Need help setting up equipment

[NYIzComatose]

Right now I'm using

eClaro Sound Card with a Windows Vista Desktop

Yamaha MG102C Mixer

Audio Technica 3035 Condenser Microphone

I haven't used the Yamaha Mixer or AT3035 Mic for a few years, not since I had an XP laptop. I recently got the eClaro sound card for my desktop. When I plug the mic into the mixer with the XLR cable, and run a 1/4 inch jack from the mixer right under the XLR to a 3.5mm input in the back of my sound card, the mic does not pick up any sound. I have no other microphones or anything to test, I'm worried that the Mic or Phantom Power from the Mixer don't work anymore. What could be my issue?

 

[PRHunt]

OK, there's a few issues here.

First, your sound card. The eClaro is evidently designed as a quality multi-channel play-back device. It is unlikely to have been engineered with serious (eg professional) audio recording in mind. For recording, you would be better to use an audio interface designed specifically for such use. Unless, of course, you are just using the mic for Skype or other lower sound quality tasks.

Second, the 3.5mm socket on your card. This is, as far as I can tell, a headphone output. You'll need to locate the appropriate connector/s on the d-sub cable supplied with the card. I could not locate an online manual, so I am just going by the product web page and the images shown there.

Third, the mixer. The sockets located directly under the XLR mic connectors are a) a balanced TRS input, and b) a channel insert. To get output from the mixer, you will need to use the main outputs.

Fourth, the mixer outputs. These are balanced. The mic/line inputs to your sound card are probably unbalanced. The manual for the mixer suggests that you can connect these to unbalanced equipment using a TS phono cable.

In all likelihood, the microphone is fine

I think the easiest solution would be to sell the Yamaha, and buy a 2 channel usb "pro" audio interface. There are many on the market which provide phantom power and mic preamps.

If you can post a link to the manual for your sound card, maybe more specific assistance can be given.

 

[whymark]

ALSO NEED HELP!
I just bought the Yamaha n8 mixer that uses firewire to connect to my computer ....however, my ASUS notebook has no physical room for a firewire card. Yamaha suggested the Steinberg UR22 interface to "make things right" so I bought one. Now I can't seem to get it all configured correctly to be able to use the compression, reverb and EQ features of the n8. I'm going n8 ST OUT to the UR22 inputs and the USB to the computer. OK, how does the info flow backward from CUbase to the n8? Do I need to run the UR22 OUT back into the n8 LINE IN phone jack?

 

[TimOBrien]

The ur22 only does one stereo in and out. It will not pass all the channels from the other mixer.

Sell both and get ONE interface with more ins and outs if that's what you need.
(and don't buy equipment your computer doesn't have ports for next time...)

 

[ecc83]

That E-Claro card is basically a "gamer" SB for Dolby 7.1. I am also always wary of manufctrs BS about special capacitors!

Yes, you need a total rethink and gear change. Not worth selling the mixer IMHO, use it for talkback if nothing else!

But! FCS get shot of Vista! The move to Win 7(64 bits) should be easier than my change from XP to 7 since I had to "leap over" an OS.
W7 should be simple swop.

Dave.