Need some help on low-signal problems

[kjell159]

Hey,
I bought a Shure SM58 not so long ago and I try to use it but my signal that reaches my computer is very low. (Even below -50 dB, it is even not noticeable.)

I actually know the problem,
the problem is that I use a Line6 POD Studio GX as my interface (I have to use a XLR to jack cable so I automaticly lose quality.) and this interface doesn't have a built in preamplifier and no phantom power.
So when I try to record with it I have to boost my signal 'in the box',
I use PODFarm for my 'in the box' tones.
This is the way my signal goes: (dynamic) microphone - XLR to jack cable - interface (With no further amplification except for that one volume knob on it that doesn't solve my problem.) - PODFarm (I boost it with: a Power Amp (delivers 10 dB) - a 'in the box' preamp with the drive and the volume at 100 - a compressor because my lower sounds are then still REALLY weak and low, by doing this I also have to use a noise gate to not boost unwanted sounds and I also use an E.Q. in PODFarm to get away of some lower end.) - D.A.W. .
So actually all my amplification is virtual or digital, not that that really bothers me that much but when it reaches my D.A.W. I just can't find a good recording level and it still sounds low and weak.
If anyone could help, I would greatly appreciate it.
Of course if I buy a 'real' (analog) preamp my problem will probably be solved but I am still young and already spend some money on my mic and definitly want to use it now or at least in the near future.
Sorry if I seem a bit impatient.

+ Can anyone tell me what a good digital recording level in a D.A.W. is? (strong enough but still with enough headroom) (I suppose it is around -6 dB.)

 

[bouldersoundguy]

You shouldn't have to do any of that processing to get a good track. Maybe an external mic preamp would solve your problem, but that hardware is simply the wrong tool for the job.

Peaks at -6dBFS are okay, but I usually aim for -12dBFS.

 

[Massive Master]

Of course if I buy a 'real' (analog) preamp my problem will probably be solved but I am still young and already spend some money on my mic and definitly want to use it now or at least in the near future.
Sorry if I seem a bit impatient.

You really don't have any choice here -- You're introducing a mic-level signal to a line-level input. You'd probably get a better sound singing into your pickups.

 

[ecc83]

An XLR to TRS, pin for pin wired lead will cause no loss of quality. Even unbalancing the signal will probably not cause much hum over a short run but avoid mains cables and especially AC power supplies, i.e. line lumps!

Yes, a pre amp would be the very thing but you are young and poor and cheap pre amps are not a good idea. FAR more affordable and vastly more versatile is a small mixer. You could pickup a Behringer Xenyx 802 (always get at least 2 mic inputs) second hand for £25-30 from your ( 10-20?) equivalent of our Cash Converters, or a Yamaha, Tascam mixer, all about the same stamp (and chips and pots and...di da!).

As for levels, you should be recording at 24bits and 44.1kHz and as mentioned, no higher than -12, -10 top whack. A better interface is of course the best course by far but you will have to pay a bit to get decent mic pres. When you CAN afford a new AI go for the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. Two very clean mic amps PLUS you can use your mixer and get 4 tracks down!

Dave.

 

[Bobbsy]

Don't even think of a pre amp yes. It would be throwing good money after bad. You are using totally the wrong equipment for feeding vocals into your DAW.

Your Line 6 Pod Studio is for connecting electric guitars to your DAW, not a microphone. Typically an electric guitar will put out a signal 30 dB or so higher than a microphone. However, an SM58 is pretty low output so let's assume the error is nearing 40dB.

Even worse, electric guitars are a relatively high impedance device while your mic is low impedance. Don't worry about what this means other than that it will alter the frequency response of your mic. This could be the reason for the "weak" tone even ignoring the sound levels.

You need a proper USB audio interface with a real microphone input. You could use the mixer ECC83 recommends or look for something like an M Audio Fast Track Mk 2. Second hand, both are dirt cheap...even new we're not talking a lot of money.

However, let me end by repeating that throwing any more money at your current bodge is a total waste of time.

 

[ecc83]

It is always a tough call when a noob has SOME kit and no money and a problem!

A cheap AI? Well the Fast track pro would be a better bet in my book but like most AIs in that range the pre amps have lowish gain, a mixer will be much better (I have both a FTpro AND an 802 so I know from where I speak!) Then the cheap AI will be useless when something better can be afforded whereas you will never "outgrow" a wee mixer (HP amp, talkback system, amping up the birds in the garden?)

The impedance issue is a red fish. The mic will not care diddly what the pods input Z is (unless the amp is "voiced") in fact 'tis the fashion these days to feed dynamics and ribbons into a virtual open circuit. Most mixers are at least 1.5K which is 10x the internal impedance of a 57/58.

Dave.

 

[kjell159]

So to end the discussion,
a mixer would be the best choice?

 

[ecc83]

So to end the discussion,
a mixer would be the best choice?

Well! It wouldn't be a discussion if there were not differing views now would it?

IMHO a mixer is the quickest (no other AI to install) and cheapest solution and will serve you in the future or, you can sell it for nearly what you paid or the same. You also get PROPER zero latency monitoring!

Just wanted to say! Don't let the term "mixer" fool you. In this application it is functioning as a mic pre amp pure and simple.

Dave.

 

[kjell159]

Ok, thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it.
I experimented some more yesterday and I can record some stuff with it. (still virtual amps and stuff)
So it's not so that I have to keep my mic laying in my closet for a year.