Microphone recording question

[Bill0287]

I use PT mostly for recording acoustic guitar plugged directly into a FW410 front panel input. I finally picked up an SM57 to play around with and the first thing I noticed was that the levels I get coming through the mic into PT seem very low. I have to crank up the Signal Gain dial on the 410 in order to get any decent input signal. Is this expected behavior when using mics such as the 57 as input?

[Mr. Anderson]

The SM57 is a dynamic microphone and requires a great deal of gain to achieve good recording levels.

[cryogenic]

I have a 410 and SM57 with the mic in front of a 4x12 cab and I have the gain up maybe 1/3 of the way. Amp is not cranked to 11, just a reasonable bedroom level. I would think this would be normal behavior.

I have a Sennheiser 609 mic as well, same kind of results.

[Naagzh]

I use PT mostly for recording acoustic guitar plugged directly into a FW410 front panel input. I finally picked up an SM57 to play around with and the first thing I noticed was that the levels I get coming through the mic into PT seem very low. I have to crank up the Signal Gain dial on the 410 in order to get any decent input signal. Is this expected behavior when using mics such as the 57 as input?

Yes, it's expected, because an acoustic is so quiet. Traditionally, acoustic guitars are mic'd with a condenser mic, which will typically have a hotter output signal, requires phantom power (likely available on your 410), and is also more sensitive. Many prefer "pencil" mics -- small diaphragm condensers, but a large diaphragm condenser will definitely work. Both will bring out more detail and balance than a dynamic mic like the 57.

Start by pointing it at the 12th fret, 6-12 inches away. Have a friend play, and move it around while wearing headphones and see where you like it best.

[Bill0287]

I have a 410 and SM57 with the mic in front of a 4x12 cab and I have the gain up maybe 1/3 of the way. Amp is not cranked to 11, just a reasonable bedroom level. I would think this would be normal behavior.

I have a Sennheiser 609 mic as well, same kind of results.

What kind of level does your meter display in PT when at those settings?

I noticed that if I plug the guitar direct into the 410, I can leave the gain about 1/3 and get a good signal, but with the mic in front of the guitar cab, I only get to about "20" on the 410 mixer meters. I need to roll the gain dial almost to max to get near clipping. Maybe my idea of reasonable bedroom level is different than yours?

[Naagzh]

I use PT mostly for recording acoustic guitar plugged directly into a FW410 front panel input.

Bill, I think he's got no problem with the gain from his output jack, it's the signal from the 57 that he's wondering about. He probably wants to blend the two signals.