PreSonus Firebox Microphone Problems

[robrobbins]

I have a PreSonus Firebox, a Shure SM58 Dynamic Handheld Microphone, and a Studio Projects B1 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. With the Shure SM58 I cannot boost the volume of the microphone enough without maxing out the pre-amps and introducing unacceptable amounts of noise. The Studio Projects B1 microphone requires phantom power but even with the 48 volt phantom power turned on at the Firebox I cannot get any sound from this microphone.

What is the best microphone to use with the PreSonus Firebox? Does anyone have any ideas why I cannot get these microphones to work with it?

I am using a CBI HiZ Microphone Cable which has a XLR connector on one end and a 1/4 inch phone plug on the other. Is this the right sort of microphone cable for a phantom powered microphone or do I need a cable with male and female XLR connectors?

The PreSonus Firebox has a Neutrik Combo Connector which allows you to use either 1/4" phone or XLR connectors in the same female input.

:confused:

[Audiodude]

You need a standard XLR microphone cable. With that, you should be able to get either of these microphones to work.

[jmail]

Spank yourself once, gently (or not...), with that mic cable, for that... The B1 gets its phantom thru the 3rd leg of the XLR cable. The cable you have probably is high Z and may not be wired properly for the Shure either, which is probably low Z... What audiodude intends for you to get is a mic cable with the same end as the cable you have now has, that plugs into the mic, which is an XLR connector, and a similar, tho "opposite" ("female", as opposed to "male") XLR connector at the other end, instead of that 1/4" plug.

[hello people]

So, you have to be careful which xlr cable you get? What is high z and low z? If your mic is high z do you have to use a high z xlr cable?

I'm a bit lost. I thought all xlr cables were basically the same (with the exception of quality).