edwardli72 Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 Hey, so recently I bought a microphone to do some recording with, problem is that whenever I turn on phantom power the noise levels skyrocket. Is there any way to redirect these noise levels/get rid of them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigChas52 Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 What Line 6 interface are you using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fflbrgst Posted August 31, 2015 Share Posted August 31, 2015 Sounds like you have your input gain turned too high, but the nature of condensor mics is that they are more sensitive and will pickup more room noise than a dynamic mic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardli72 Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share Posted September 16, 2015 I'm using POD Farm 2. I've checked with the input knob, and it isn't just room noise, it's more like static. Kinda stumped on this. I've also tested the microphone via USB and it sounds relatively alright, no problems there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fflbrgst Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 What do you mean 'tested the mic via USB'? What mic is it? Have you tried a different XLR-XLR cable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psarkissian Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Phantom power is to be engaged when using condenser mics only. Do not engage phantom power when using dynamic or moving coil mics or it will damage the phantom power circuit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigChas52 Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 What microphone are you using, and which Line 6 hardware interface? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardli72 Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share Posted September 19, 2015 I'm using a line 6 UX2. @psarkissian This might be the problem. The microphone is apparently an "Electret Condenser Microphone" - without phantom power, the microphone isn't picking up anything when connected to the ux2. This is the microphone - http://www.sony.jp/microphone/products/ECM-PCV80U/ The microphone kit came with a USB connector, which is what I used to test whether the microphone was working or not. (XLR to USB) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigChas52 Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 If you are getting a lot of static noise, it could be a few different things. Troubleshooting is the elimination of variables, so here are some things to try: 1. Make sure that the UX2's gain pot isn't dirty. Work the gain control a bit to reduce any dirt and corrosion 2. Make sure that gain is set as low as you can make it. You might be overloading the pre-amp. 3. Use a POD Farm 2 preset that is designed for vocals, such as "Male Lead Vocals" 4. Try a different XLR cable. You might have a bad one. (eliminate the possibility of a bad cable) 5. Try the MIC 2 input. (eliminate the possibility of a bad input on the UX2) 6. Try the mic, using the XLR cable in another device - Perhaps a friend has a PA or recording setup that you can test it with. Lastly, I would suggest a better mic. I would surmise that you are working in an acoustically untreated space, like a bedroom, or basement. Condenser mics are rather sensitive and can pick up lots of background noise. I would try to get a decent dynamic mic and work from there. If you are recording more instruments than vocals, I would try a Shure SM57. If it's more vocals than instruments, go with a Shure SM58. You can find either of those for about $60 USD or less used, or about $100 USD new. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardli72 Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 Thanks for the tips - it's most likely the bad quality of the microphone so I'll take a look at the suggested mics after running through those tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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