Fast Track C400 crash when enabling phantom power
 

Hello,

I bought the FT C400 specifically for use with my Cloudlifter CL-1 and Shure SM7B. When I plug the SM7B directly into the C400, I get really awesome sound and experience no problems. Unfortunately, the sound isn't quite good enough for my band's recordings, so I need the CL-1 to really get the most out of this mic.

However, when I introduce my CL-1 into the equation, I am forced to turn on phantom power on the FT C400. Unfortunately, my computer always crashes after I do this. My computer also fails to recognize the device after I hit the phantom power switch.

I have tried all of the last 3 versions of the driver to no avail. I run Windows 8.1, so the last update was from 2014 it looks like. There are only 3 driver packets that support Windows 8.1, so I am out of luck in that department.

I've gotten two error messages on the BSODs so far.

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

and

UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP

Thank you for reading and for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Re: Issues with Fast Track C400
 

Honestly though, I'm getting really amazing, clean sound just out of the C400 (without the Cloudlifter) -- which is a very hard thing to with the SM7B.

So while your drivers do suck, AVID, this is still a really amazing interface if only for the fact that it can handle the SM7B.

I can now corroborate Recording Hacks' claim that this is probably the best budget interface for the SM7B.

Re: Issues with Fast Track C400
 

It sounds like your USB port might not be putting out enough bus power to power both the interface and phantom power. You could look at getting a phantom power injector, or trying other USB ports. I know on some laptops different usb ports supply different amounts of bus power.

Joel

Re: Issues with Fast Track C400
 

Thanks a lot for your input, I think you may be right.

I was thinking about returning my Cloudlifter but then I thought about your suggestion and it is actually a good idea.

Would you have any recommendations as to what phantom power injector to buy? Obviously, I don't want to introduce any hiss or static since that was the whole point of getting this particular interface and Cloudlifter combo.

Re: Issues with Fast Track C400
 

I had one once, I don't recall the brand. To be honest my interfaces all have phantom power built in now, so not something I've had to look into. Also, if you're looking at spending ~$100 for a phantom power injector, you're not that far from a better interface then the C400.

Joel

Re: Issues with Fast Track C400
 

Thanks, I found one for about $40 that seems to work well. It is the Sterling Audio PHP 1.

I think I'll order one next week and try out the SM7B with the Cloudlifter to see if it makes much of a difference.

As to the interface, the SM7B is notoriously noisy even with some of the more reputable units. I believe it has to do with the impedance, but the C400 is somehow uniquely suited to the SM7B even if it is a so-so interface overall.