I can't record - record meter not working

Audacity 3 Help Forum
1

Hi all,

I am not tech savvy at all, so please be patient with me.

I have been using Audacity for years with no problems, I record voice overs. I have a Shur MB mic, solid state logic audio interface and cloud lifter. Super easy set up, everything plugs into my laptop (windows)

I took everything apart recently as I am travelling and want to record on the road. I cannot seem to record anymore. My laptop recognises my mic, all of my equipment, as it does in Audacity. But the record meter doesn’t work, and when I record it’s just blank, no sound.

I’ve googled and followed all the steps that I can

  • turning on/off
  • ensuring it’s actually connected
  • rescanning devices
  • checking sound settings on laptop
  • restarting/updating laptop
  • uninstalling and reinstalling

and nothing! If I click on my built in laptop mic, it works fine but as soon as I click back onto my external mic, it’s just blank. Is there anyone out there who can help or jump on a zoom with me please?

Thanks
Sadie

2

Some more information might be helpful…

What’s your operating system? Windows? There are few things you can check on Windows, (I’m a Windows guy so I can’t help with macOS or Linux.)

Exactly what interface are you using? Give us a link.

I can’t find that. Maybe an SM7B?

Does your interface have direct monitoring (without going through the computer)? If so, t That can confirm everything on the analog-side is working.

Does the interface show a signal? Usually there are LEDs or an LED meter.

Make sure phantom power is turned-on (on the interface) to power the Cloudlifter.

You can also try bypassing the Cloudlifter. The signal will be weaker but that eliminates one possibility.

In case you don’t know this, Audacity’s recording volume slider is now “hidden” under the recording meter. It doesn’t usually work with USB interfaces (which usually have their own knobs) but it’s something to check.