Some problems with my SM57...

[ArtShore]

I'm running an SM57 through an XLR into an M-Audio MobilePre, then into my computer via usb.

My problem is, I get no sound out of it. To get a decent signal out of it, the gain on the MobilePre has to be on full, as well as all the computer inputs. This, of course, causes the noise level to rise. So either I get rediculously low volume, or I get decent levels with constant hissing.

Everyone goes on and on about the SM57 being such a great mic, but I can't get crap out of it. I must be doing something wrong here...

 

[RAK]

I'm running an SM57 through an XLR into an M-Audio MobilePre, then into my computer via usb.

My problem is, I get no sound out of it. To get a decent signal out of it, the gain on the MobilePre has to be on full, as well as all the computer inputs. This, of course, causes the noise level to rise. So either I get rediculously low volume, or I get decent levels with constant hissing.

Everyone goes on and on about the SM57 being such a great mic, but I can't get crap out of it. I must be doing something wrong here...

Have you tried a different mic into the mobile pre? Have you tried that SM57 in a different mic pre? That would be the first step in trouble shooting I would try.
Are you sure you're plugged into the same mic in channel that you're turning up? It doesn't look like the mobile pre has a pad, but maybe there's a pad in the software.
Forget the software for a moment, do you see the signal LED or clip LED light up only when the volume is up all the way?

 

[ArtShore]

I don't get much signal out of the 58 either. I can get the signal light to come on on the mobile pre at a decent gain setting, and yes, I'm turning up the right channel.

 

[ArtShore]

Also, I get great sound when plugging a guitar into the line input on the mobile pre with no problem. It seems this problem only comes up with the mics, leading me to think that the problem lies in them.

 

[Herm]

Check your driver software for your pre and see if you are set on -10 or +4.

 

[RAK]

I don't get much signal out of the 58 either. I can get the signal light to come on on the mobile pre at a decent gain setting, and yes, I'm turning up the right channel.

If it's not great with the 57 or the 58, then I think it's either the mic pre or something in the software. Did you try the other Pre on the M-Audio?

It's not a -10/+4 thing, that only swaps the line level reference.

 

[Drewcifer666]

I'd guess it's an issue with the Mobile Pre. I just looked at it on M-Audio's site, and it doesn't seem to have a mic-line selector switch. That means when you plug in to a 1/4" instrument in, it must automatically interrupt or switch-over from the XLR ins. (You're not leaving the guitar plugged in when you plug the mic in, right?) Try having your guitar in at the same time as the mic and see if you still get a strong guitar signal, then pull it out. Also, if you have the cable (xlr to mono TS 1/4"), try plugging a MIC in to the 1/4" jack.

Sounds to me like a problem with the preamp.

 

[ArtShore]

I don't have anything plugged in but the mic, and it makes no difference plugging it into the 1/4. Tried that.