Re: Why is my microphone input so low?
Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 12:11 am
huh?
Dynamic mics have fairly low output level compared to condensers. Most audio interface preamps only have about a 55 db gain range which is usually not enough for a dynamic or ribbon but perfect for a condenser.JayDeLux wrote:Hello,
I don't have much technical knowledge although working on it!
I am playing around with Ableton and a microphone.
I understand the equipment is quite good quality but I don't understand why my microphone input signal is soooo low. After recording I can play the clip but the volume is very low, I have to add 'utility' with gain very high to reach the expected level (and it does not sound clean).
I use:
- Ableton
- Sound card: Steinberg UR22 (input 1, pot at 90% - going over adds background static dirty sound)
- Microphone: Sure SM58 'dynamic'
-> Maybe there is something missing in the chain or something to be configured in Ableton?
Thanks in advance.
There are signal boosters you can buy such as the Cloudlifter cl-1 which will boost your signal by 20-25 db which usually is enough.
Also keep in mind that you can usually get away with recording a low signal and boosting in the mix. If you are peaking between -30 to -20 dbfs on your recording turning it up in the mix shouldn’t be that much of an issue.