Mic volume with TASCAM US-144

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Mic volume with TASCAM US-144

I have a Tascam US-144 that I have used to successfully record my electric guitar in GarageBand. When I purchased the US-144 there was a mail in offer for a free mic and headphones. I am trying to record my acoustic guitar with the free mic (Tascam MC-VT1) I received but the volume is too low even when the line is turned all the way up. Phantom is off and mono is on.

Any ideas?

MacBook Pro 17", Mac OS X (10.5), Mac Mini, Time Capsue 1TB, iPhone 3G 16GB (Black)

Posted on May 6, 2009 4:02 PM

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Answer 1

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

May 6, 2009 5:46 PM in response to geetarz4me

Not an ideal mic for recording acoustic. It'll probably have to be pretty close to the guitar. (and be sure it's switched on).

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Answer 2

geetarz4me Author

Level 1

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May 6, 2009 7:38 PM in response to poflynn

The mic was on! It did produce some sound but very faint with the acoustic. I also tried recording with my electric through a talk box with similar results. Is it just a crappy mic? Do mics require a pre-amp (like this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/ART-Tube-MP-Studio-Mic-Preamp?sku=1 80581) to work properly?

What mic would you recommend for recording both acoustic guitar and vocals?

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Answer 3

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

May 6, 2009 8:23 PM in response to geetarz4me

You already have a preamp in your Tascam. The ART can maybe help some but it shouldn't "need" it. I can't speak to the quality of the Tascam mic, but given that it costs less than $50...

There are many, many mics out there designed to do different things, and many ways to record acoustic guitar. I like the two-mic method (a condenser and a dynamic like the Shure SM-57) or a condenser mic and line-in. In each case you're recording onto two tracks. I use an M-Audio Nova condenser and the Dean Markley ProMag Grand soundhole pickup.

Here's HT's mic page: http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/Microphones.html

Also check MusiciansFriend, Sweetwater, etc.

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Answer 4

geetarz4me Author

Level 1

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May 9, 2009 11:31 AM in response to poflynn

Thanks for the mic recommendations. I read great things about the SM57. I also looked at the SM58 which is the same price and also has great reviews. Which one would be better for acoustic guitar and voice recording?

Also, will either of these mics with the US-144 solve my volume problems?

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Answer 5

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

May 9, 2009 2:19 PM in response to geetarz4me

Not having used them for recording I can't really say. Personal preference dictates much of this stuff. Keep researching, reading and asking questions on this and other home recording forums. (As far as I know, the 58 is more for vocals while the 57 is good for mic'ing amps, etc. but can also be used for vocals).

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Answer 6

geetarz4me Author

Level 1

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May 16, 2009 6:43 PM in response to poflynn

I read somewhere the problem with my volume will be corrected if I use an XLR cable - the mic came with 1/4" plug. I ordered one and will let you know if it works.

I may still order a SM57. Very versatile mic for $99 and currently has a $10 rebate.

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Answer 7

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

May 16, 2009 6:46 PM in response to geetarz4me

plugging a mic into a Line-In (1/4") would be a problem, yes

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Answer 8

geetarz4me Author

Level 1

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May 21, 2009 4:30 PM in response to geetarz4me

I received an XLR cable today, plugged it in, and the volume is loud enough to record. I did have to turn up the line volume to the maximum level.

Problem solved!

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Answer 9

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

May 21, 2009 11:48 PM in response to geetarz4me

Good deal. Have fun making music.

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