Help for the Mentally Challenged.

[XLR]

From the description in post #4 it sounds like the mike was working OK for a short time. Is that correct?

Best in the troubleshooting to keep the mike function problem and the multitrack signal routing separate. So i'd advise to first just figure out how to record the mike by itself, no backing track. Then go from there.

 

[Swappo]

From the description in post #4 it sounds like the mike was working OK for a short time. Is that correct?

Best in the troubleshooting to keep the mike function problem and the multitrack signal routing separate. So i'd advise to first just figure out how to record the mike by itself, no backing track. Then go from there.

The mic was always working as it is now. Before you suggested the stereo mix it wasn't working at all. Then it worked, but not very well which I thought was a simple settings issue.

Recording the mic alone produces a garbled, static filled recording.

 

[XLR]

No reason a self powered condenser mike should have a problem when a dynamic mike (your old one) doesn't when going into the same input. So it's not a signal routing problem. Assuming you have the input level set reasonably for the condenser (not maxing out the recording input meter since too high a level would cause massive distortion), it sounds like you've got a bad cable or faulty mike.

But double check that input level. Should be in the green, not the red.

 

[Swappo]

The input level is ok. In the sound settings on Realtek it doesn't allow me to adjust the mic volume. Same as in the Windows Master control window. The mic slider is shaded.

I'll have to get ahold of Marshall Electronics on Monday, though I'm not positive they have any support.

 

[Freddy]

On your soundcard, is there a setting called something like "record what you hear"? If so, make sure it isn't checked.. it will record everything coming through the soundcard if it's checked.

 

[Swappo]

On your soundcard, is there a setting called something like "record what you hear"? If so, make sure it isn't checked.. it will record everything coming through the soundcard if it's checked.

No, there's no setting that says that. Thanks, though.

 

[Steve Henningsgard]

What make/model is your sound card? You can find this out by going into the volume settings you've been messing with (double-click on the little speaker in the task tray on the bottom-left of your screen). Look at the bottom-left of the window and it should tell you what sound card you have.

Things I wouldn't be surprised were the issue:

- your drivers could be f*cked up (most likely)

- you could be overloading the sound card (likely)

- your mic could be broken (not so likely)

 

[Swappo]

The sound card is Realtek HD Audio.
When I click on the speaker and bring up the master volume and then click on "Options" then "Properties" and it says "Adjust the volume for" only "Playback" is ticked. "Recording" is shaded. I have to change the mixer device to Realtek Audio Input and then "Recording" is ticked and "Playback" is shaded. If I choose "Recording" the sliders come up for "Recording" "CD Volume" "Mic Volume" "Line Volume" and "Stereo Mix". "Recording" is the only volume slider I can adjust. The rest are shaded. None are muted. Same thing in the Realtek Mixer. It has the same volume controls except "Recording". "CD Volume" "Mic Volume" "Line Volume" and "Stereo Mix" don't even have sliders in the Realtek mixer.

Also, a faulty mic can be ruled out. I plugged it into a friend's computer last night and it worked well.

 

[pandamonk]

Right try going into control panel, and sounds,speech..., then sounds and audio devices, then audio. Make sure your soundcard is slected for both recording and playback. This post was rushed, need to go get my dinner, so it may not be correct...

 

[Swappo]

That's how it was set. For the playback Realtek Audio Output and for the recording Realtek Audio Input.

 

[XLR]

A problem you're going to have getting help here is that the gear you're using is more in the realm of general consumer home computer gear rather than the more specialized audio gear that most of us are familiar with (balanced mike going via XLR cable to a preamp, going to a firewire or USB interface or to a separate AD converter - and then into the computer).

Hope you find an answer.

 

[SRR]

A m-audio Audiophile 2496 (recording sound card), would go a long way here, used they can be found as cheap as $50-$60, new most places list $99, but I am sure you can get it cheaper. But then you might need a Behringer mini-mon to control volume to the speakers, an amp for headphones, etc. But that is only $30 from fullcompass.com (call your order in they give better prices over the phone). Wrench open the wallet just a little and you will be amazed at what can be done. Oh and +1 for reaper.

 

[Steve Henningsgard]

A m-audio Audiophile 2496 (recording sound card), would go a long way here, used they can be found as cheap as $50-$60, new most places list $99, but I am sure you can get it cheaper. But then you might need a Behringer mini-mon to control volume to the speakers, an amp for headphones, etc. But that is only $30 from fullcompass.com (call your order in they give better prices over the phone). Wrench open the wallet just a little and you will be amazed at what can be done. Oh and +1 for reaper.

Wait... I thought he had a laptop?

*edit: apparently not! I just heard "mic jack" and automatically thought laptop for some odd reason. The 2496 is a great idea!