I have a Mac Dual 1.8 G5 with 2GB of RAM, running Logic 7 Pro with a M-Audio Firewire 410 interface, Studio Projects B1 condenser mic, and Motif 6 keyboard. My goal is to make R&B/pop demos myself, so I do not need too many inputs/outputs—vocals and a guitar will probably be it considering I use a lot of Logic’s virtual instruments. I’ve spent most of my time exploring Logic and developing my songwriting skills, but now need to address the glaring issue I have recording audio.
When I attempt to record vocals, with the B1 set to 0db gain, I still have to crank the 410’s gain up to achieve a reasonable signal process level in Logic, and that results in a very noisy recording with an unacceptable amount of static. That said, it also produces an almost embarrassingly muddy vocal. Though I do not use a compressor or additional preamp, I’m under the impression that I should be able to achieve something decent even at this relatively cheap pricepoint of equipment. I have used both a generic XLR cable and Monster Standard 100 XLR with no difference, so I don’t believe the cable to be an issue.
Moreover, I have an issue recording to audio from my Motif 6, which is directly connected to the 410 with instrument cables. There is a significant dropoff in audio quality when doing this. For example, my Motif’s PowerGrand piano present sounds clean and crisp if I access it from the Motif, but the moment I record to audio in Logic, the same piano becomes sounds small, grainy and “tinny” and therefore worthless to me.
With regard to Logic’s buffer size, I have tried 512, 256, and 128 with no difference in the results and I am recording at 24-bit.
In my novice head, the issue I have recording audio from my Motif suggests that the Firewire 410 is the culprit, considering that the B1 is widely considered to be a reliable budget mic, whereas the Firewire410 has many opponents.
Also, I’ve tried turning unplugging all of the other electronics in the room in case the cables were picking up other signals, to no avail. Does anyone have any insights at this point? I am willing to throw money at the problem and replace the 410 with a MOTU Ultralite or upgrade to LP8 and get the Apogee Duet if the interface is indeed the problem.
Thanks in advance.