Mic Noise and Low Output- HELP?!?!?!

[LeoZ]

Hey my problems are:

1)Really low mic recording output even though preamp gain/output is set to full. I have to EQ the output to even hear it.

2)The output has a really high noise level, almost louder than the vocals.

I'm using a SEx1 Condenser mic (with phantom power) -->Lexicon Alpha Preamp (monitor mix halfway, output set to full, XLR intput) --> Macbook running Logic Pro (record enable).



Is it normal for low outputs that require channel EQ-ing to even be heard?
Any advice for sources of this background noise and how to eliminate it? Could it be some form of interference, alternatively I split coffee a couple of weeks ago. I completely dried my computer and the USB ports work fine, but could this cause some sort of problem with the preamp input?

Any advice/help would be really appreciated- thanks!!

 

[mjbphotos]

From what I can see, the Lexicon Alpha does not have phantom power, which is required by your microphone. You could get an external power supply, but the best bet is to trade in the Lexicon for a decent interface that has phantom power.

 

[moresound]

The phantom power strikes again.

 

[ecc83]

The phantom power strikes again.

Indeed More'... But the OP seems to KNOW about phantom power? I suspect that this is once again a "generic audio usb" driver/W7/level setting issue.

Or, sommat's broke.

As an aside, I really cannot see the logic of marketing an AI (or mixer) without spook juice?
When capacitor mics cost the average monthly wage understandable, but these day cap' mics are much cheaper than SM5X's and most are pretty good as well.

And, FWIIW, I can see little point in a mixer or AI with only ONE mic input!

Dave.

 

[Steenamaroo]

I'm using a SEx1 Condenser mic (with phantom power)

Hi Leo,
Does this mean you have an external phantom power supply, or you think the microphone has phantom power.

If the latter, that's not how it works.

 

[Armistice]

alternatively I split coffee a couple of weeks ago. I completely dried my computer and the USB ports work fine, but could this cause some sort of problem with the preamp input?

Espresso or filtered?

Not instant, I hope?