sm58 with scarlett 2i2, very soft

Logue

I have recently purchased the scarlett 2i2 and have been fiddling around with recording different ways into the scarlett.

I use a sm58 as mic at the moment for recording my marshall MG100DFX
and also try and do some vocals on it.

Now what I'm worried about is considering how soft the mic is. I'm aware that it's a dynamic mic , but I have to basically boost the gain on the scarlett high in order to hear any vocals really.

recording guitar through the amp is abit better but still requires some gain.

Is this normal for an sm58 to be that soft?

Chabenda

I have been using my SM58 for years and am currently making up a new cable for it (as in right now). Mine is also very soft and I think that it may be the way it's connected to a quarter inch jack plug. I'm surfing the net now for some info.

Logue

yeah, I was basically worried that there was something wrong with the mic or scarlett or I'm doing something wrong most likely.

I've read that some ppl use mic preamps like the FETHEAD http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?Itemid=33

which might be able to help boost the signal.

Chabenda

I think that Alan's advice will be the best!

AlanRatcliffe

Most dynamic mics are low output - that's why mic preamps have so much gain (at least 40dB) and why they are such a crucial part of the chain. The Scarlett has plenty good, clean gain, so it's not a problem

Far better in output than many ribbon mics though...

And yes, you lose 6dB of signal level (and cable noise rejection) if you use a balanced mic with a XLR to TS jack cable.