Microphone problems!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stw1904
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Stw1904

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Hi everyone! This is my first post here. I wasn't sure if I should post this here or in the mic section, but considering I don't know squat, I thought I'd start here!

So I bought a used microphone yesterday, a Carvin cm50. When I plugged it into the input on my Tascam DP004, I could barely hear myself talking, even with input level maxed and monitor volume all the way up as well. I'm really hoping I didn't buy a busted microphone and there is some way to take care of the problem... Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!
 
Should work! Are you sure that you have the gain up?

Wait - you are using an XLR to XLR cable right? In fact I don't think you can with a Tascam DP004 right? It only has 1/4 inch inputs right?

Your fooked!
 
I looked into this once before for somebody else with the same problem.

From memory, there's a software menu where you have to change the inputs from line level to mic level, details in the manual. However, even when you do that and sort out the levels, I believe the mic inputs are unbalanced and high impedance--a stupid choice for a recording system. I guess you could work around this with an external mic pre amp but I wonder how worth it this would be when you consider all the good portable recorders out there (Zoom being a favourite of mine) with good quality XLR inputs.
 
Yeah its XLR to XLR, but I have an adapter to 1/4 inch. Lol and I know I'm a damn fool for buying a used mic without hearing it first! But the guy who sold it to me was an older gentleman who lived in a nice house and had the box and original packaging and papers so I guess I just trusted it! Ugh...
 
Nothing so far! Think I really might need a preamp? I bet those are expensive, right? Ive read that dynamic mics arent as loud as condensers, maybe it'd be better to cut my losses and look for an affordable condenser mic?
 
Condensers need a source of phantom power which your DP004 can't provide so you'd still need some kind of inline phantom source--and that wouldn't solve the impedance mismatch.
 
The instructions for setting the input are on page 54 of the manual--you need it on external mic. However, the mic pre amps aren't all that sensitive.
 
Ok did what the manual said, but still getting really weak signal from the mic. Thanks for all the help! I guess I'll have to contemplate my next move!
 
To end on a downer, we went through this with another DP004 user last year and, in the end, I think he gave up on the DP004. As soon as you get beyond the built in mics, it really is severely limited.
 
Essentially, I agree with Bobbsy above. The problem is not the mic- it's the DP004. If you want a microrecorder that works, shell out for a Zoom H4n and go to town.-Richie
 
Thanks again for the replies, guys. Haha really wish I would have gotten a Zoom now but hopefully a cheap single channel preamp will help me out!
 
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