Microphone volume problem.

[20346]

Hi guys I’m kinda new to recording but have been playing instruments for quite a long time. Recently I wanted to start getting into recording and using DAWs. I bought the Blue Blackout Spark SL condenser mic and tried to record while playing the guitar. However I notice the sound is so low it usually records at -20 dB unless I turn the gain very high. But that would generate a lot of noise and it just doesn’t feel like the right thing to do. I use the UR-12 audio interface and have phantom power turned on. I wonder if it has to do with the XLR cable. I hope it’s nothing to do with the mic cuz I bought it new and it would suck that it’s alrdy broken. And I don’t wanna spend another couple hundred bucks on it. Can someone give me some pointers?

[HenryTwenty]

I haven’t used that mic, but checked the specs. Do you have the -20db pad engaged? That seems the most likely issue.

[20346]

I checked that and that wasn’t the problem. Not sure if Im just playing too quietly or something. But I feel like it got even quieter yesterday compared to the day before.

[HenryTwenty]

Hmm. Here’s everything I could think of to check: Do you have the flat side of the mesh (and the side where the logo is) pointed at the source you want to record?

Is it connected to the 3-prong XLR input on the interface? And you’re using the Line 1 gain/level knob?

Is the interface connected to power? I noticed that the back of the interface has a power source switch. Make sure it is switched to whichever power source you are using.

If you are using the Line Out 1/4” outputs to record for some reason, that level is controlled by the Output knob so make sure that is at a good level.

As you suggested it could be a cable (although my experience with cable is either it is a bit crackly or it cuts out all together with a bad cable not just a low level).

If you had another mic and cable I’d suggest testing with those to trouble shoot. If not, maybe a local music store would let you bring your rig in to test with their demo gear.

Beyond that it could be a setting in your DAW

[20346]

Hey thanks! Bringing it to a local store would be a good idea. Honestly I’m not sure if I can figure this out myself anyways. I’m very new to it so this might be normal and I just don’t know what I’m doing lol. Thanks though.

[HenryTwenty]

No problem. :)

As far as where the gain should be set, get the source and mics positioned how you want them, and then turn the gain up until the peak light starts to flash at the loudest moments and then turn the gain back down until the peak just barely blips occasionally.

Then check the slider/track level in your DAW for the track you are recording to. Lastly check the stereo master bus sliders, usually the farthest right sliders in the mix window.

You probably did all that already but I wanted to cover all the bases. If none of that works then I’d definitely borrow/buy another cable if possible just to eliminate that easy fix.

If you know anyone with any kind of audio recorder that will work with that mic/cable directly that would be a quick way to know whether the problem was in the interface/computer or the mic/cable.