help! just trying for the most basic setup possible..

[ballhog347]

i purchased a mic and some adapters hoping i could just plug it in to my computer and record some simple vocal + acoustic guitar tracks
i dont want anything fancy this is justa hobby for me

when i plugged the mic in and tried to test i got nothing
im not sure what exactly the problem is
i made sure i was plugged into the mic input and tried fiddling with the recording volume and still got nothing at all
i tried recording in cubase, and also in plain old sound recorder

help! please ?

heres the background info,

ive got a soundblaster audigy2 zs
i purchased
a nady sp1 mic and xlr cable
a xlr to 1/4' adapter
and
a 1/4' to 3.5mm adapter

heres a picture

id appreciate any help anyone can give
i dont want to spend much more money but if the solution is to buy a preamp or mixer or something let me know
i may consider that
otherwise im just going to return these things and start over

thanks!

 

[ssscientist]

Here's a free app that you might have better luck with -

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Make sure you've got the correct input selected in your control panel. And what soundcard are you using with Cubase? Maybe you could access Cubase's input by plugging in your mic there.

 

[seryozha]

Make sure that "Mic Boost" is checked. go to the sound card mixer in windows and click on option-properties then click on the recording circle, then click ok and then click on advanced in the mic slider.

that would also be a good place to check and make sure that you dont have the Mic muted. (make sure it is "selected")

 

[ballhog347]

i have tried boosting the mic levels and i know its not muted but it still wont work

i dont know what to do

 

[sparrow]

i have tried boosting the mic levels and i know its not muted but it still wont work

i dont know what to do

The mic input on soundcards was designed for small personal mics (Like call center people use) They are no good for audio mics. To get this mic to work you need to plug it into a pre-amp of some sort. The problem you have is the signal just isn't powerful enough! I use a Behringer ub802 mixer with phantom power. These retail at £49 GB They do a smaller version at only £35GB
http://www.inta-audio.com/script/product.php?mode=R&cats=MIX1BEH&filtmode=AND&filtval=2
This gives me a great sound! Failing that you could try using a hi fi amplifier as your power source. or even a guitar effects pedal if you're really desperate... Have a look at some mixers. They are coming down in price all the time. You might even pick one up s/h for a few quid (bucks) It will make all the difference believe me!