MBox: Normal to need such high mic gain?

[P_M_C]

Hello,

I am quite a newbie to the recording thing, but I am surprised how high the input gain has to be on the mics I have used so far, in order to get a decent signal level. I mainly use an SM-57 for mic'd guitar, and an cheaper Oktava MK-319 large diaphram mic for acoustic -- and it seems that I have to always set the gain at about 9 to get good levels. Am I just using very unsensitive mics? And, yes I am running the 48v on mics that require it.

Basically, I am most concerned about getting something to pick up my steel string acoustic with detail, and not ripping the ends of my fingers off in the process trying to produce enough sound.

Thanks for any help!

[Dale-c]

I think it is just the Mbox because I have the same problem. Although I really have never had the level to low, it is just that I have to turn it up pretty high. I have a pair of Shure Beta 57s that I use as well as an ATM10 condenser. As far as the condenser goes, I thought that it needed phantom power but it doesn't make any difference and I get good results so I guess it is ok.

[seancollider]

I don't know how much gain the preamps on the Mbox have, but it's normal to boost gain on your mics anywhere from 30-40 dB just to start off with, depending on your source. If you're mainly recording acoustic guitar with your Mbox, I would suspect you would need a fair amount of gain - especially if you're playing soft or micing room/ambient. But who cares - as long as it sounds good it doesn't matter where the knob is at.

Sean

[lynxxx]

Dynamic mics (SM-57 etc.) do tend to require high gain on the M-box. I prefer more headroom than that so I use an outboard pre-amp as well. Even the channel pre's on a decent small mixing board will make a significant difference.