I'm recording with an sm57 but it isn't very sensitive

  • Thread starter Thread starter myhatbroke
  • Start date Start date
you would be amplifying the signal and the noise,but you could try it, then if you need more sensitivity, try a condensor mic later.
 
but i see that that interface has phantom power, so you could already try a condensor mic in that.

i'd borrow someone's first to test it out.
 
well what do you mean amplify noise? What Im going for is buying the preamp or mixer and connect the mic to IT and then that to the interface so it can have a louder signal or w/e. Because its ridiculous how loud I have to play to barely go half way on the db meter
 
myhatbroke said:
but its not very sensitive
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maybe you should sit down and have a talk with it and tell it you have feelings to and it should be more considerate of them.

just kidding, sounds like you have n impedence problem with the mic, are you using a balanced cable to hook up the mic to the lexicon? secondly what scource material are you having a problem with? The 57 has a tight pattern and does not work as well when the scource is at any kind of distance.
 
petermiller said:
maybe you should sit down and have a talk with it and tell it you have feelings to and it should be more considerate of them.

just kidding, sounds like you have n impedence problem with the mic, are you using a balanced cable to hook up the mic to the lexicon? secondly what scource material are you having a problem with? The 57 has a tight pattern and does not work as well when the scource is at any kind of distance.
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I made sure the impedence is the same (150ohms) and its an xlr cable so i suppose it is balanced. And its about 6 inches from the amp and its loud as hell! Guitar Center guys told me to get a tube pre but i think they were just trying to sell. So thats why im wondering if a little mixer would do the trick also
 
U shouldn't need a pre, the lexicon has them built in. Are you sure u connected the mic to the mic input. How about the levels in your software...are they set right? Could be a problem with the mic or the lexicon if everythings connected right. You also have an exagerated proximity effect with dynamic mics, they are meant to be up close and personal.
 
Everything is good according to the guy who checked out my equipment at GC he says that the interface just doesnt push as hard cus its converting A/D
 
Move the mic closer to the amp. With distorted guitar, you should have your peak level at around -12dbfs. That may be half way up the scale on your software. That is where it is supposed to be.
 
WTF is wrong with those GC morons?
Guitar Center guys told me to get a tube pre but i think they were just trying to sell.
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Everything is good according to the guy who checked out my equipment at GC he says that the interface just doesnt push as hard cus its converting A/D
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Seriously. I hear so many fantastic things from people on this board about things GC employees make up. I wonder how they don't get called out on bull$h*t on a daily basis at work. They bring shame on their ancestors.
 
I moved the mic as close as possible and it didn't help that much. Guys i tried everything already except getting a preamp or a mixer and really my question is whether it will work and if so which is the better buy?
 
my suggestion

1. add distance between the mic and source
2. up the gain
3. isolate
 
innobidova said:
1. add distance between the mic and source
2. up the gain
3. isolate
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I HAVE ALL THE GAIN UP ON THE LEXICON. Thats not my question! Im asking whether the preamp or the mixer will make my mic more sensitive and louder. LOL geez :p
 
a stand alone preamp will probably have more gain than a cheapo mixer. i don't know what products your considering though. what are you considering?
 
cable might be an issue, a loose connection can sometimes f*k the lot.
 
myhatbroke said:
I HAVE ALL THE GAIN UP ON THE LEXICON. Thats not my question! Im asking whether the preamp or the mixer will make my mic more sensitive and louder. LOL geez :p
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And what we are all telling you is there is something wrong! The set up you have should be providing enough signal to record a decent signal.
- mic okay in other venues
- check cable
- use a different mic so that you can rule out the interface
 
The A/D conversion story is a good one, conversion has nothing to do with it, the lexicon preamp will provide enough gain for the 57. Something is wrong, either with the gear or your setup. If you can borrow a pre and try it via the line in on the lexicon this will help troubleshoot the problem, but something is wrong here, and it isn't because of conversion unless the lexicon is failing.
 
I would tend to agree with other people who have said it seems like there's a problem with your signal chain. The Lexicon has pre-amps, and I wouldn't think you would need another gain stage if everything is working properly. Changing to a condensor, or a tube pre, or a new A/D should really have nothing to do with your issue. Make sure you have your levels up at every stage (hardware and software). Try a different cable, or mic. There could be a problem there.

Just to clarify, you are only having an issue with the input level being too low. You're not even dealing with output levels yet correct? What software are you using? (just curious)
 
RAK said:
I would tend to agree with other people who have said it seems like there's a problem with your signal chain. The Lexicon has pre-amps, and I wouldn't think you would need another gain stage if everything is working properly. Changing to a condensor, or a tube pre, or a new A/D should really have nothing to do with your issue. Make sure you have your levels up at every stage (hardware and software). Try a different cable, or mic. There could be a problem there.

Just to clarify, you are only having an issue with the input level being too low. You're not even dealing with output levels yet correct? What software are you using? (just curious)
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I remember some Presonus Firebox or Inspire owners complaining about not having enough gain when using an sm57.
 
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