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Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 3:11 pm
by tstigz
Newbie here. I'm having trouble recording my Marshall cab with my new SM57. I'm not getting a waveform unless I crank the interface gain to at least 3 o'clock. The mic is right on the grill of the cab.

I've tried multiple mic cables and my condenser mics work just fine. This is my first dynamic mic so I'm wondering if the AudioBox preamp is not sufficient to drive my SM57? I'm operating under the assumption that the mic is fine - I just bought it and unboxed it this morning.

I'm using the AudioBox with StudioOne artist.
Studio One 1.50.12156 Win x86

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 5:55 pm
by Bbd
Dynamic mics can use more mic pre gain than condensers that require 48V power.
Did you try singing in it as well? I use a Steinberg UR44 and when I sign, my input gain is up around 3 o'clock as well.
If your Marshall is putting out a good normal volume, you should have plenty of gain from your interface.
Try switching to a good mic cable too.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 6:57 pm
by tstigz
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I tried singing into it and it needed to be around 3 o'clock at least. Even then I need to max out the fader and manually increase the waveform to get anywhere close to a useable volume in my mix for the guitar. I have my 5150 post gain set to 2.5, so I can't imagine that's not loud enough. I've tried a few mic cables, one of which I got new last night and works fine with my Aston Origins.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 9:56 pm
by Bbd
So a call into support for your unit would be good. Either it is normal or something is wrong.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 1:17 am
by klypeman
Just remember it could be your new SM57 as well, better check that too on another system,
Are you using XLR-XLR cable ?

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 2:42 am
by roblof
The waveform is not interesting. What matters is what level your input meters are showing. Generally you want them to dance around -18dBFS.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:02 am
by tstigz
Thanks for the help. I think I may exchange the SM57 for another to test the mic. Yes, XLR-XLR cable.

At this point I'm still thinking either the mic is defective or the preamp can't drive a SM57. Is it possible that the AudioBox preamp isn't enough?

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 10:54 am
by klypeman
And you has assigned your inputs right ?
There is not much info from you like DAW, Computer, OS or the like.
You could add those things in your signature, that gives us a bit more understanding.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 1:28 pm
by tstigz
I think my inputs are assigned correctly? I'm using the left input. I use this input for my direct guitar recordings and when using my condenser mics and it works fine.


inputs:

Image

outputs:

Image

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 1:37 pm
by tstigz
I've edited my sig

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 1:44 pm
by klypeman
Don't see anything wrong with Inputs/outputs so the next step would be the mic then and if that's not the case then a support ticket at Presonus site.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 3:31 pm
by tstigz
Ok thanks again for the help. I'll exchange the mic tomorrow and proceed from there

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:10 pm
by tstigz
I exchanged my 57 today and the new mic sounds the exact same. It appears that I've narrowed down the preamp as the culprit. Is it really possible that the preamp isn't suffient for a SM57? There have to be other people on this board who use a 57 through an AudioBox USB.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 7:02 pm
by Bbd
Well you have now ruled out the mic. I hope someone will chime in who uses an AudioBox.
You told me that your gain knob is at about 3 o'clock with recording your Marshall. I asked you to do a vocal check. My UR44's gain knob is at about 3 as well.
How does the mic sound? Does the signal chain sound clean even though it is low?

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 2:29 am
by klypeman
The Audiobox should be able to take on a SM57 dynamic on 3 o'clock without a sweat so I think you need to contact support.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2017 6:42 am
by klypeman
I just read about power saving on the usb ports in another thread, just wondered if that could make trouble for the AudioBox too ?
Mind, I'm just guessing here.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 5:19 pm
by pricillacovarrubias
Mine does the same. I've had the audiobox usb and sm57 mic for a few months now. I read this thread and have gone through all the same steps as you.
I've tried everything and decided this weekend I'm going to grab a new mic. I think very much so that it has to do with the audiobox usb not being strong enough for the sm57 .. best of luck.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 8:05 pm
by cristofe
I think very much so that it has to do with the audiobox usb not being strong enough for the sm57


Sorry, but that is an incorrect assumption. Clearly you have not researched the specs of an SM57 or an Audiobox. A properly working SM57 and Auudiobox USB work perfectly well together when set up correctly. If you are not getting a satisfactory result it is due to a faulty SM57, Audiobox, pc, mic or USB cable....or simply user error.

If you have eliminated the these possibilities and still can't figure it out I suggest you open a support ticket.

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2017 9:09 pm
by roblof
I'm still wondering what input levels your daw show?

Re: Low volume when using SM57 with AudioBox

Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 10:56 pm
by toddredding
You won't like this as it requires money assuming your software and Mic are problem free.
I have an analog jumper. My terminology. Its actually a DAC.
If not that have you tried to push the 48db wwithout consideration for phantom power?
What I would do if you have modest signal at all is use effects. A compressor will usually have an output volume, the chorus effect switched to double. Assign 2-4 audio tracks , right click the main track and selectively all.