really easy and just plug it in haha.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Phantom power is power that is provided by the source (in this case the interface) to power the mic. Condenser mics usually require phantom power, and the V67 definitely does. The nominal power is usually 48 volts, so the preamp will have a switch that says either "phantom" or "48V". In the case of the Fast track Pro, it's on the back, above the power switch, and says "48V phantom". ***** WARNING WILL ROBINSON****** Do not plug the mic in or unplug it with the phantom power turned on!!! First, with the phantom switch off, turn all the gain knobs to zero. Then plug in the mic. Then, turn the phantom power on, and bring up the gain gradually. I am hopeful that this will improve your outlook on life. Welcome to the world of condenser microphones. Please note also that there is a preattenuation switch, known as a "pad" on the mic. It will have 2 positions- -10db and 0. You want it set for zero. The pad reduces the mic's output, and is used when recording wicked loud sources, such as some drums or guitar amps. Note that both channels of the Fast track pro also have a "pad" button, which does basically the same thing, and you want it turned off as well. What you are getting is what I would expect if the phantom power was turned off, or if the pad on both the mic and the interface were engaged. Do all of this, and let us know if your world changes. When you disconnect the thing, do the same in reverse. First, all gain knobs to zero, then, turn off the phantom power, then unplug the mic. Hope that helps.-Richie