Which microphone to use with tracker +

Tracker
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1

Dear community,

I want to make use of the microphone input of my Tracker+, but I don’t know which mic to use. Can you please make som specific recommendations which I can consider buying?

I tried my ATR2100-USB with a XLR<->3,5mm cable, but to no avail. I can get some very very faint input, but nothing usable. So I tried a Beyerdynamic M300 with the same result. Obviously I am doing something wrong, but what?

TIA

2

Hey there @nicolai,

i have good success using the classic Sure SM-57. I get input in either Mic LG or Mic HG, eventhough high gain is preferable.

So essentially / ideally it’s a dynamic (not a condenser) microphone with no power draw requirements.. as the Tracker does not provide any phantom power.

So my guess is, that with both your microphones it might be a a powering issue? Sorry that i can’t get into specifics about your mics, as i’m not familiar with them.

3

Hi @Sandroid,

Reviews state that the ATR2100 does not need phantom power. And yes: I tried the on/off switch :slight_smile: But since the M300 also does not work, something is amiss here or just bad luck.

I will give a SM57 a shot, thanks for the suggestion!

1 Like
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Maybe a cable issue? I’m guessing / assuming you’ve tried to increase the gain to the max? And at that point the volume was still faint?

5

Yes, tried different gain settings. And I tried to use it on line in, too. All to no real avail. This is the cable I used:

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0D7S8NMPT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Which one do you use with the SM57?

6

Here’s some notes from XLR cables that i’ve tried in the past:

  • XLR to TRRS (3 rings) → don’t work
  • 2x XLR to 3.5mm TRS (2 rings) → only one side will work (obviously)
  • XLR to 6.3mm TS (1 ring) with a 6.3mm to 3.5mm TS (mono) adapter → works

I have not tried a XLR to 3.5m TRS cable (2 rings). But it’s possible that depending on how the wiring is, that it might cause issues.

So my approach would probably be:

  1. Try another cable (or get another cable) first
  2. Only then go out and try another mic :laughing:
7

A couple of deliveries and returnals later … you were right, it was the cable. I bought one in the local music store which was marked for “mobile recording” and is a XLR to 3,5mm. Since I could try it in the store (buy local!) I know it works. This is the link to the cable: KLOTZ AIS GmbH | mobile recording cable (in case someone else needs one).

So I tried the SM57 you recommended as well. It is a very sturdy mic, well built. But it is heavier than my ATR2100 and needs a higher gain setting to record stuff. So I returned it and stick with my ATR2100.

Thanks for all your responses!

1 Like
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Glad you got it working. :flexed_biceps:
Now go and have fun with it! :hugs: