enoch
10-01-2006, 03:23 PM
I'm trying to use a pair of Shure KSM27 studio condenser mics with my M-Audio MobilePre USB audio box (connected to a Windows machine) but I'm being frustrated by low audio levels.
I have in the past used Shure 849s with the MobilePre successfully. The specs on the KSM27s say that they're 14 dB MORE sensitive than the 849s, yet they yield LOWER signal levels when used with the MobilePre! I consistently have to turn up the MobilePre gain knobs up so far that I start hearing amplifier hiss from the MobilePre. And that is with the MobilePre control panel on the computer also set at maximum gain.
One difference is that the KSM27s require phantom power and the 849s do not (when used with a battery); is it possible the MobilePre cannot provide sufficient phantom power to the KSM27s? (Yes, I have the phantom power switch turned on!)
Do I perhaps need separate mic preamps?
I had learned of a defect in some KSM27s, but after consulting Shure, I don't think that's the problem here.
I'd be grateful for any insights!
Thanks.
I have in the past used Shure 849s with the MobilePre successfully. The specs on the KSM27s say that they're 14 dB MORE sensitive than the 849s, yet they yield LOWER signal levels when used with the MobilePre! I consistently have to turn up the MobilePre gain knobs up so far that I start hearing amplifier hiss from the MobilePre. And that is with the MobilePre control panel on the computer also set at maximum gain.
One difference is that the KSM27s require phantom power and the 849s do not (when used with a battery); is it possible the MobilePre cannot provide sufficient phantom power to the KSM27s? (Yes, I have the phantom power switch turned on!)
Do I perhaps need separate mic preamps?
I had learned of a defect in some KSM27s, but after consulting Shure, I don't think that's the problem here.
I'd be grateful for any insights!
Thanks.