Problem with Shure sm81

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Jason P

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I was given this microphone, used, from a guy that basically said he had no use for it anymore. I just tried using it through my computer, and it doesn't seem to be picking up anything. I'm new at this, so maybe there is an obvious reason? I have used other mics without a preamp on my computer and it still picked up something. I then tried it on my guitar amp, and still nothing. Anyone know what is wrong? Thanks.

Note: I guess there is a possibility that the mic is just shot. I have no idea though.
 
Jason P said:
I was given this microphone, used, from a guy that basically said he had no use for it anymore. I just tried using it through my computer, and it doesn't seem to be picking up anything. I'm new at this, so maybe there is an obvious reason? I have used other mics without a preamp on my computer and it still picked up something. I then tried it on my guitar amp, and still nothing. Anyone know what is wrong? Thanks.

Note: I guess there is a possibility that the mic is just shot. I have no idea though.
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This mik needs phantom power (48 V) that I´m pretty sure your soundcard don´t supply. So you´ll need a preamp or mixer to test it, or send it to me
I'll take it......

Mats B
 
MatsB said:
This mik needs phantom power (48 V) that I´m pretty sure your soundcard don´t supply. So you´ll need a preamp or mixer to test it, or send it to me
I'll take it......

Mats B
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Ditto. (Including the send it to me.) But seriously, it's a great mic. Get a small preamp, (M-audio, Audio Buddy or something) to give you phantom power and extra gain, and I'm sure you'll like it.

http://www.8thstreet.com/product.asp?ProductCode=10658&Category=Audio_Processors
 
You can get a phantom power box for not much (a friend gave me one, as a matter of fact) but some of them are noisy. You cable to mic to the box, and the box to the computer, and turn phantom power "on." Pretty simple.
 
Thanks... I was thinking phantam power, but I want to be sure before I spend money on it when it is no good. It seems to be a great mic (I was reading reviews). I'll have to look into it. I think I may have a friend that has some recording stuff, maybe I can ask if I can test the mic out on his equipment.

Thanks again guys. Happy Holidays.
 
Jason P said:
Is this the cheapest solution? What are other options? (that don't cost too much) Thanks.
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Well, you were given a mic that new costs $350, and sells used on eBay for around $220. So if you can't spring for an $80 pre, sell the SM81 and buy a cheap pre and cheaper mic :rolleyes:
 
Jason P said:
Is this the cheapest solution? What are other options? (that don't cost too much) Thanks.
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The cheapest solution is five 9 volt batteries (or 4 small 12volt batteries), two 6.8k 1% resistors, two 10mFd 50volt capacitors, and a male and female XLR.
 
Behringer 4 channel = 40.00. Welcome to the world of recording obsession!! :) This is how it all starts.
 
musical5 said:
Behringer 4 channel = 40.00. Welcome to the world of recording obsession!! :) This is how it all starts.
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Well the Behringer 4 channel doesn't have phantom power, but the 8 channel does ($50).
 
Jason P said:
Is this the cheapest solution? What are other options? (that don't cost too much) Thanks.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you are using a stock, on-board soundcard. If that is the case, then I think that the audio buddy or the above mentioned ART Tude MP are the lowest cost solutions that will give you a decent sound. Without one of them you will be using whatever preamp section is on your soundcard via "mic in". With one of the pres you can run into the "line in" on your soundcard and you should achieve a better sound.
 
omtayslick said:
It sounds like you are using a stock, on-board soundcard. If that is the case, then I think that the audio buddy or the above mentioned ART Tude MP are the lowest cost solutions that will give you a decent sound. Without one of them you will be using whatever preamp section is on your soundcard via "mic in". With one of the pres you can run into the "line in" on your soundcard and you should achieve a better sound.
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Won't the mixer be able to do the same thing though? I thought all I needed was phantom power? Is all phantom power not created equal?

Thanks for all the help guys.
 
Jason P said:
Won't the mixer be able to do the same thing though? I thought all I needed was phantom power? Is all phantom power not created equal?

Thanks for all the help guys.
Click to expand...

Well, not necessarily (some units don't supply the standard +48V), but that's beside the point. You would also be using the preamp in the mixer (or standalone preamp), and running into the line-in (not mic-in) on your computer. The quality of the preamp will matter. I'm not a fan of berhinger mixer preamps. The ART would probably provide (marginally) better sound quality.
 
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