Mbox 2 + Microphone Issue

[globex]

I just bought the MBox 2.

I'm running Windows XP and using the Apex460 Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone (with the 48V Phantom Power turned on MBox).

I can't get a decent recording to occur. I keep getting a very strange pattern, and even when left untouched the microphone registers a noise that's halfway up the scale.

You can see a screenshot here: http://www.globexdesigns.com/misc/recording.jpg

I've used this microphone at work just fine and I've tried the MBox with other microphones and I get the same result.

What should I do?

Also on another note how do I set my MBox In1 as the system microphone, so that I can use my MBox's microphone to chat to people via MSN Messenger, etc...

[dmm]

Are you using headphones? Feedback?

[spkguitar]

Also on another note how do I set my MBox In1 as the system microphone, so that I can use my MBox's microphone to chat to people via MSN Messenger, etc...

You can't.


Without more information about your system and signal chain, it will be hard for us to troubleshoot your issue. At first glance I would say it's a configuration or compatibility problem with your computer, but without details...

[globex]

I am using headphones.

What kind of information about my system and set up do you need?

[spkguitar]

What kind of information about my system and set up do you need?

Well for starters, is it a laptop or a desktop?

There is information at the end of the General Troubleshooting thread about posting details about your system. Some of the other suggestions there may help you as well (compatibility, setup, etc.)

[globex]

I am using a desktop at the moment. I will try the same setup on my Apple Laptop in a few hours just to make sure it isn't a problem with the equiptment itself.

Desktop information:

Pro Tools hardware: Digidesign MBox 2 Factory Sealed
Pro Tools software version: Pro Tools LE 7.1
CPU: Inter Pentium 4 ~ 2.8ghz
Motherboard: ASUS
RAM: 1.5gb
HDD's used: FUJISTSU MPF3204AT (system) and SAMSUNG SP1203N (music, programs)

Equiptment:

Apex460 Multi-Pattern tube condenser microphone (with power supply)
AKG TPS D3700 Microphone

Settings:

Using Input 1 on MBox 2 with 48V Phantom Power On (for condenser mic) with Mono on.

The strangest thing is that volume 0 is really like halfway up the volume bar... This is causing some major disturbances when I try to record. This happends even when I set the gain on my microphone to 0. So I'm thinking its a setting in Pro-Tools somewhere? or maybe something on the MBOX?

*edit*

I just tested the same set up on a MAC OS X platform. I get the same result. It's as if it starts recording at some preset level instead of at 0. I tried different versions of Pro Tools, different microphones and now different platforms. I must conclude it is some setting on the MBox itself.

[justmull1]

I had the same problem with a brand new MBox2
It was actually a faulty MBox and Digidesign replaced it in about 2 weeks. Take it back to where you bought it and show them the problem. Maybe the same thing has happened to you.

[globex]

Oh wow really? Darn, I guess that's what I'll have to do.

Can anyone confirm or deny this?

[NonSpecific]

I would at least take it back and have them test it out...it wouldn't hurt none...