Mic Level problems

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BENZOFOG
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2011/08/07 03:06:04 (permalink)

Mic Level problems

my mic levels are way low a few weeks back i purchased an interface Lexicon Alpha and it seems when i use it with my AKG 200 the Condinser mic had lost its thickness. like an amplification problem I don't know. All I know i was having a bit of a problem with my old computer dropping out and keeping up. However it had Audigy soundcard which had an interface where the cd tray goes with volume and head phone levels. That thing could make my AKG sound massive!!! But with all the problems the PC it's self had I needed to get another CPU. So I got a new HP from Bestbuy It's monster and I purchased a Lexicon Alpha interface and thats where the mic level went bye bye. I've checked all the levels of recording and everything has been set high all the way my level only comes out halfway on the recording level it's weak has no thickness and I just want the old mic sound back!!! I am using a power supply for the AKG 200 Condenser forgot to say that...Help please!
 
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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Mic Level problems 2011/08/07 09:08:57 (permalink)

    The Mic levels anticipated to arrive at the Lexicon is almost a match to the voltage levels coming from a mic such as the AKG 200.

    The Mic levels anticipated to arrive at the Audigy were much lower than the voltage levels coming from a mic such as the AKG 200.


    When you are working with gear like this there is not much of a standard with regards to levels.



    Mic levels are described in Pro Gear as -40dBu thru -60dBu, but with a large diaphragm condenser microphone the levels can be as hot as +4dBu. (that's right... just measure the output with a volt meter some day.) and that is because they have a preamp built right into the microphone body.


    I think you are saying you liked the sound when your mic was driving the Audigy aggressively and now you miss that sound. The Lexicon is a closer match... it has a +10dBu max on the mic input... so you arr probably only able to drive that input a little bit.


    There are lots of other considerations like impedance etc. but I think it all adds up to what I have suggested above.

    best regards,
    mike





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    BENZOFOG
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    Re:Mic Level problems 2011/08/08 01:17:41 (permalink)
    Great example! I guess i should have explained better I appologize.
    The Lexicon will not even let me put the levels of the AKG 200 into the red. Not that I want to!!! But I would be nice to get the mic hotter then halfway on the levels...I should probably look closer as to where db is at what level I'm thinking just a guess I'm getting maybe 4 to 5 db at most...Is that how I explain it...
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