This article covers microphone-level equipment. For line-level equipment like synthesisers and keyboards, refer to this article: I'm getting little or no signal from my line-level equipment. For instrument-level, please see this article: I'm getting little or no signal from my guitar/instrument-level equipment.
If you are having problems getting signal into your audio interface or preamp from your microphone or microphone-level equipment, we’ve put together some steps for you to try to fix the problem.
Most non-USB microphones output mic level, as do DI boxes. To be certain your equipment outputs mic-level, check with the manufacturer, and have a look at this article for more information: What are the differences between mic, line, and instrument level?
Ensure you’re using the correct type of microphone
We’ve designed all Focusrite interfaces and preamps to work with studio mics that have XLR connectors. For proper performance, you must connect your microphone to your interface’s XLR input using an XLR-to-XLR microphone cable.
Here is an example of an XLR output on a microphone:
Microphones connected via jack
Connecting a microphone via a 6.35mm (¼") jack cable is unlikely to work. This input is designed for instrument and line-level sources, not microphones.
Likewise, if you’re using a headset microphone it is unlikely to work, but please see this article for more information: Why can't I get sound in from my headset mic?
Remove anything else from the signal chain
We recommend you connect the mic directly to your audio interface or preamp while you troubleshoot this issue. Doing so will rule out any effects units, inline boosts, or other gear in the chain as potential causes.
If your mic normally needs an inline boost (e.g. a Cloudlifter), we recommend completing the steps below both with and without the boost. You can turn the gain up as high as necessary to produce a signal when not using the boost. Remember to turn on 48V phantom power when using the boost.
Ensure phantom power (48V) is enabled
Some microphones require power to work. Generally speaking, all condenser or capacitor microphones require phantom power. However, it's also a requirement for some microphones that do not fall into these categories, such as the Sontronics SIGMA 2, or if you're using an inline boost (e.g. a Cloudlifter). Before enabling phantom power, please consult the microphones' documentation, as applying phantom power to some microphones can damage them (typically older ribbon mics). For more information, see this article: What is 48V phantom power?
If your microphone needs power, turn on phantom power:
- Connect your microphone.
- Turn down the gain.
- Press the 48V button.
- Turn up the gain.
Please make sure you turn down the gain and turn off 48V before unplugging your microphone to avoid pops and bangs.
Ensure the gain is set appropriately
Microphones need a boost from your preamps to produce a strong signal, known as gain.
The gain should be set so that when you speak, sing, or generate sound into your microphone, the gain halo or gain level meters are consistently green, only turning amber at the loudest points, and never red.
Some microphones are designed to handle very high sound pressure levels (guitar amplifiers, live drums), making them less responsive to quieter sources (the human voice, acoustic guitars). The majority of dynamic microphones will fall into this category. As this is the case, some microphones will require higher gain settings when compared with more sensitive condenser microphones. If you find that you are struggling to get a usable level with your setup, it may be the case that the microphone you are using is not suited to the source you are recording. Often, inline preamps can be used to get around this problem. Please note, inline preamps typically require phantom power.
Check the input is working
To make sure the input is working:
- Turn the gain control up to at least halfway.
- Insert and remove the XLR cable.
Does the gain meter on the hardware or in software flash when connecting and disconnecting the mic?
- If the gain flashes, it’s likely the case that the input is working — the issue is probably related to the instrument or cable you are connecting it with.
- If not, there may be an issue with the input — test a different input, or a different interface or preamp altogether.
Test different setups:
Test a different XLR cable
If you still aren't seeing or hearing a signal, please test a different XLR to XLR cable.
Test a different microphone
Next, test a different mic. If you don’t have one, we recommend borrowing one from a friend or trying your interface at a local music store.
You can also test the preamp with a line or instrument-level device to see if these are working.
Test a different preamp
Test your microphone and cable with another audio interface, a mixing console, or other preamp. If you don’t have one, see if you can borrow one, or take your mic to a local music store to test it with another preamp there.
Dynamic and condenser mic troubleshooting
Your dynamic microphone is outputting a very low signal
Dynamic microphones are often low-sensitivity, allowing them to tolerate higher sound pressure levels without distorting the analogue signal produced by the mic. As a result, they can handle very loud instruments and are also well-suited for stage use, as they isolate the voice or instrument closest to them while capturing far less of any surrounding sound.
However, these low-sensitivity mics are also frequently used for recording quieter audio in studios; they simply output a lower signal than other mics, such as condensers. Therefore, when you use one of these mics, you may find that a lot of extra gain is required from your interface or preamp — potentially even the maximum gain.
Can maximum gain damage my preamp?
Preamps are designed to function across the full gain range they provide for the types of signal they are designed to receive. Even if the signal is clipping — exceeding the maximum input level — it is very unlikely that it will cause damage to the preamp if the signal is at mic, line, or instrument level.
The signals that can damage the preamps are those that far exceed the electrical specs for a given input. The most obvious examples being the speaker output from a guitar amplifier or other power amp that outputs speaker-level signal for passive speakers.
Perhaps the most common example of a low-sensitivity dynamic mic. Shure state the following in the user guide for the SM7B:
The output level of the SM7B is -59dBV/Pa. For typical speech applications, three inches from the grille, the SM7B requires at least +60 dB of gain at the microphone preamp.
For reference, Scarlett 4th Gen provides 69dB of gain (except Solo at 57dB), exceeding the recommended spec. However, Clarett provides 57dB, and Scarlett 3rd Gen 56dB, so neither meets the spec for speech at three inches from the SM7B, but they can provide sufficient gain when using the SM7B with louder source material, for example a guitar amp or drums.
Here are some widely-used dynamic mics that can exhibit this behaviour:
- AKG D112
- Audix OM range
- Beyerdynamic M201
- Electro-Voice RE20
- RØDE PodMic
- SE Electronics V3 and V7
- Sennheiser E945
- Shure MV7, SM57, and SM58
To find out if your microphone fits this category, check with the manufacturer.
For the most part, our current range of interfaces can supply just enough gain for these mics. However, if you do find you aren't getting sufficient signal with a dynamic mic, you may want to try adding an in-line preamp to your signal chain. Here are some popular choices:
For more information on how high you should set your gain levels, please see the following article:
Your condenser microphone is outputting a very low signal
Some condenser microphones still output a signal without phantom power. However, this signal is not usable. If you get low signals, with 48V phantom power on, your microphone may not be receiving or not 'accepting' 48V phantom power. Please follow these steps to work out if this is the problem:
- Is the microphone definitely a condenser? Dynamic and ribbon microphones may require lots of gain to get a usable signal.
- Have you turned on 48V phantom power? Does turning 48V phantom power off or on make any difference to the signal level? If not, the microphone may not be receiving phantom power, and you hear the 'unpowered level'. We find that this is due to a fault with the microphone and not the interface.
- Is the source (singer, guitar, drum, etc.) loud enough for the sensitivity of the microphone? Move the microphone closer to the source or, if possible, increase the source volume.
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