Pro Tools Mini Brand New User, Mic Input Hiss

[randymarcell]

I am learning the basics from a video series by producer, engineer & songwriter Aaron Sternke: Introduction to Digidesign Pro Tools. In Segments 3A and 3B, I learned one way to add a click track and an acoustic guitar (mic input) track. The click track works fine . The acoustic track does not.

I don't see the meter moving when I speak into the mic. The mic is plugged into the back of the mini and is 01 input. So I changed the Pro Tools track input to 1; it was defaulted as 2.

When I arm the acoustic track, I hear a steady hiss through the monitors but no mic input. This is still true with track 2 input 02.

I played with the controls (Gain 01, Gain 02, Mix and Volume) and still the hiss.

How do I get real mic input?

[Ben Jenssen]

My first thought: Be careful! That hiss might be the what is known as the noise floor! If your monitors and mbox and everything is turned up, you will eventually hear the hiss that is inherent in any audio system. If suddenly a signal should come thru, it will be LOUD!!! (Edit: but you hear the click so you have a reasonable level, I guess.)

What kind of mic? Does it have a jack or XLR plug? Phantom power?

[randymarcell]

Yes Ben. The mic is Sterling Audio ST51. I agree with the edit that the click has a reasonable level. It is XLR. I don't believe it has (or there is) phantom power.

[CME]

I believe that mic should need phantom power. So hit the +48 button on the back of the mini and see what happens. Make sure to mute the input and turn down the gain first. See if that helps. Also make sure you have the Mic/DI button in the right position.

[randymarcell]

@CME: I pressed that button. It is red on the front panel and when I speak the green light responds. Not hearing it through the speakers yet. The hiss is eliminated. I'll keep working and reading.

[CME]

Originally Posted by randymarcell

@CME: I pressed that button. It is red on the front panel and when I speak the green light responds. Not hearing it through the speakers yet. The hiss is eliminated. I'll keep working and reading.

Which one? I believe you need to have both the 48v on, and the mic selected. There is another button that selects between mic and di also. And it could be something else.

[randymarcell]

It is good. Which Button? The +48V in the back of the unit. Thanx Ben and CME.

[CME]

What about the Mic/DI button? Have you tried it? It's on the other side of the XLR input, compared to the phantom power. At least according to the pics I'm looking at. Aside from that I'm kind of at a loss myself. Also I'd start with the Pad disengaged also. Not sure whether in or out will disengage it, but I'd assume it should be out. Just guessing though.

[randymarcell]

@CME:

Thanx Engaging the +48v in back got me going. Thanx again.