low volume and hum using mic

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 6:11 pm

50 dB gain is for the X2U. If the Centrance has more gain/better S/N it could work. As I said we don't know the gain or S/N of the Centrance.

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 6:36 pm

Here is a review of four USB mic interfaces, complete with voice-over tests recorded with a Shure SM57.

http://recordinghacks.com/2009/07/04/us ... cmate-x2u/

The Centrance sounds OK and is the only one I'd go with because it is 24 bits and will thus normalize better.

I used to have an MXL Mic Mate and it really was a P.O.S.

Post by **kozikowski** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 9:11 pm

I ned to go through that when I get back.
Koz

Xerlome · Post by **Xerlome** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 9:14 pm

Well, I'll know better about a lot of things if there's a next time. I was led down the wrong road by the seller. Now I have what I have, so I''ll make it work best it can.

Under "Sound, Video and Game Controllers", there is CyberLink WebCam Virtual Driver, NVIDIA High Definition Audio, Realtek High Definition Audio, and USB Audio CODEC. Is the last one the Dual Pre? Should I disable all the others? I didn't know I had CyberLink WebCam Virtual Driver, don't know what it does.

The cable from the mic to the preamp is 15 ft. I read something suggesting that long cables could be a problem. Is this so?

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:26 pm

Xerlome wrote:Under "Sound, Video and Game Controllers", there is CyberLink WebCam Virtual Driver, NVIDIA High Definition Audio, Realtek High Definition Audio, and USB Audio CODEC. Is the last one the Dual Pre? Should I disable all the others? I didn't know I had CyberLink WebCam Virtual Driver, don't know what it does.

The cable from the mic to the preamp is 15 ft. I read something suggesting that long cables could be a problem. Is this so?

The last one is probably your Dual Pre. Yes, disable all the others.

If you have a proper mic cable, length will not be an issue in your situation. By "proper mic cable" it has to be two-conductor shielded. Generally there will be an XLR connector on each end. You don't want a phone, phono or RCA plug on one end.

Do you think you can return the ART preamp? The seller sounds like either a crook or an idiot.

Xerlome · Post by **Xerlome** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 12:09 am

I see now that the USB Audio CODEC is the mic itself.

Realtek High Definition Audio is what I use for audio. How can I disable that? I don't know anything about NVIDIA.

The Dual Pre was recommended here as a solution to my problem, and it is an improvement. I get good enough voice with the light noise reduction, so after over a month of working on this issue I need to settle for now. Meaning I want to learn about solutions, but not any more equipment changes or expense.

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 2:28 am

I see now that the USB Audio CODEC is the mic itself.

It's not your SM58. The SM58 is an analog device. Your mic preamp is a USB device and you have one USB device in your list of devices, so that must be the preamp.

Disable the rest for your test recording. Do you have a webcam plugged in? They sometimes have built-in mics.

I suspect your ART preamp is the source of the hiss. It's not exactly a high-end piece of equipment. Do the experiment anyway if you're so inclined.

Xerlome · Post by **Xerlome** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 3:41 am

I disabled the three items. I did a mic test. The meter showed the same noise level as before. The recording wouldn't play. I had to enable the Realtek.

I don't understand the purpose of this test. I had a USB cable which was much noisier than the Dual Pre. I can't afford high end equipment.

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 4:23 am

It confirms the theory that the preamp is noisy.

To validate that theory you need to eliminate any other potential source of hiss.

Post by **kozikowski** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 4:40 am

50 dB gain is for the X2U

The review claimed all the units had 40dB gain. That's probably more accurate and that's the problem. If my X2U had higher gain, I would like it a lot more. And yes, there was a complaint in the review comments of low volume. The reviewer was recording a live [rock] voice and percussion session, not expressive, emotional singing or delicate guitar music. Those don't tend to work out very well.

I had a USB cable which was much noisier than the Dual Pre.

If none of the elves actually owns the equipment in question, all we can do is go with other people's experiences and recommendations. Overall, the Dual Pre seems to have been a respectable performer. All or almost all of the forum complaints were resolved. A very typical complaint was its insistence on recording stereo with the live microphone only on one side. Yes. That's how it works and it's easily fixed in post production.

Wasn't this the unit that could be used with a battery inside? I assume you didn't get the wall power supply. See if the noise improves by putting a battery inside. USB power has caused problems.

Just for giggles. Leave Audacity stopped and see if you can get the MicPre red clip light to come on. Turn the volume control all the way up and say "wooof" louder and louder into the microphone until the red clip light comes on.

I need to drop out for a bit.

Koz

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