basic vocal micing q

Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 10:26 pm

Hi, reasonably simple question which requires a simple answer...i hope.

I am running an SM-58 into a Motu Ultralite which is connected by firewire to my G4. I am recording spoken vocals into bias peak and only require a dry signal as all the effects will be applied after recording.

My problem is that the levels i am getting are very low, even with the trim on the channel set at +24dB it barely tickles the signal meter. I know i don't need phantom power on the channel since it's a dynamic mic. Apparently the pad switch on the Motu can add up to an extra 36dB to the signal but this isn't having any effect.

At the moment i have the shure connected via TRS into the combo jack input but would the lower impedance of an XLR connector make any difference?

Do i need to pay close attention to the bit depth, sampling rate and clock source settings? What about balanced/unbalanced (clear that up?) there is only one insulating ring on the TRS connector so does that mean it is a mono jack. is this XLR to TRS cable even a suitable microphone cable...

I'm sure there are some obvious solutions but any help will be greatly appreciated

thanks in advance
tim

Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:13 am

get a simple XLR to XLR cable
thats 3 pins female to 3 pins male
and use the Microphone input of the Motu Ultralite
probably PAD off
I think this should solve things quickly

then
in Peak set the Audio for either
48 K if you heading for video
44.1 if you are heading for CDaudio
24 bit will give you more headroom to work with
which might help to get a result
...
and then convert the files to 16 bit for Video or CD
your video editor will do this when you import
your CD writing software may do this automaticaly
don't worry about this yet

AND PEOPLE
this is just a very general set of instruction so don't get excited
and jump in with too much info

we could talk about a couple of other issues about TRS and XLR cables which would lead to what impedance is and how PADs work
and why the XLR isn't the impedance bit

we can do that later

Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 8:07 am

this did solve things kev, thanks a lot.

the xlr - xlr cable has given me a little bit more signal. The +24dB trim can take the levels up to clipping with the source i'm working with so i've got the input i need

Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 3:59 pm

cool
if you have any other problems
....
you know where we are

oh !
and welcome
Smile

This topic sponsored by: