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Hi, I'm new around here and thought I should start off with a question :)

First off my setup:

Audio interface: U46DJ, 1/4'' balanced mic input and a instrument input (Hi-Z).
PC: DELL Inspiron 6400, 1.73 dual, 2GB RAM, 80GB 5400rpm.
Software: Sonar Producer 7

Problem:
- I connect my Shure SM57 using a XLR -> TRS cable to the microphone input.
When the soundcard is connected (USB) to the laptop, I can hear my self singing in the headphones.
- I make a new track in Sonar, set the input to 1/2 which is the mic input, arm the track and try recording. No signal.

I am using ASIO drivers, but have tried with both MME and WDM.
I can record guitar through the Hi-z input just fine, I can also record the mic through this input but with a lot of background static.

I have tried on several computers, with the onboard sound devices turned off, and on. I've tried all different versions of U46DJs drivers.

Am I overlooking something? Thanks!

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Comments

RemyRAD Fri, 12/26/2008 - 01:57

Your description of "static in the background" would lead me to believe that you may have the "Phantom Power" switch on/enabled? And this direct current voltage could be the reason why you can't record the signal as it has an extreme DC offset present? It really shouldn't be a factor even if a dynamic mike does not require Phantom power. Which it doesn't. So that button should not be pushed in. That Phantom button is only for externally powered condenser microphones not for dynamics or ribbons unless specified that it requires it.

Although this sounds more like a case of software routing problems? Hard to say?

Keep trying
Ms. Remy Ann David

Thomas W. Bethel Fri, 12/26/2008 - 03:24

Too many things could be wrong.

Bad microphone

Bad Microphone cable

Cable wired wrong

Bad input on the interface

Some software switch not in the right position

Some physical switch not in the right position

On most interfaces when you plug in the Hi Z input it disrupts the mic input so there could be a problem with the switching inside the jack that is not letting the microphone come through.

Best to do things in a logical order.

Make sure the microphone is working.

Make sure the XLR to TRS is wired correctly (you can use a VOM or a simple battery and a light with two pig tails to check that out)

When you know that the microphone and the cable are correct plug them into the hi Z input and see if that works (your will loose level but you should get something) after checking all of that out plug the microphone into where it is suppose to go and try it.

Best of Luck! and let us know what you found.

Calc Fri, 12/26/2008 - 08:30

Hi, thanks for replying.

Since I can hear my self through the monitors, and record using the Hi-Z input I think it is safe to say that both the mic and cable are O.K. They are in addition brand new.

I have also tried every setting known to man inside of Sonar :shock:

I've spent a full week troubleshooting this card, and am getting quite sick. Spending some money on a new one sounds extremely good to me at the moment! The shops open tomorrow and I might just go and buy a Line 6 TonePort UX1 or UX2.
If that doesn't work, I'll get a 4 track analog recorder, a pack of smokes, some beer and have fun :D

Thank you guys.

Thomas W. Bethel Mon, 12/29/2008 - 02:34

Calc wrote: I bought the Line 6 TonePort UX2 and everything works great now :)

No more ESI in this neighborhood!

GREAT but the interface should not make that much of a difference. Could you be more specific about what you did and then what happened when you got the new interface. I got the idea from your last post that it was something to do with SONAR and not the interface. You said you could hear yourself in the monitors but just could not record yourself on your computer.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Calc Mon, 12/29/2008 - 02:44

What I did was install Line 6 drivers (Gearbox), choose Mic1 as input in Gearbox and all was good.

I am pretty sure it is not a setting in Sonar that caused the problem, but what do I know :)

My guess is that the U46DJ card works and that it's a ESI driver issue. They are known for having incredibly bad drivers...

Would be nice to make it work though. Could be a nice gift...

anonymous Fri, 01/02/2009 - 10:43

I have a similar issue. Mic is going through a mixer then into the line input of the soundcard. I can hear everything great in the headphones and speakers but when recording the meter moves but no signal is recorded. Tried it on other software as well with same results. I then plugged into the mic input of the soundcard and everything worked as long as the gain was turned all the way up which of course had tons of noise. I was wanting to buy an e-mu 1616m anyways so maybe that will do it.

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