Using a Behringer C1 condenser mic with a Lexicon Alpha interface

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Kopitebushie

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Hi there. I am new to the forum so apologies if i've posted this in the wrong section.

I am having trouble recording with a Behringer C1 condenser mic. I use a Lexicon Alpha interface connected to a PC which runs Windows XP. As the interface has no phantom power I have also purchased a Behringer PS400 phantom power supply which has two settings +12V and +48 volts (the mic needs +36v to +52v to work)

I have connected the condenser mic to the phantom power box and have connected the phantom box directly into my interface using a mic cable (XLR) which is connected to my PC via a USB cable.

Has anyone encountered this before? Or does anyone know what I am doing wrong?
 
A quick checklist:

1. Verify that all cables work
2. Are you using +48 volt (not 12) and do you have a multimeter to test if the Behri is sending +48 v?
3. Are you connecting mic to Behri with xlr cable?
4. Do you have another device that can supply phantom power and test the mic with different hardware?
5. Can you get audio into the PC with your current setup but using a different mic?
 
Wish14 said:
A quick checklist:

1. Verify that all cables work
2. Are you using +48 volt (not 12) and do you have a multimeter to test if the Behri is sending +48 v?
3. Are you connecting mic to Behri with xlr cable?
4. Do you have another device that can supply phantom power and test the mic with different hardware?
5. Can you get audio into the PC with your current setup but using a different mic?
Click to expand...

Previously I have been using a dynamic mic as with my set-up and I haven't had any problems.

Since my last post I have managed to get some sound from the mic by blowing into it but the level is really low and hardly creates any sound Mixcraft. I am guessing (with the limited experience I have) that the mic is sending more that +48v and needs more power - is this a reasonable assumption? Sadly I don't have a multimeter to test it.
 
Do you have both the input and output gain cranked up on the interface?
 
Don't blow into the mic. That's not good.

Is the on light lit on the phantom power supply?

The mic specs might say 36-52, but it won't need more than any standard 48v phantom power supply, at least, not as far as I know.
 
Steenamaroo said:
Don't blow into the mic. That's not good.

Is the on light lit on the phantom power supply?

The mic specs might say 36-52, but it won't need more than any standard 48v phantom power supply, at least, not as far as I know.
Click to expand...

Yeah the light is lit on the mic and the power supply. Someone has suggested to me that I may have to configure some sound controls on my PC. Sadly I am not a wiz kid on Windows.
 
Kopitebushie said:
Yeah the light is lit on the mic and the power supply. Someone has suggested to me that I may have to configure some sound controls on my PC. Sadly I am not a wiz kid on Windows.
Click to expand...

If it was working fine before with the dynamic mic, then I wouldn't think that it would be a windows software issue.
 
Wish14 said:
If it was working fine before with the dynamic mic, then I wouldn't think that it would be a windows software issue.
Click to expand...

Yeah it was working fine with my old mic (dynamic). I am starting to think the C-1 my be faulty!
 
Yes...I agree.

I think you need to test the mic with another piece of hardware.

You need to be able to rule out that it's not a problem with the mic.
 
Wish14 said:
Yes...I agree.

I think you need to test the mic with another piece of hardware.

You need to be able to rule out that it's not a problem with the mic.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I may pop down my local music shop and see if they don't mind testing it.
 
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