Hi all, this may be the wrong place to ask about this, but here goes.
I have an ART TPS II, a RODE NT-3 and a Shure SM-57. I have a lot of trouble getting much volume out of either of these mics, especially the SM-57. I basically have to have the gain right near the top to hit any peak red light. Does this sound wrong? Am i missing something?
If you have one of these preamps or can help, then let me know. Thanks.
I’ve got a TPSII and have no trouble with the gain and output set to 12 o’clock (midway) with an SM57.
Is it peaking on the front meter of the TPSII or are you having trouble in your sequencer achieving the level??? If the first I’d suspect something wrong with the unit, if the second make sure that all your soundcard control panels are set properly too…
Its on the peak indicator on the unit. I have to have it cranked to get much signal, i’ve tried different impedances on it but it doesn’t change much. It seems that i dont get a gradual build of signal as i turn it up, i sort of get very little, very little, and then lots when i have the gain all the way up.
I thought the peak lights were affected by the impedance and the analog meter was affected by the gain stage but they just seem to move together.
Out of interest what impedance level do you use
I have a rode nt-3, it is a very high output mic (I had to get an in line pad to be able to use it on most things), have you tried silly things like different cables? But waht you describe, the gradual build up and then a lot suddenly, sounds like the unit is defective.
Did you buy the unit at a store or online? If at a store, take it there and have them check it out.
I have the DPSII (same unit but with a digital out) and I use it with a Rode NT1 and an SM58 with no problems with the gain.
I have to turn the gain up more on the 58.
What are you trying to record? Something quite like a whisper or something like drums?
Rich
i will add the obvious things: 
the rode mic will require phanton power, no? is it on when you’re using the rode mic?
also, i have an sm57 and found it to have low(er) output (expecially if you’re recording a quiet sound source!)… the tps 2 appears to have a +20db switch, you could try enabling that… but be careful (make sure you turn down the gain knob first).
I have a TPS II as well. I have to crank up the gain quite a bit for a dynamic mic such as an SM58 or 57. I was told once that these mics need about 55db gain to bring them to line level.
…gary
Thanks for all the replies, I’m going to take the unit in for a check with the store i bought it from after christmas.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
| Quote (dimmer77 @ Dec. 24 2004,11:22) |
| i will add the obvious things: ;) the rode mic will require phanton power, no? is it on when you're using the rode mic? also, i have an sm57 and found it to have low(er) output (expecially if you're recording a quiet sound source!)... the tps 2 appears to have a +20db switch, you could try enabling that.... but be careful (make sure you turn down the gain knob first). |
It also can be used with a 9 volt battery in cases where no phantom is available.
I just got the SM57 mic and the Tapco 6306 mixer. I started a post earlier today wondering basically the same thing as this post. While mic-ing my acoustic, I pretty much have to turn my gain up 100%, line level up 100% and main mix up 75% or higher just to get the meter to peak at 0 dB’s, it recommends to peak out between 0-8 dB’s, well i’ve got everything at the max and I barely can even get to 0dB’s.