Low Signal even after preamp

[isaac012]

I have a condenser mic and preamp plugged into the line-in on my eMac (Nady tcm-1050 mic/behringer mic 100 pre). For some reason, even after the preamp, I'm getting an incredibly low signal. I have to have the gain up so high that there is lots of "fuzz" and I still have to yell into the mic. What's going on here?

 

[dusty]

low signal maybe

did you check the system preferences sound control to see that the built-in line input is selected and the volume slider is up a bit?

 

[isaac012]

Yep, tried that

Yeah, I tried adjusting the line-in level (it's all the way up), and that helped-but not near enough. Could it be that even my preamp doesn't boost the singal enough? That is, the input on my emac is line level (not mic level).

 

[RisingPhoenix]

Hmm...

Are you using the Nady with it's included outboard power supply?

You didn't specify this in your post. The Nady condenser mic likely won't work without it's unique power supply to properly power the tube.

If the Nady is indeed being powered by it's power supply with the Behringer downstream as a preamp and it still doesn't work, something is indeed wrong. In this configuration the Behringer's phantom power should be turned off, though that shouldn't cause the trouble you describe. A faulty cable perhaps? A faulty connection or faulty variable polar pattern switch in the power supply? One time when I was just starting out I had the levels cranked and couldn't figure out why the mic sounded so awful and hissy; it turned out I was singing into the back of the mic! Don't forget to check the polar patterns, especially on a variable pattern mic. Let us know what fixes it. Best of luck!

 

[isaac012]

Should I use different cables?

I am indeed using the nady's power supply in conjunction with the preamp (with the preamp's phantom power switched off). The front of the mic is the side with the writing i guess? I've tried all of the polar patterns, but I'll try them again. Could it be the cords that I'm using? I'm using an XLR cable into the preamp with a 1/4" instrument cable running out of the preamp-then I have the 1/4" cord plugged into a cheapo (literally Radioshak brand) 1/4"-1/8" plug which then is plugged into the line-in on the mac. Could the cords or the plug be the culprit?