Low gain on Firebox pre-amp

[soultwist]

I've noticed this when trying to mic my guitar - Ableton barely catches anything.

Do I just have to stay away from SM57 and get a less hungry mic (what do you recommend?), or am I missing something? I'd like to record audio at 'normal' levels and not have to artificially boost it once it's in Live.

[SubFunk]

i use a firebox with a SM57 myself.

don't have that problem, besides the +12db gain bump via the firebox control software might help.

but i get even without the +12db good juice coming into live.

do you have better results elsewhere?

maybe your guitar has a real low output (would be weird though, usually guitars and basses pumping out a hell lot and you have more likely problems of overdriving the ins... )

[soultwist]

Hmmm...Acoustic guitar? I'm placing the mic super close, any closer and it's IN the whole. Clearly not the right way to mic an acoustic but it's the only way I'll hear anything. Also I have to hit the strings super hard and try not to hit the mic at the same time.

I'll try boosting +12 dB. Thank you. Still weird that it's that bad.

I haven't tried other mics, maybe that's the next step. Could be a Firebox issue.

[SubFunk]

Hmmm...Acoustic guitar? I'm placing the mic super close, any closer and it's IN the whole. Clearly not the right way to mic an acoustic but it's the only way I'll hear anything. Also I have to hit the strings super hard and try not to hit the mic at the same time.

I'll try boosting +12 dB. Thank you. Still weird that it's that bad.

I haven't tried other mics, maybe that's the next step. Could be a Firebox issue.

oops yeah sorry SM57 , mixed that up LOL, my brain is a mash...

sounds like something is broken, either the firebox or the SM57...

[soultwist]

For electric, I have a Tokai (Les Paul) and plug it in straight to the Firebox. I get great results that way.