basic vocal micing q

[lovefish]

Hi, reasonably simple question which requires a simple answer...i hope.

I am running an SM-58 into a Motu Ultralite which is connected by firewire to my G4. I am recording spoken vocals into bias peak and only require a dry signal as all the effects will be applied after recording.

My problem is that the levels i am getting are very low, even with the trim on the channel set at +24dB it barely tickles the signal meter. I know i don't need phantom power on the channel since it's a dynamic mic. Apparently the pad switch on the Motu can add up to an extra 36dB to the signal but this isn't having any effect.

At the moment i have the shure connected via TRS into the combo jack input but would the lower impedance of an XLR connector make any difference?

Do i need to pay close attention to the bit depth, sampling rate and clock source settings? What about balanced/unbalanced (clear that up?) there is only one insulating ring on the TRS connector so does that mean it is a mono jack. is this XLR to TRS cable even a suitable microphone cable...

I'm sure there are some obvious solutions but any help will be greatly appreciated

thanks in advance
tim

[speiris]

Hi there.

I don't know anything about the Motu Ultralite but I'm "guessing" that by using a microphone cable with a TRS plug is the problem (in your instance). It could be that the TRS input of the combo-jack is a "line-level" input. Try swapping the cable for a XLR to XLR mic cable. I think this will solve your problem. The XLR component of the combo-jack should be a "mic-level" input.

If I am correct then the reason why you're getting bugger-all signal coming through is the fact that you're sending a low-level microphone signal into a line level input which is expecting a hotter (more powerful) signal (like from a CD player output).

Anyway, it depends on how the Ultralite was designed. I could be wrong. But with other units I've used which have combo-jacks, this has been the case.

Also, you mentioned the pad. I think pads are meant to attenuate the output signal, not pump it up. So I don't recommend activating it unless the source you're recording is unavoidably making the output signal too loud. (?) I've never owned any gear with pads. But from what I've read in the past this is my understanding.

Well hope this helps!
Cheers
Sriyan

[lovefish]

hi, yep you're absolutely right! popped out and got an XLR-XLR cable and that got me the signal i needed. the 24dB trim takes me up to clipping with the levels i'm recording at.

thanks for your help