Fast Track C400 crash when enabling phantom power

[slushy]

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.

[slushy]

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.

[JoelG]

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

[slushy]

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.

[JoelG]

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

[slushy]

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.