Tiny problem with Rode NT1000

[C. Hanson]

It's great mic and all, but when I plug straight into one of the XLR jacks on my Yamaha AW1600, I need to run the gain on that input nearly all the way up when doing acoustic guitars or vocals. I expected the mic to have a bit more "pickup" than it does (although, it's early days yet!).

I'm thinking of getting a cheap preamp, whatever I can reasonably afford at the time, so the chain would be mic > preamp > channel.

Is there a problem with running a standalone preamp in tandem with the in-built preamp in the AW1600? Or does it just boost the signal (which is my intention)?

Thanks in advance.

[brandondrury]

This sounds like a problem with phantom power. Can you confirm that you have phantom power turned on?

Brandon

[C. Hanson]

Well, yeah, I thought of that and checked it, but will check again. In fact, I believe I usually leave it switched on, as I'm often using one or other of the condenser mics listed in my "tag" below.
I'll have another look--just not tonight as I'm tired and half-pissed.

Thanks heaps.

[jagcmos]

What are your peak db levels when recording with the gain maxed out ?

It has a cardioid polar pattern, so make sure that you have the correct side of the mic aimed at the guitar. I have done this several times.

[mindundermatter]

Is it possible that you have a pad engaged on your preamp? Or maybe you are facing the wrong side of the capsule toward the source?

Is there a problem with running a standalone preamp in tandem with the in-built preamp in the AW1600? Or does it just boost the signal (which is my intention)?

As long as you are running it to a line input, you should be fine. Otherwise you are just running a preamp into a preamp, which is unnecessary.

[C. Hanson]

Thanks for the replies and advice, everyone. I've done much fiddling around with it and it seems to be more manageable now. It was probably just a combination of new gear, inexperience and impatience.