Major help needed...FINALLY UP AND RUNNING *pics*

[whatshername]

Okay..so as I said in my other thread about Cool Edit, I'm having microphone issues. I got a Samson CO1U USB Studio Condenser mic for Christmas. The guy told my mom that I just simply plug it into my USB port and start recording, no questions asked. Well, apparently he was wrong. I did that and I could barely hear myself after playing it back. The guys in the other thread said that because it is a "condenser mic" and is not "phantom powered" it will not record loudly. I don't know what any of this means. Can you guys equip me with some mic knowlege for when I go back to the music store tomorrow? I just want a good microphone that will pick up sound really well and sound very clear and crisp. Help!

[Kahn]

Phantom power is a dc voltage (11 - 48 volts) which powers the preamplifier of a condenser microphone. Phantom power is normally supplied by the microphone mixer, but may also be supplied by a separate phantom power supply. Phantom requires a balanced circuit in which XLR pins 2 and 3 carry the same dc voltage relative to pin 1. So if a mixer supplies 48 volts of phantom, XLR pins 2 and 3 of the microphone cable each carry 48 volts dc relative to pin 1. Of course, the mic cable carries the audio signal as well as the phantom voltage.

Mixers that supply phantom power contain current limiting resistors which act as control valves. If the microphone or cable is improperly wired, these resistors limit the flow of current to the microphone and thereby prevent damage to the phantom supply circuit.

A balanced dynamic microphone is not affected by phantom power. However, an unbalanced dynamic microphone will be affected. Although the microphone will probably not be damaged, it will not work properly.

Basically, your condenser mic need a little extra jolt to get it working properly. Most USB preamps come with a phantom power button. You need this to work any condenser mic.

Basically, you are looking for a Dynamic mic like the Shure SM57 and 58 that don't require phantom power, unless you want to shell out about $150 and buy a USB interface with phantom power.

Also, if you are looking to return that condenser mic, good luck. It is against health regulations for a store to take a mic back, there is usually a no refund policy on microphones.

[whatshername]

Phantom power is a dc voltage (11 - 48 volts) which powers the preamplifier of a condenser microphone. Phantom power is normally supplied by the microphone mixer, but may also be supplied by a separate phantom power supply. Phantom requires a balanced circuit in which XLR pins 2 and 3 carry the same dc voltage relative to pin 1. So if a mixer supplies 48 volts of phantom, XLR pins 2 and 3 of the microphone cable each carry 48 volts dc relative to pin 1. Of course, the mic cable carries the audio signal as well as the phantom voltage.

Mixers that supply phantom power contain current limiting resistors which act as control valves. If the microphone or cable is improperly wired, these resistors limit the flow of current to the microphone and thereby prevent damage to the phantom supply circuit.

A balanced dynamic microphone is not affected by phantom power. However, an unbalanced dynamic microphone will be affected. Although the microphone will probably not be damaged, it will not work properly.

Basically, your condenser mic need a little extra jolt to get it working properly. Most USB preamps come with a phantom power button. You need this to work any condenser mic.

Basically, you are looking for a Dynamic mic like the Shure SM57 and 58 that don't require phantom power, unless you want to shell out about $150 and buy a USB interface with phantom power.

Also, if you are looking to return that condenser mic, good luck. It is against health regulations for a store to take a mic back, there is usually a no refund policy on microphones.

It looks like I haven't even touched it. I'm going to tell them I didn't use it...I mean I barely did, I plugged it in and recorded my piano and my guitar and decided it sounded like shit. If they don't take it back I'll have my mom do it..then they'll definitely take it back.

Oh, and also, I sent my mom on a mission for a completely different microphone..but the guy that worked there gave her this one and insisted on it. She won't forget that.

So are the Shure 57 and 58 USB connections?

[Kahn]

Those are my two mics. They are connected to my USB preamp seen here, like so.

Then From the preamp, It connects to my computer's USB port. As you can see, the preamp has a button for phanton power, but since the mics are dynamic, I dont need it. If I happen to buy a condenser mic down the road, I will be fully equiped, though. I highly suggest investing in the USB preamp, as it can make even mediocre mics sound great. I love it.

Plus, this way I can record up to 4 channels at the same time, and I can record live performances. The best feature is being able to hook my acoustic's pickup and mic it at the same time for an amazing sound.

[whatshername]

so how much will all of this run me? i'm not looking to spend a bagillion dollars

[Kahn]

The SM58 was close to $100, and the SM57 was close to $90, I cant remember maybe it was $90 and $80.

The Preamp was $149

If you buy the preamp, it will work amazing with your condenser mic. But if you want all three, you would have to buy cables and mic stands if you dont allready have them, it cost me almost $450.

[whatshername]

so then i just need the preamp and the condenser mic will work awesome? i should just do that huh?

[sunglassesatnight]

Whit, your mic is technically phantom powered by the USB port, unless it has battery power, which would be odd, but is possible.

The dude told you wrong. Make sure Cool Edit has the recording input set to USB. Try that prior to taking it back. I know a number of people who have had good success with such mics.

Your mic will plug into nothing but a USB port. The preamp thing is only for connecting mics/instrument lines to the computer through USB.

It could be the port you're using too, try a different one.

Hope this works for you.

[whatshername]

Whit, your mic is technically phantom powered by the USB port, unless it has battery power, which would be odd, but is possible.

The dude told you wrong. Make sure Cool Edit has the recording input set to USB. Try that prior to taking it back. I know a number of people who have had good success with such mics.

Your mic will plug into nothing but a USB port. The preamp thing is only for connecting mics/instrument lines to the computer through USB.

It could be the port you're using too, try a different one.

Hope this works for you.

thanks! i'll try this tomorrow and let you know!

[Kahn]

oops, sorry for the mis information
thanks for jumping in, Slimer

[sunglassesatnight]

No problem y'all. I hope this works out for you Whit.

[whatshername]

one question..how do i check that cool edit is set to USB?

[whatshername]

okay, so i just read the manual on this bitch and it says that you can install driver software for it that allows you to control gain, low-cut filter, input metering, and phase switch. which of these should i fool around wiht? or better yet, which of these would make my recording sound so quiet?

[Kahn]

okay, so i just read the manual on this bitch and it says that you can install driver software for it that allows you to control gain, low-cut filter, input metering, and phase switch. which of these should i fool around wiht? or better yet, which of these would make my recording sound so quiet?

most likely the gain is too low

[whatshername]

okay, so i just read the manual on this bitch and it says that you can install driver software for it that allows you to control gain, low-cut filter, input metering, and phase switch. which of these should i fool around wiht? or better yet, which of these would make my recording sound so quiet?

most likely the gain is too low

i got it fixed! i needed to just re-install the samson co1u driver and adjust the input volume. it works like a champ now. i went out a bought a tripod and stuff for it as well..i'm gonna post pics of my little setup in a few minutes.

thanks everyone for all your help, i really appreciate it. that's what's great about dmbtabs, there's always someone who has knowledge of whatever subject you need and theyr'e always willing to help.