Condenser Mic Won't Work

[Italianalex]

I have a MXL V57M condenser microphone and have it hooked up to a M-AUDIO Fast Track Recorder. My regular microphone works fine with it, but the condenser doesn't seem to. It's not the computer or anything else because the signal light on the fast track doesn't go on proving it's not getting the condenser mic's signal. I only need to record vocals and stuff like that so please help.

 

[Dogbreath]

Got yer phantom power on?

 

[Jim Lad]

The button is on the back.
Then a red light comes on the front.
Looks lovely with the blue one glowing too.
Have fun.
Let us know what you think of the microphone.

 

[Italianalex]

im not sure if the phantom power is on, do you know how I could find that out? and i'm really new to recording just bought the cheapest condenser mic i could find. Also Idk what button you're talking about but heres pictures of all the components.

 

[jimmy77611]

I don't think this model of M-audio's fast track has phantom power. Your condenser won't work without it. You'll probably need a phantom power supply, or maybe get a different interface.

 

[Jim Lad]

That's the Fast Track USB.
Sorry, I thought you had the Fast Track Pro.
Unless you have a phantom power supply, that won't work for you.
I'm afraid you'll have to put the mic away for a while but you can certainly use the Fast Track USB with regular microphones.
You've gone this far so why not get yourself the Pro and pass the other unit on to a friend.
Better still, if you just bought it, take it back and trade up to an interface with Phantom Power.

 

[Italianalex]

Alright cool thanks, do you have any recommendations for a cheap but good interface or w/e like the Fast Track Pro that I can just plug into my computer usb but also has phantom power? Or would you suggest just getting something like this


MXL Mic Mate
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...o-USB-Mic-Interface-WPhantom-Power?sku=270707

or
A Nady SMPS-USB Phantom Power Supply
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-SMPSUSB-Phantom-Power-Supply-w-USB?sku=582732

 

[Shadow_7]

I have an M-Audio Mobile Pre, it has phantom power. Bear in mind that USB supplied phantom power might be a bit under current for some mics. USB power is only like 5V, phantom power being 48V. It might not be an issue with your mic, but for some they can be very picky or at least unimpressive if they don't get full 48V power. For that reason you might be better off with an external phantom power unit. Or I could be wrong. Also bear in mind that each point of connection affords an opportunity for a point of failure and/or the introduction of unintentional noises (signal degredation).

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--RLLPB223

 

[Jim Lad]

have an M-Audio Mobile Pre, it has phantom power. Bear in mind that USB supplied phantom power might be a bit under current for some mics. USB power is only like 5V, phantom power being 48V. It might not be an issue with your mic, but for some they can be very picky or at least unimpressive if they don't get full 48V power. For that reason you might be better off with an external phantom power unit. Or I could be wrong. Also bear in mind that each point of connection affords an opportunity for a point of failure and/or the introduction of unintentional noises (signal degredation).

The Fast Track Pro is a very safe bet. Doesn't cost too much, has two channels, phantom power and a whole bunch of features that you don't know about yet.
The Phantom Power is the full 48V and is exactly what you need.

 

[Italianalex]

yeah I would need 48v and what do you think about getting own used?

 

[dodgeaspen]

phantom power good.

 

[Jim Lad]

yeah I would need 48v and what do you think about getting own used?

No reason why not other than the usual risks.
The Fast Track Pro (New) comes with some discs which you may not get second hand.
The only one that matters is the Drivers disc. Not for the drivers (you download them from M-Audio anyway) but for the user's manual.
How much are you going to pay for second hand?

 

[Italianalex]

cheapest I found was about $90, I already have software like Pro Tools, Ion, and Music Creator, so i'm not sure I really need the M-Audio software that comes with it.

 

[Jim Lad]

I'd jump at it and take my chances.
Go to "M-Audio, Driver updates" when it arrives.
M-Audio are pretty stellar when it comes to updating their drivers.

 

[Italianalex]

Alright thanks a lot. Truly got a lot out of this forum, and you. I put some rep on your already high green bar and can see why it's like that

 

[Jim Lad]

I put some rep on your already high green bar and can see why it's like that

Not sure what that means but thanks anyway.
Go here for your user's manual. http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support&tab=manuals