Low sound input.

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrEmpty
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mrEmpty

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Hello.

I am trying to record my voice into my Mac. I've tried two mics, both condenser, first by simply plugging them into the line in. This works, but the level is very low. I wondered if this was because the output of the mics were too low, and so am now hooking them into an Edirol UA-25. However, the level is still incredibly low. I have to shout at the mic, which is right next to my mouth, to be able to record anything. Plugging the mics directly into a video camera shows they are working perfectly otherwise.

So, any other ideas or basics I'm missing? I'm on Leopard and have the latest drivers installed.

Happy New Year.

A.
 
Turn the gain up? Is the output gain at unity? Phantom power engaged?




EDIT - Does that unit even *have* phantom...? If not, there's your problem...
 
What software are you using, and what is the gain knob set to on the Edirol device?

MM: Yes it does have Phantom
 
Hello, thanks for the replies.

Gain knobs are all the way up, although I tried at various settings. Phantom power is on. I've tried recording with GarageBand, Audacity, Logic, iShowU and Snapz Pro. All no good, so I assume it's something is the system.
 
Hello, thanks for the replies.

Gain knobs are all the way up, although I tried at various settings. Phantom power is on. I've tried recording with GarageBand, Audacity, Logic, iShowU and Snapz Pro. All no good, so I assume it's something is the system.

Is the xlr cable your using working? I own a dodgy xlr that causes the volume to be really low.
 
Both mics have 3.5mm jacks built in so it's not a dodgy cable. I'm stumped, it must be system setting or something odd going on but I can't figure it out.
 
What mics are you using? Are they ones designed to be plugged into video cameras?
 
Hello.

One is a lapel mic, not sure which one it's not to hand. The other is a Yoga EM-278.
 
Hello.

I am trying to record my voice into my Mac. I've tried two mics, both condenser, first by simply plugging them into the line in.....


...Happy New Year.

A.


If, indeed, you're plugging into the Line In, that would be your problem. Line In is not meant for mics. If you have an XLR input, use that. Otherwise, you'll need a mic pre.

Hmm, just reread what you wrote.... You're using mics with 3.5mm plugs?? Sounds like a computer mic or something. Then just plug them straight into the mic jack on your computer. If you're using a 1/8" to 1/4" adaptor, that won't work going into the Edirol because the Nuetrik connector on the Edirol is for XLR mic or 1/4" line level signal. Can't plug a mic into the 1/4" part and expect it to work.

And Happy New Year to you, too.
 
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