New mic doesn't work with GB

Question

New mic doesn't work with GB

I just got a Sterling Audio ST55 mic and am plugged into an M-Audio Mobile Pre USB interface. However, I'm not getting any sound coming into GarageBand. I've tried: switching the cable; switching the input; and Phantom on (and off). I also tried the mic in a guitar amp and it worked. Also, my Sennheiser stage mic DOES come through (but maybe a little weak) when plugged into the interface. I'm not sure what else to try. Any advice?

GarageBand (Mac) '11, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Sep 11, 2013 5:16 PM

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Answer 1

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Sep 11, 2013 6:40 PM in response to NewportFolkPH

You do need to have phantom power on.Turn the pad switch off on the mic.

And does the signal light on the interface light when using the mic?

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Answer 2

Sep 12, 2013 3:47 PM in response to isteveus

Thanks for replying. I tried phantom on and off...at best, I get a very faint sound and then only if all levels (FB track, FB overall recording level, and interface level) are maxed. Oh...and no, the signal light on the interface does not come on when I use the mic.

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Answer 3

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Sep 12, 2013 5:09 PM in response to NewportFolkPH

Try anothe XLR cable. Sounds like the cable has a short or is not wired corectly for phantom power.

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Answer 4

Sep 12, 2013 7:06 PM in response to isteveus

Thanks for trying but I've already tried that (see original post).

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Answer 5

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Sep 12, 2013 7:09 PM in response to NewportFolkPH

You said you tried it in a guitar amp. I thought you may be using a XLR to 1/4" cable that will not work with this mic.

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Answer 6

Sep 12, 2013 7:25 PM in response to isteveus

No. The amp has a channel that takes an XLR. I don't doubt that the mic works. It just speaks a different language than something else in the chain. I've wondered about trading it in for a Yeti mic (which plugs into the usb directly). I thought removing the interface from the chain might help and hopefully I wouldn't lose much...except of course that means one set up for vocals and a different one (the interface) for any plugged-in guitars.

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Answer 7

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Sep 12, 2013 7:44 PM in response to NewportFolkPH

Mics, interfaces and computers all speak basically the same language this is standard over all brands. The fact that the light on the interface is not lighting indicates the signal from the mic is not getting to the interface or for some reason the interface can not boost the signal to a usable level.

Condenser mic need to be powered to work and usually provide a strong signal. If the mic is working as it should and the cable is wired correctly (needs to carry the 48v to the correct pins) then maybe the interface is at fault.

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