Shure SM-57 Problem
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Posted on Mar 12, 2006 12:36 am
peterparker
The Beat Keeper
Member Since: Dec 16, 2004
I recently picked up a SM57 and i am getting the weakest signal imaginable. I have another microphone that works perfectly fine.Im at the end of my rope.
Ive got the SM plugged into a Mogami microphone cable (both ends XLR) into a Presonus Preamp (single input). Ive tried switching to my other microphone cable (same kind). I tried using my other preamp (same model) and switching the inputs. Ive done the same thing with my Rode mic and all is working fine with it.
I even got a new SM, same issue. Any ideas, any ideas at all?
I have hit every damn button on the face of the preamps and nothing. Was wondering if i needed to use a Mic cable with XLR on one end and TRS on the other?
Please help, pretty please.
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Mar 12, 2006 01:06 am Is your Rode mic an active one? Meaning, does it have a battery in it? If so, it just may be way hotter and that's what you're set up for. The 57, being passive may working fine in and of itself, but have a much lower output. I can't imagine TWO SM-57s being defective. They are new, right?
The only thing I could recommend is; first of all, bypass anything that's not essential. If you have pre-amps on your mixer, ditch the Presonus. If that's all you have and you're going right into your sound card, try using the soundcard's preamps (for testing reasons, of course) I dare say try using both preamps, meaning plug into the 1/8" MICROPHONE input, check all the volume settings in windows to make sure they're not muted and then see how strong the signal is. If you're really at the end of your rope, as stupid as it may sound, I might suggest buying a new THIRD mic cable. You just have to question everything and take nothing for granted with such a simple configuration like this.
My guess is that your Rode mic is naturally alot hotter. The Presonus should have plenty of gain for an SM-57, or any mic for that matter, so I'd be looking at my sound card settings and Windows controls. Where are you getting the mics from? They're not refurbs or anything like that are they? Good luck!
Mar 12, 2006 10:47 am It's got to be in the mic gain on the preamp,mixer or whatever you plug in to. SM57 &58's generally need the gain almost fully hot or opened. But, they're darn good mics that have been around a long time. I have some that are at least 30 years old. J
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 12, 2006 01:05 pm Hey peter, most has been mentioned above. Honestly I would start with the gain on the pre amp for sure. I am pretty sure that is what it will end up being as Jastang stated above the Rode condensor does have a hotter output.
If that does not help then I would certainly make the store plug one in and show you the settings they are using to make sure it is a properly working mic.
As stated above as well, they arent refurbished are they?
Mar 13, 2006 12:20 pm Thanks Guys,
No, theyre not refurbs. Brand new. So basically i am going to have to go with cranking the drive and gain up. What causes the hotter out put on mics?
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 13, 2006 12:27 pm condensor mics have phantom power, that can up the output (not sure).
Also, the way the circuit is designed in the mic; like the type of transformer (if used), and the number of windings in the transformer. Or the type of fet used (if used). The sensitivity of the capsule and/or diaphragm can have a bearing, i'd think.
Stuff like that.
Mar 13, 2006 12:39 pm are you getting a 'normal' leveled signal with your preamp cranked up? if so, then all is well, but if you can't get a nice, hot signal with the preamp maxed, then yeah you've got a problem somewhere.
Mar 13, 2006 12:44 pm did anyone address the fact that condensers have hotter signals than dynamic mics right from the get go? if he's comparing the signal strength of a condenser to that of a dynamic...wont the condenser always have a hotter signal???
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Mar 13, 2006 02:53 pm Compared to my other dynamic mics, I've always found the 57 to demand more power from the pre .
Mar 13, 2006 06:13 pm If i have the gain and the drive turned in the middle then yes i cant get a semi decent signal. The meters move to maybe about halfway in protools.
If i turn the drive and the gain all the way up then i start to clip.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 13, 2006 08:47 pm OK, then you need to find that spot in the middle somewhere that will give a good signal but doesnt clip.
And yes, the subject of a condensor being hotter then a dynamic has been covered above.
Mar 14, 2006 01:06 pm yupyup that's perfectly normal, a preamp's job is to provide as much gain as may be needed by lots of different mics....the U87 (super nice mic) has a real weak signal and requires TONS of gain and really makes a preamp work. don't be afraid of crankin' it up a bit.
cheers
wyd
Mar 14, 2006 03:41 pm condensers have a pre amp built in that boosts its level. Phantom power is used to power the pre amp and polarise the plates.
Also, condensers are obviously more sensitive than dynamics, so yah, hotter levels and higher peaks.
sticadokid*sticado: short and LOUD!*Member
Since: Feb 25, 2005
Mar 17, 2006 10:08 am try not to use the drive. its adds distortion. unless u want that
