Firebox + MD421 setup question/help

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tikka308

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First off, thanks to everyone on this forum! The help is much appreciated.

I just set up my firebox with my sennheiser MD421 on my iMac / Garageband. I'm recording a fender hot rod deluxe; the amp isn't too loud - it's at a comfortable playing level. Anyways, I'm concerned because I have to have the pre turned ALL the way up to +30. Is that normal? Also, the recording doesn't sound great - I know I'm knew to this, but I would think that out-of-the box it would sound better... here's a link - http://web.mac.com/tikka308/iWeb/Site/Blog/FE111642-53C2-417E-9876-4C41E64BA67E.html
 
Hate to pester, but I would really appreciate any help or feedback. I want to make sure I don't have a bad pre-amp in my Firebox or that something isn't wrong with my connector.

Thanks!
 
i remember someone saying that the firebox pre's don't have alot of gain. Is it the same for either channel?
 
are you using the boost switch? i just took a look at the specs, 45 db and an additional 12 db with the boost engaged. i would think that would be plenty of gain. some dynamic mics do require alot of gain.
 
12 db boost is in the firebox control panel software. i checked out the sound clip. sounds really low.
 
Yeah on the firebox you get the control panel software in which you can add the pre amps (12dB). Check them and you should get a noticeable boost.

I believe its a dynamic mic? You would probably need the extra gain increased, i just tried with a SM58 and i had it turned up to +30 and got around mid to high signal.

So good news is that there's nothing wrong with your firebox, just try crank it up high and get jammin' :)

Good luck,

Peace
 
Hmm yeah, that sounds like it could be either 2 things in my mind..

Either the cable is faulty and it keeps cutting out, or maybe the microphone has a faulty connection.. It seems to be wavering when your talking. The fact the iPod works perfectly makes me think the firebox is fine, and maybe its something externally from that.

Try a different XLR cable if you can first, then if it's the same, try another microphone..

Keep us updated.
 
yea, it does sound pretty funky, kind of like a badly set compressor.
 
I'll be able to try a new mic and cable this weekend. In the meantime - I've tried using the +12db gain on the firebox software control panal. It made a difference, but marginal at best.

Check out the screenshot link below. This also leads me to be suspicious. With the mic pre ALL the way up, the +12db checked, this is the "largest/widest" waveform I can create when speaking (nearly yelling) into the mic (right up against my mouth). This can't be normal!

http://web.mac.com/tikka308/iWeb/Site/Blog/9C08CAC4-0FE6-44FC-AD6B-ED02048A4995.html
 
I have the same setup actually (the FireBox with MD421) and theres nothing wrong with your box you just have to crank up the gain with the dynamic mics and the +12dB Boost (in the FireBox Control Panel) But even then your gain know is still up there, more than you would think in comparision with other preamps. If you dont like the sound your getting strickly from the 421 try to pair it with a SM57 (if you have one) I found that they compliment each other really well and gave me more of the sound I was looking for out of my Amp. You might also somewhere down the line consider buying another preamp and run that into the FireBox if your worried about the gain level. I have a Eureka that I also run into my FireBox and the position of the gain level knob is significantly lower in comparison. And if you ever get a Condensor mic you wont have to worry about the gain as much (maybe half way turned up) so you'll have more head room to play with. Hope it helps some.

- Hover
 
Thanks! This is great to hear. At the same time, it's somewhat dissapointing. I live in an apartment building and can't play my amp too loud - therefore wonder if I should return the MD421 for a condenser?

However, I don't have a budget limit - so I can afford a preamp. Any recommendations? Don't want to spend more than $1000, and preferrable less than $500. However, I'll plan on using it for years - so will make the worthwhile investment if so need be.

When you use the preamp with the firebox, do you plug into channels 1 & 2 (on the front) or 3/4 on the back?
 
If you dont have a budget limit i would recommend purchasing a condenser mic. I would recommend some but i think you would get better success from the guru's in the microphone forum (Or search the forum to get some results).

I always use channels 1 & 2 on the front of the firebox unless im using more than one microphone which is when i use 3 & 4 on the back.
 
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