Shure SM58 and Studio 24C

[dtheb]

Hi All. I am trying to use an SM58 mic with the 24C. It works, but the level is extremely low. I want to be able to use this setup for tutorial videos using screen recorders. There is no DAW software involved, just the 24C. Am I doing something wrong? The Universal Control app is up to date, BTW. Both inputs to the 24C show the same low level. Do I need a mic preamp ahead of the 24C for this microphone?

Thanks,
dtheb

 

[Gerran]

Make shure to use an XLR cable to plug the mic into the interface, otherwise you'll probably end up in the line input circuit, bypassing the preamp. (I haven't studied the interface, but with an XLR cable you can't go wrong).
An SM58 isn't known for very hot signals, so it's not unusual you need to crank the preamp, and push the signal into a limiter.

 

[dtheb]

Re

Make shure to use an XLR cable to plug the mic into the interface, otherwise you'll probably end up in the line input circuit, bypassing the preamp. (I haven't studied the interface, but with an XLR cable you can't go wrong).
An SM58 isn't known for very hot signals, so it's not unusual you need to crank the preamp, and push the signal into a limiter.

Hi. Thanks for the quick reply. I am using an XLR connector. Looks like I will have to crank up the 24C.
ply

 

[lokeyfly]

While a great stage mic, an SM57 or 58 will not typically be sufficient for tutorial videos. The old saying "eat that mic" comes to mind from my old sound reinforcement days. Invest in a condenser mic. Switch to phantom power and you'll have tons of headroom and not have to have the SM58 always in your face. Which tends to be a little off-putting.
Truly.

 

[dtheb]

While a great stage mic, an SM57 or 58 will not typically be sufficient for tutorial videos. The old saying "eat that mic" comes to mind from my old sound reinforcement days. Invest in a condenser mic. Switch to phantom power and you'll have tons of headroom and not have to have the SM58 always in your face. Which tends to be a little off-putting.
Truly.

That's what I will do. Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

 

[lokeyfly]

Yeah, your 24C is equiped with phantom power. Switch that on for when you add the condensor mic, and you'll have oodles of gain, and can place the mic even a few feet away. Choose a large diaphragm 3" condensor mic. They can be purchased for as little as $90 to $150 for a very good one.
Good luck with your podcast. Visit my music channel when you can (see my sig).
Cheers.

 

[dtheb]

Yeah, your 24C is equipped with phantom power. Switch that on for when you add the condenser mic, and you'll have oodles of gain, and can place the mic even a few feet away. Choose a large diaphragm 3" condenser mic. They can be purchased for as little as $90 to $150 for a very good one.
Good luck with your podcast. Visit my music channel when you can (see my sig).
Cheers.

Hi. I have two MXL V57M mics in storage and got one out. It works great with the 24C but I have to crank level to the three o'clock position to get anything above about -22 with the the mic maybe 15 inches from my face. I've tried various positions of the mic relative to my face and everything is about the same. If I almost max out the 24C I get a decent level but also every noise around. Even a fly taking a dump registers. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[lokeyfly]

Hi. I have two MXL V57M mics in storage and got one out. It works great with the 24C but I have to crank level to the three o'clock position to get anything above about -22 with the the mic maybe 15 inches from my face. I've tried various positions of the mic relative to my face and everything is about the same. If I almost max out the 24C I get a decent level but also every noise around. Even a fly taking a dump registers. Am I doing something wrong?

You're going to have to find a position on the V57M that picks you up, without raising the gain so high. When you push the mic level too high, noise will invariably enter. A few things will minimize the noise. First and foremost is placement. Be aware of the microphones polar pattern. Also add a shock mount for any unwanted vibration even entering through the mic stand. EQ where the primary vocal EQ will reside. Reducing the lower frequencies below 120 hz is a good place to start. That will eliminate low frequency rumble, but you may have to go further to 150 hz. Not a problem from your voice. If you have background music, no issue worrying about EQ levels.

Getting anything greater than -22 doesnt sound good. Are you sure, you have phantom power switched on? The phantom power with no load should measure 48.0 VDC (+/-4.0 VDC).
keep the mic about a foot away and project. Don't shout, as its not necessary, but you should be getting far greater results from a condenser mic than a dynamic mic. There are other condenser mics you can try, with an XLR connection or purchase one with USB. This will have a built in Phantom power switch on the mic itself.

When you say, between the two mics, everything is about the same, then something is seriously wrong. There should be a distinct raise in level with the MXL with phantom power on. You may need to try the other. If there is still no difference, the phantom voltage on the 24C is not right.

 

[dtheb]

Hi. Apologies. I meant both condenser mics sound the same. There is obvious level differences between those two and the SM58. I did some testing and here are the results:

1. Tested both condensers on a different preamp and also directly into mic inputs on my Mackie board. All indicated low sensitivity on the condensers.
2. I tried different cables. Same problem.
3. The condensers are new old stock. Brand new, never used, but at least twenty years old. I'm thinking the condensers have aged out.

If you think that might be the problem, any suggestions on a new mic around $150 or less?

 

[Gerran]

I have several "old" condenser microphones lying around and not all of them have had a hard job during their time. Not saying your mics can't have broken, but if they were stored dry and reasonably comfortable I wouldn't suspect a broken unit at first.
I have no experience with the MXL's, so I have no comparison material, but it does seem odd getting that low level signal. As @lokeyfly asked, did you check the polar pattern (use the proper side as front)? If also an another mixer gives a low signal reading, I'm not sure what else to check...

 

[dtheb]

Yes, I used various mic configurations and distances. No dice. Phantom voltages are OK. It's something common to both devices. As you mentioned it's not physical damage. However there are electronics in the mics and components change value over time. Maybe using them every once in a while keeps that aging from happening? I bought them at the same time so it could be I got two lemons and never knew it because I never used them. Stranger things have happened. Any thoughts about replacements? I was looking at an AT2020.

 

[TimC340]

Get hold of some other mics to test. The common factor so far is your 24C. If you get similarly poor results from other mics, it may be time to replace your interface.

 

[Gerran]

I don't know the AT2020. I have a PreSonus PX-1 and was rather surprised with it's quality, given the price. It does hold up pretty well against my AKG 214, although I don't throw as much towards it as I do with the 214. But for voice, it's more than adequate in my opinion.

 

[lokeyfly]

Hi. Apologies. I meant both condenser mics sound the same.

Sorry, my error.

There is obvious level differences between those two and the SM58. I did some testing and here are the results:

1. Tested both condensers on a different preamp and also directly into mic inputs on my Mackie board. All indicated low sensitivity on the condensers.
2. I tried different cables. Same problem.
3. The condensers are new old stock. Brand new, never used, but at least twenty years old. I'm thinking the condensers have aged out.

Ok, good check, particularly through the Mackie.

If you think that might be the problem, any suggestions on a new mic around $150 or less?

I dont in particular. Many can be had at that price, so just check prices and brands.
perhaps a AKG P120, MXL V67G, Rode NT1, etc. Ive been very happy with Studio Projects C1, B1, and C4's. https://share.google/iqQIJnE6sBdwZO6lS

Still perplexing that you're not getting the gain. You should be getting much greater sensitivity through a condenser. Make sure there are no pad settings activated. Dazz about it.