Question / Help Problem with Audio Technica microphone

darthclide

darthclide

Member
I bought this list of items back in April, and have been using them since then. I am currently plugged into this audio card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132010

List of Microphone items:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006H92QK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XUUXB8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KO8VYMG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HQPXS4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

This leads me to my 2-fold problem.

1. After testing with my friend's Focus Scarlett USB interface, I am almost positive this phantom power supply is not working correctly. This is because unless I enable microphone boost + volume amplification in Open Broadcaster Software, my voice is SUPER quiet. With his device I could control the volume with a knob, and it sounded reasonably good WITHOUT the microphone boost.

2. My voice sounds like it is stereo, and not mono. Youtube link for you to hear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UgCi7FkCD4
**Note that the hissing is because I have to use microphone boost to be heard well**
**This "stereo effect" happened both with my audio card AND my friend's USB interface**
Forums say to go into windows audio -> advanced -> Change audio from 2 channel to 1 channel. However, windows does not have this option under my card. To get rid of this "stereo" sound, I force my microphone through Virtual Audio Cable into a "mono" cable. Due to recent games causing VAC to crackle and hiss, I am finally giving up and trying to figure out what this problem is.
 
Well, yeah. That's just a phantom power injector. It's not a mic preamp, which the Scarlett includes (as do many mixing desks which also provide phantom power). It doesn't amp the mic-level signal at all. There's a reason it was only $20. You buy one of those if your mixing desk doesn't provide phantom power, and you need it for one mic.

Are you plugging it into a 1/4" jack somewhere? Or did you adapterize it down further to a 1/16" minijack from there and plug it into your sound card? That isn't really going to work right.

My advice? Send the Nady back if possible, and buy either a Scarlett 2i2, or a Behringer X502 USB. They're more expensive for a reason. They do stuff a simple dumb injector doesn't.
I learned a long time ago that cheaping out on something usually just leads to having to spend even more money later to buy the right part instead.
 
As you can see with the ASUS card, it is only capable of 1/4 inch jack. Trust me, I tried to convert it down to the 3.5 mm jack in my motherboard and it was like static on a tv screen.

I still don't know the terms you mean with "mic preamp", but I figured as long as I was powering the mic fully (what I thought this nady thing did), I could then adjust it however I wanted in Windows. I understand how the "cheaping out" thing works, and that is why I am willing to bite the bullet now.

However, this only solves #1. What do you think is the problem with #2? As I said, I tested out the mic on my friend's USB scarlett, and it solved #1. I don't have a clue why it sounds stereo do you? (you listened to the link I hope) For the record, I also sent off a support request to audio technica to see if they think it is a problem with my mic. The only problem it can be at this point is A. the mic or B. OBS doing something trippy with my setup.
 
XLR provides balanced mono audio.

Due to the XLR-1/4" cable you are using, the 1/4" TRS output can either be used in a balanced-mono or unbalanced stereo configuration. Depending on how you have the capture device set up, it may have taken that balanced-mono signal and interpreted it as unbalanced stereo. Your sound card may not be able to be configured for a balanced mono TRS input.

If you plugged into the Scarlett using all-XLR cables (no XLR->TRS) it *should* have auto-configured for balanced-mono mode. If you used the TRS output cable, it may be set up to default to unbalanced-stereo when handed a 1/4" input, as that is FAR more common when TRS is involved, especially with consumer/prosumer grade audio kit. I don't know for certain though, as I don't own a Scarlett myself. Sounds likely to be the case though, from that audio sample.
 
So when you say "auto configured", since this obviously didn't happen, where would you go to manually change this? I am guessing scarlett software has a way to force it? Btw, we simply went from my mic -> scarlett device -> computer USB port. It looks like no matter what I do, I will have to buy this scarlett device, unless you can suggest something better? (preferably around 100$)

I surely hope this isn't a problem with the mic.... :/
 
Were you using only XLR cables?
I have no idea where it is in their software. Like I said, I don't own one. Maybe check their website for an owner's manual, or email their support address?

A Scarlett 2i2 is about $120, if that's close enough to $100. Or you could grab the Behringer X502USB I'd suggested before, or the X802USB if you want more channels for future growth. Fair warning, the Behringer mic preamps can take a bit of work to set levels properly to minimize the noise floor.
If you only need one or two mic channels, go for the Scarlett. Much easier to get good results, if the extra stuff isn't needed.
 
I think I will go with scarlett, but is there a reason I need 2 inputs and outputs? Believe me, I am not trying to "cut corners" again, I just wondered if this would be okay:
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG

I guess what I wanted to make clear, is that you are sure it is in the software somewhere? The whole point in doing this is 1. Make it so I don't have to enable mic boost in windows anymore 2. Get rid of stereo sound.
 
Also, since i already have a F to M XLR cable, I don't need to buy anything correct? The focus rite will have the usb cable for me to plug in one end. And I plug in my cable into the other right?
 
No reason to need two I/O, I just have heard good reviews about the 2i2. That one should be fine.

No. For the third time: I do not own one myself, I use a Behringer.
Go to Scarlett's website and grab the PDF of the owner's manual, or email their support and ask. Describe the issue you're experiencing to their support, for their hardware. The AT2020 is confirmed a mono-only mic. Meaning that the problem is either in the audio interface hardware or Windows settings, of which they will both have in-depth knowledge.

No clue if it comes with the USB cable. I do not own a Scarlett. It should, but even if it doesn't, a cheap USB cable should run you less than two bucks. Another thing you can ask Scarlett support about.
 
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