Recording Input Volume

[voodoomailman]

I have been having some frustrating problems with my MacBook Pro. I have tried recording with a microphone from the built-in mic input, and I have tried recording with a microphone using an M-Audio FireWire Solo recording interface. With both, the input level is diminished compared to what it should be. It will only peak if I really crank the levels to max and this is not normal. The only way to record anything is to turn everything way up and with this method I get all the hiss that goes along with it. My built-in mic's input level seems normal, but the sound quality is strangely terrible, nothing compared to the quality of the mic on a G4 powerbook. I've tried using different microphones, cables, Logic, Garage Band, and all the other variables I could think of, but nothing seems to fix this problem. Has anyone heard of this happening? Does anyone have any idea what I should do?

Thank you.

[alexprice]

I have been having some frustrating problems with my MacBook Pro. I have tried recording with a microphone from the built-in mic input, and I have tried recording with a microphone using an M-Audio FireWire Solo recording interface. With both, the input level is diminished compared to what it should be. It will only peak if I really crank the levels to max and this is not normal. The only way to record anything is to turn everything way up and with this method I get all the hiss that goes along with it. My built-in mic's input level seems normal, but the sound quality is strangely terrible, nothing compared to the quality of the mic on a G4 powerbook. I've tried using different microphones, cables, Logic, Garage Band, and all the other variables I could think of, but nothing seems to fix this problem. Has anyone heard of this happening? Does anyone have any idea what I should do?

Thank you.

Mmm

I don't know...

You are entitled to 90 days free support, call Apple!

[exeterbohemian]

what sorts of microphones have you been using? it sounds like your mics might be running on a passive circuit. as far as i know, the mic input on the macbook pro has no preamp, and i imagine your firewire interface wouldn't have one either. so it sounds like you either need to buy a microphone preamp, or find a powered microphone. this would enable you to record at normal levels, and once calibrated, should also eliminate any semblance of 'hiss'.