Lavalier mic not loud enough?

[Kwesi]

So I just picked up an Audio-Technica ATR-3350 and it doesn't seem to be anywhere near loud enough but I think I'm doing something wrong. I've got it plugged into a Echo AudioFire4 interface going into Logic Pro and the volume is almost inaudible. The signal doesn't enough show up on the AudioFire's indicator light. Any ideas as to how to make it louder?

 

[Rick Brienzo]

Dead battery in the preamp?

 

[Kwesi]

Dead battery in the preamp?

It's brand new the battery should have more than enough juice. I'll swing by RadioShack anyway.

 

[hover]

I suggest clipping it to your collar instead of your trousers.

 

[Kwesi]

I suggest clipping it to your collar instead of your trousers.

Lol, it was clipped to my collar. Maybe 4-5 inches from my lips. In the demo videos I see people wearing them at stomach level and you can hear them clearly.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Wait... wait... wait... ECHO still makes interfaces??? Geezus... I remember when people pooped themselves over the Mia and the Layla. I used to have the Delta 10/10 though... anyways...

If your batteries are fresh, then fool around with placement and crank up your preamp. Also check to see if there is a pad engaged somewhere on your interface. Failing that, make sure your channel strip in Logic is turned up.

 

[Kwesi]

Man, this is frustrating. I hope there's something that I'm not doing because my last mic (another atr-3550) had the same issue. Channel cranked, volume on interface cranked. I'll poke around for a bit more.

 

[SJLee]

Hahahahahahaha!!!!!

I suggest clipping it to your collar instead of your trousers.

 

[BrianVengeance]

Hmm... if you've have the same issue with two different mics I'd say it was the interface not having enough ass in the preamps. Have you tried your interface with a different mic?

If you're having the same issue with two models of the same mic and have gotten good results with a different mic, then it may just be a lower output microphone.

Out of curiosity, for what application are you using this microphone?

 

[deaf pea]

shouldn't the mic signal first go to a mic preamp before going to the interface? . . . . . .

 

[Kwesi]

Hmm... if you've have the same issue with two different mics I'd say it was the interface not having enough ass in the preamps. Have you tried your interface with a different mic?

If you're having the same issue with two models of the same mic and have gotten good results with a different mic, then it may just be a lower output microphone.

Out of curiosity, for what application are you using this microphone?

Well I have some cheapo vocal mic and if I max out the preamp volume everything is cool. I'm beginning to thing that it might just be that my interface is just quiet...

 

[BrianVengeance]

Very distinct possibility

 

[jaysbassspace]

I'm having same issue. If anyone has a fix please let me know. It's fine when I plug it into a zoom or Tasman recorder, but I have the gain and level cranked on my mixer and it's barely audible going into Skype, GarageBand or iMovie. . Brand new battery as well.

 

[BassyBill]

Well I have some cheapo vocal mic and if I max out the preamp volume everything is cool. I'm beginning to thing that it might just be that my interface is just quiet...

Cheapo vocal mic = dynamic mic rather than condenser, right? Likely to be much higher output than your AT, which is a condenser mic, I believe.

The mic might be fine to use with a video camera or whatever, but it may not have enough output signal for your audio interface. I don't know what mic pres ("mic pre-amps") are built into your interface, but often built-in pres in interfaces don't have the gain necessary for a condenser mic and only just have enough for a dynamic mic. You may need a higher gain mic pre between your mic and the interface. Check out the little ART or Behringer tube pres - I have one of the latter and it's a great little bit of kit (yes, despite the brand).

Link Removed

 

[pflash4001]

Is this mic hard wired or wireless? If its wireless check the gain on the xmitter. Then check the output of the receiver. Use the meters on the receiver if it has any.

 

[BassyBill]

I don't think he's using it wireless.

In fact, I'm wondering - what are you using the mic for, Kwesi? It seems an odd choice to use in a music home recording setup.

 

[pflash4001]

I was wondering the same. If it's a low output mic try a pre like was suggested earlier. I have the predsonus tube pre. I like the results.

 

[lowfreq33]

Dude, lavaliers are a nightmare. Look at where they get placed, and look at where the sound comes out. You might as well tape it to the back of your head. It's a compromise based on aesthetics.

 

[M Sharp]

I have been checking reviews on that mic and it seems to be a low mic.

 

[fisticuffs]

You are having impedance issues. The mic is not meant to be popped in place of your SM58 without some extra steps. It has a preamp, which it needs power for (battery) but it can't just be plugged into a mini-jack or 1/4" input either. Get it to XLR and maybe you Echo will know what to do with it. It says the Echo has "Auto-sensing" inputs... I think it might be sensing the wrong type of signal either becasue it's not that great or the connector you are using is telling it guitar or Line level. A lot of these boxes also cannot give you the gain you need via USB bus power alone. If you don;t already use an AC adapter on the Echo and you might get more gain out of it.

All that, your ATR3350 is Omni and is going to be a nightmare in a lot of environments. Get a Cardioid lapel with external pre, or a cardioid headset mic.