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JohnofCharlton

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 18, 2009
5
0
I bought a Shure lavalier wireless mic but can't get it working with my Mac--or a friends Mac for that matter. The problem is I can't get an adequate input line level. I've tried using an iMic into the USB port and I've tried plugging into the input jack directly--no success. I bought a M-Audio Mobilepre USB preamp--no help. I then got an M-Audio DMP3 mic preamp which has more power (67dB of gain). When I hook up a Shure SM57 it works fine. The problem isn't lack of phantom power--the wireless system supplies it. Any suggestions? :)
 
Thanks to those who have offered suggestions. The mic itself works fine. I get a good response on the preamp meter. The battery is fine.
 
What series is the wireless mic?

Most have adjustable output gain on the reciever, and often times a selectable mic/line level switch.
 
What series is the wireless mic?

Most have adjustable output gain on the reciever, and often times a selectable mic/line level switch.

It's a Shure PGX4 mic. There is no output gain on the receiver or switch.
 
A little progress!

I picked up a different cable with a 1/8" stereo TRS plug. This makes a difference. Before I had a mono cable. Yet, still the line level is poor. It's worse with the iMic and the sound quality is terrible. It's better plugging straight into my Mac's input jack--but still not a great level.

Does anybody know of a good consultant I might call?
 
i'm confused. the pgx4 looks to be a wireless receiver, not a mic, so now i don't know what you've plugged into what.

what mic do you have? does it have a wired option? i don't understand what you've tried so far.
 
Are you using the mic out (XLR), or the line out (1/4" unbalanced)? The m audio mobile pre should have done the trick.
 
Thanks

Thanks to one and all for your suggestions. It turned out the problem was the cable connecting the preamp to my Mac. I had a 1/4" stereo to 1/8"mono cable. I got a stereo-stereo cable and the system now works fine!
 
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