Firebox... mic help

[BooRadley]

Hi all
I recently bought a PreSonus Firebox... Usually i would record by plugging my guitar straight into it but when i try using a mic i have to turn the input gain right up just before it starts clipping/distorting and even hen i get a low signal with lots of hiss.
The mics are crappy radio shack ones with 1/4" plugs but despite this should i really need to be turning the input gain up before it starts clipping. I have tried using phantom power & the input level boost and i still get the same results

I know i need better mics but just wondering whether anyone has or knows of someone with this same problem and whether they were able to rectify it at all

Any help would be appreciated

Cheers

 

[Monkey Allen]

Yeah, I have the Firebox and I turn the gain up to at least 7, usually 8 or 9 or even 10. I have a CADm177 mic and a pair of Behringer C2's. I've never used a preamp 'with' the Firebox as I just figured the Firebox was a preamp./ came with preamp.

Depending on the mic, you need to get that gain up pretty high in order to get a decent signal. Some mics require more, others less gain/ pre amplification. This is only my theory anyway.

I do get some unwanted 'ambient' noise when I set the gain to 9 or 10...but once the instrument starts, all this is masked and not a problem.

Obviously, like you said, you need better mics. Let us know how you go.