Bilbo Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Simple query - my Rode NT1-A condensor microphone has developed a fault (it is massively too quiet - barely audible with all levels on full). Can these things be repaired and, if so, where? I tried it through my Focusrite pre-amp/compressor and could barely hear it so I unplugged it and replaced it with a Shure SM58 without changing any of the settings and the SM58 was fine (although not as good as the fully functioning Rode) so I am 99% sure it is the Rode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapolpora Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Hi Bilbo, Give a call to the Rode distributor in the UK. http://www.sourcedistribution.co.uk …I'm sure they could sort this out. Alternatively if you want to repair and pimp your Rode have a think about Micael Joly's excellent mic mods. He's in the US but if you fill out your customs forms correctly you shouldn't be paying any taxes. I had a pair of Oktava mics modded by him last year and I'm very happy with them. http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=145&osCsid=b2b99llag7qtivn4lr39rhnpe3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapolpora Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Having said that - it may be cheaper to replace the microphone . You can get them secondhand for less than £100. Worth checking your phantom power on your preamp. Obvious I know but worth a look. The SM58 is a dynamic mic so won't need phantom powering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 I thought the SM58s did need phantom power? Just googled it and you oare right (whcih you clearly knew already ) Looks like its the Focusrite[size=4]'s phantom power may be the issue!![/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapolpora Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Do you have another preamp or a mixing desk you can check the Rode out with? Focusrite pres are usually pretty robust - at whatever price point. It's always good practice to switch off phantom power before disconnecting any capacitor mic like the Rode. It could damage the mic otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Will have a 'fiddle' and see what transpires!! Thanks for the steer, bro!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldG Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1392743767' post='2372244'] I thought the SM58s did need phantom power? Just googled it and you oare right (whcih you clearly knew already ) Looks like its the Focusrite[size=4]'s phantom power may be the issue!![/size] [/quote] An SM58 will put up with an accidental 48v injection in its backside, surprisingly well... doesn't sound like phantom power is the problem - if you are getting a signal of some sort with the Rode. You could try Rode support... [url="http://www.rodemic.com/support"]http://www.rodemic.com/support[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1392747182' post='2372297'] Will have a 'fiddle' and see what transpires!! Thanks for the steer, bro!! [/quote] Are you using a 2i2? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 I use a 2i2 with a Rode , and occassionally seem to have output issues from the Mic , I can use the Mic with other preamps no problem but have intermittenet issues with the 2i2 , However I also get the odd issue if I have the 2i2 plugged in on the computer start up , the sound is pants on playback , but as long as I plug it in after I turn the computer on it seems OK , I just put it down to electrickery and stuff . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 [quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1392834563' post='2373305'] I use a 2i2 with a Rode , and occassionally seem to have output issues from the Mic , I can use the Mic with other preamps no problem but have intermittenet issues with the 2i2 , However I also get the odd issue if I have the 2i2 plugged in on the computer start up , the sound is pants on playback , but as long as I plug it in after I turn the computer on it seems OK , I just put it down to electrickery and stuff . [/quote] Concurred.... Exactly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldG Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 I think The Focusrite Bilbo mentioned is a channel strip fed to his interface - I use a[url="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov01/articles/trackmaster.asp"] Platinum Trakmaster[/url] myself.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 20, 2014 Author Share Posted February 20, 2014 I do not know what a 212 is. And it is a Focusrite Platinum Penta Stereo Analog Preset Compressor (see link below) http://www.music123.com/pro-audio/focusrite-platinum-penta-stereo-analog-preset-compressor/188203000000000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 DOH a FPPSAPC why didnt you say so Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1392902839' post='2373951'] I do not know what a 212 is. And it is a Focusrite Platinum Penta Stereo Analog Preset Compressor (see link below) [url="http://www.music123.com/pro-audio/focusrite-platinum-penta-stereo-analog-preset-compressor/188203000000000"]http://www.music123....188203000000000[/url] [/quote] Well, if you will insist on using cheapo stuff, don't be surprised when it plays up... ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share Posted February 21, 2014 I have had it years, mate, so cannot complain. It may have seized up through lack of use since I moved last October!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1392902839' post='2373951'] I do not know what a 212 is. [/quote] Focusrite do a 2 in 2 out budget interface. I've been using one for the last few months and I've had a similar experience(problem) to yours. I was wondering if we were using the same gear as we may be able to work the problem out together(that's all). Two heads and all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 22, 2014 Author Share Posted February 22, 2014 Yes, I have just seen this package on ebay. No, I don't have the 212. Need to get to the issue this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldG Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 You have tried the mic directly into the interface ( to eliminate a fault with the Penta), different leads,etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 22, 2014 Author Share Posted February 22, 2014 I have options to try but need to get to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 23, 2014 Author Share Posted February 23, 2014 Plugged the Rode into a mixer to a mixer today. Dead as a dodo. Have ordered an new t -bone SC14 to replace it. Not as good on paper but more than enough for the purposes I need it for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted February 23, 2014 Share Posted February 23, 2014 Looks good. I bought one of those apogee USB jobbies lately. Very good piece of kit. I'm still on the lookout for a cheap spare. Let us know how you get on with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 The Rode is being looked at as we speak!! By a genius electronics expert friend of mine (previously fixed amps etc for me) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Any joy Bilbo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 No, mate. The guy I gave it to is busy at the moment with a new baby so I can't push him. May need to think again. Fortunately, it is not urgent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 I got it back and the guy said it was fine. Got it home and it worked fine the stopped. Then worked fine. Then stopped. Query. Can humidity/damp do this to a microphone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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