Please help me set up my Mic :)

Posted on Mar 01, 2005 09:37 pm
dep
Member Since: Mar 01, 2005

Hello. I have a condenser MIC that runs into an ART Tube MP Pre-Amp. This then runs into my soundcard. I have an Input knob and an Output knob on my preamp, as well as buttons to toggle between

+20dB gain and Norm..

Phantom Pwr (+48V) and "Out"

Phase Reverse and Norm...

And then I have mixer settings in my PC for Mic boost, Gain, etc.

I just don't know what to do with it all... Then there is a switch on my Mic for 0 dB and -10 dB..

Any help? Any ideas on how I can set this up? because at high volumes of singing, i am getting distortion...

thanks for any pointers.

dep

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Rigsby
Ultra Magnus
Member
Since: Nov 13, 2004

Mar 02, 2005 04:05 am

The -10dB switch is for protecting the mic against overly loud sounds, so if you think you're about to record something pretty loud then switch it on. The specs of your mic will tell you what SPL (sound pressure level - external volume if you like) the mic can take, it's hard to judge exactly how loud the instrument you're micing is of course, but an acoustic guitar is quiet and timpani is loud, put it that way.

The +48V is for running condensers that need phantom power, you'll need to switch this on to power phantom powered mics (the power runs through the XLR cable) and be able to use them. If it's +48V to all channels then it won't damage dynamic mics to have phantom power going to them even though they don't need it, but 48V will blow ribbon mics if you ever use those.

WYD just put a good thread up about phase, but in simple terms if you record things out of phase thuis button switches the polartity of the signal (basically flipping the phase so that it's more in phase than it was).

That's all i have time for, i'm sure someone will be along to pick up the rest, good luck and have fun.

Hue
Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004

Mar 02, 2005 11:17 am

Hey dep, you probably already know this, but just a quick note re: the phantom power... y'a don't want to plug a mic in when your pre/mixer is turned on, and the +48v is employed... it'll blow your mic .

As far as your distorted vox, I highly recomend a compressor to even things out . If you've never had expereince with a compressor, you will be very pleased with the results ! It gives the signal a uniform volume... peaks are reduced, and valleys are brought up . If you have one you're set... if you don't get one, 'cause it really helps alot... kind'a required for good results .

So set up should be sumpin like :

Mic-> Pre-amp-> compressor-> soundcard .

Your pre may have a insert point for you to place the compressor in... if not, you can just run outs to ins, and you'd be in buisness .

dep
Member
Since: Mar 01, 2005

Mar 03, 2005 09:46 pm

thanks for all the very helpful info.

Geoff
SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002

Mar 03, 2005 10:24 pm

or you can adjust the gain on the preamp so you don't distort. A compressor is a great idea I have a few of them myself . Some times the simpilest solution works better than getting gear happy. Simply adjusting the gain on the pre-amp and the input signal in the sound card mixer (tweaking may take time) might work . If you have the green to get a compressor by all means it's not a bad investment , but alot of people tend to not use a compressor for vocals (and a lot do) , it differs for me some times i do and some times i don't . If i have a screamer that sings and then bellows out, I'm using a compressor . If the singer knows how to "work the mic" and is consistant , I keep it simple .

coolo
Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Mar 04, 2005 10:54 am

prolly don't need to mic boost in your pc if you have a preamp, and I'd start out with +20db toggled off, and just use the gain knob to adjust volume. Also, in going with what geoff said, you can also compress using software if you have said software and get great results.