Mic Possible Power Delivery Issue?

[greggreggreg]

So I have a CAD M179 connected to my tube preamp (behringer mic2200), which connects to my audio interface (M-audio M-track), and then finally to my computer.
I used this as my microphone for discord and such for when I play games with friends, but I ran into problems recently with the mic's ability to pick up sound. Sometimes it will completely drop out and I have to tap the cage to get the Mic to activate. After a few attempts to 'kickstart' the activation, it would be good for roughly 30 minutes or longer. Then it would randomly drop off and I'd have to tap it for a while again.

I just bought a new Mic, thinking that the CAD M179 was old and overused, but now this Mic (AudioTechnica 2035) is doing the exact same thing. This Mic is supposedly quieter, so it's harder to get it to work with tapping. I do have the 48v phantom power on as well. I have also researched the impedance of each product, and there shouldn't be a problem with this as it worked perfectly for a couple years.

I really don't want to have to keep doing this, but I was wondering if anyone can give me some guidance here. It definitely could be that my XLR cable is old and worn, but I don't have another cable to troubleshoot the issue.

I do have a Schiit Magni3 and Modi2 Uber stack for my Beyerdynamic DT770 80ohms on the same wall socket, but I can't remember if I had this problem before or after the schiit stack. I got the schiit stack recently as well, so I'm not certain. I tried turning off the stack but the problem persists. My computer/monitors aren't on the same wall socket, but I'm not sure if that even matters to be honest.

Thanks!

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Got a link to your XLR cable?


Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[greggreggreg]

Unfortunately I don't. It was probably 3 to 4 years ago when I bought them online from a lower populated site.

A cable issue is all that stands between me and solving this it seems, though i'd have to buy another to figure that out. I'm willing to do that, but I figured I'd get some better advice before moving on.

 

[greggreggreg]

Actually I do, I found it deep in my email.

https://www.zzounds.com/item--CBIMLC

I also have an XLR to TRS for the tube preamp>interface.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Kinda figured that’s what I’d find, looking at the picture in the link. Basically, the XLR connectors on that cable are cheap junk, and that’s more than likely the problem. See here for details. Try wiggling the end of the female connector (the one plugged into the mic), and I’ll bet you’ll find the sound will cut in and out.


Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[greggreggreg]

I tested the cord and wiggled it pretty hard, but it had no effect it seems. I'm not doubting your knowledge or anything, because I also suspect it is the cable.

I might have to get an upgrade and see how it goes. Do you have any recommendations?

In the meantime, if anyone would like to throw in their input, I'm all ears.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

I tested the cord and wiggled it pretty hard…

I advised wriggling the connector, not the cable. The female end that plugs into the mic body. While it's plugged into the mic and in use.

That said, the cable itself can be an issue. But barring physical abuse (like say, an anvil falling on it),I’ve only seen cables fail in one place: Right where it exits the body of the connector, as that’s where it bends and flexes the most. Especially on the mic side, because that gets the most handling.

So that’s your second potential fail point (the male side plugging into stationary hardware is less prone to failure). If the female XLR connector passes the “wriggle test,” wriggle around the cable itself just past the end of the connector. Might as well subject the male end to both tests while you’re at it, if the female end passes muster.

The next thing I’d suspect would be the Behri mic pre amp. Not sure why you’re using redundant pre-amps anyway. Strikes me as – well, redundant. Try bypassing it and going straight into the M-Audio.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[greggreggreg]

Yeah I also figured that the flexing of the end would cause some problems in the future. I tried moving around both male and female pieces, but the female end of the mic is pretty solidified to the mic's chassis, so it doesn't move at all or cause any sound cutting.

I have been told before that my tube pre is redundant, but in the past I've used this setup with only the audio interface and it didn't sound as good, according to people hearing me. The tube pre was also recommended with everything I have, so I got it all at once before I knew much about this. However, I'm willing to try it again. Would you say that it's the cheap audio interface's mic preamp that may be giving me a less desirable sound?

Also, do you think that the Behri mic pre is too much for this setup? By that I mean energy usage. It does take around 15 seconds to power up fully and begin picking up sound, but as I understand it must generate heat first. This may be why you already suspect it as a potential issue.

I'm going to order the cable tonight and hopefully have it by Friday for troubleshooting. I'll post my results afterwards.