I've got a new XLR mic but I can't get it to work correctly. Could really use help!

Here's my setup:

• Win 10 PC
• XLR mic (Neewer NW-700) going into
• Phantom Power Supply (Neewer 1-Channel 48V) going into
• Balanced analog breakout cable (for HDSP 9632/HDSPe AIO), specifically into one of the XLRF cables, going into
• HDSPe AIO audio interface

Symptoms:

• In Device Manager - I would expect the AES(1+2) to be my recording device, but there's no indication at all of any recording input
• In RME TotalMix FX, I see a signal on Analog 2, and when volume is 100%, I can hear the mic faintly in my speakers (Analog? I thought AES was digital? Why is the volume so low? why is it playing in my speakers?)
• I can't get it as a recording device at all (tried in 4 difft apps), including Cubase (my goal)

What should I test / do next?

Thanks!
Jason

Hi Jason,

Uff..

- you need some microphone preamp.
Your HDSPe interface has two line level XLR analogue inputs.
Microphones has low output voltage for use with line level inputs at interfaces, hence you need that microphone preamp (pre), which is essentially an amplifier optimized for conversion of analog signal from microphone to line level.
Typically it can also provide phantom power, when it's required.

- input from microphone pre will be at Analog 1 (assuming single channel pre and one microphone).
AES I/Os is used for connection of digital devices. AES cable is also terminated by XLR connector, but compared to analog connections, it can carry two channels (stereo) at single cable. Vast majority of microphone preamps are analog devices, unless you'll find some pre, which has built-in ADC (analog to digital converter).
Another common connector type used for analog line level connections is TRS (three pole, Tip, Ring, Sleeve) jack. So if your preamp would have output at TRS, you'll need also appropriate cable to connect it to HDSPe. Such adapter cable will have TRS male connector at source side and XLR male connector at the receiver side.

If you're starting out with cheapest $20 USD microphone (don't expect miracles from that), then you likely don't need anything fancy and something like ART Tube MP or bit better used M AUDIO DMP-3 will be sufficient for that.

Also you can maybe consider some basic book about audio recording, where all the common terminology will be explained in some context.. Basics physics, how microphone and speaker works, analog and digital sound representation.. various mics and its usage, signal types, connectors etc.

Good luck!

Michal

Thanks, msmucr! I'm still processing it, but wanted to say thanks for the thorough answer.

Got my new preamp and it works like a charm. Thanks again!

Great to hear that, Jason.
Good luck with your recording!

Michal

Hello many years later, not specifically aimed at the OP but can anyone shed some light, would hdsp AIO provide phantom power to pre-amp or would that need to be included in the pre-amp itself?
Thanks in advance

You need a pre-amplifier with fantom power

Thanks for your prompt response, anyone would recommend any pre-amp that would actually do the job? I am looking for one xlr input and output pre-amp that would connect to the break-out cable of HDSP AIO.