iMic volume/noise issues

[tymime]

I've been trying to record my voice, but I'm constantly running into problems. I'm using an Electro-Harmonix ribbon mic, an iMic (Windows is running on Boot Camp), and I have Realtek HD output. But no matter what settings I use (output, input, volume, Audacity settings, iMic settings, whether or not I use the preamp), I either get an extremely quiet recording (which results in hiss when I boost the volume), or a loud buzzing noise.

What am I doing wrong?

[kozikowski]

One or two notes. Ribbon microphones can do very well with sound, but they are big and heavy and more importantly, they don't produce a lot of electrical signal when they're working. No matter how hard I google, I can't get get anybody to tell me what the output connector is. 3-pin XLR? If it is, how did you get it to plug into the iMic?

...which by the way, is dangerous for a ribbon. The iMic supplies battery on the microphone connections and you could blow out your ribbon.

Koz

[tymime]

I don't know much about various connectors, but I can tell you that my mic does have 3 pins on the bottom, and the other end of the cord that came with it has your standard 6.3 mm audio jack, so I just used an adaptor.
So are you telling me that I spent all that money on a mic that I can't use with my iMac?

[kozikowski]

Ummm. 3.5mm plug, like this...

http://www.kozco.com/tech/audioconnecto ... ctors.html

Well, nobody ever accused the iMic of being especially good at anything, quality, overload, matching, or noise. So that's the weak link here. You can put that in the garage where I put mine.

You should have a "real" USB Audio device with the same three-pin thing that's on the end of the microphone. Like this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XLR_connector

They make very standard microphone cables with male on one end and female on the other. If you walk into any music store and request a 20 foot XLR cable, they shouldn't even blink.

Now, the USB device. Here I'm in deep water because my Macs take a slightly different device, so I can't confidently throw model numbers like the Windows people can. Maybe they'll drop by. Pieces...Behringer?

The microphone is such a good thing that it's well worth your while to redesign the system around it. Ribbon microphones and Phantom Power do not get along. Make sure all Phantom Power is turned off before you connect a ribbon.

Do not blow into a ribbon microphone or allow anybody else to do so. Any microphone, but particularly a ribbon. There is no limit to the excursion of the ribbon and one good blow can reduce your microphone to trash. "Testing, One, Two, Whhhhh----------"

Koz

[stearman65]

I tried the Imic & eventually sent it back for a refund. I now use a Behringer to power my amplified speakers & a Samson C03 usb mike for recording.
Stearman65

[tymime]

I want to make it clear that my mic came with a cable with a female XLR at one end and a 6.3 mm jack at the other, so I assume this is what the manufacturer expected me to use. I only had to use an adaptor because the iMic only takes 3.5 mm.
The iMic has been exceptional at converting my old audio tapes, so I'm really disappointed that I have to downgrade either the microphone or the means to connect to my computer.

Would anyone here recommend this?:
http://www.amazon.com/LightSnake-STUSBX ... roduct_top

[kozikowski]

LOL. 6.3mm is a quarter-inch phone plug. We're not used to that new fangled Metric stuff here in Los Angeles.

<<<The iMic has been exceptional at converting my old audio tapes>>>

Big difference. The signal from a tape player is roughly a thousand times louder than the signal from your microphone. It's "Line Level." Much easier to manage. Microphones are hard. Ribbons even harder.

<<<LightSnake-STUSBXLR10-USB-Microphone-cable>>>

There have been some posted troubles with those, although there are a lot of them out there. At that price, you can try it and E-Bay it if it doesn't work.

Koz

[steve]

These have been highly recommended by other Audacity users, and should be suitable for your ribbon microphone (a bit more money than the LightSnake though)
http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp ... =1&type=79

[kozikowski]

Oooooo. Vacuum Tubes! [searching for crucifix to brandish and garlic to wrap around neck].

Koz

[steve]

Oooooo. Vacuum Tubes! [searching for crucifix to brandish and garlic to wrap around neck].
Koz

Oh yes - They're all the rage you know.