Greetings All,
Using the Cortex as an audio interface, when I attach a condenser mic (AKG -C-3000B) to either input 1 or 2 and go to the I/O settings panel where the default level is set to 0.0 db and engage phantom power, I do not get any sound at all and the level meter shows -40.0 db. I have to push the level knob to 45.0 db to get an average of -10.0 db on the meter in the I/O settings and in my DAW. I do not have this issue when using an Apogee Duet interface. I have yet to test if this is adding hiss to a recording, but should this be necessary? Anyone else encountering a similar issue? Thanks in advance.
I had exactly the same issue. When I increased the level almost to the max, I got some signal but it also added lots of hiss/hum to the point it was unusable. Dynamic mics appeared to be free from this issue.
Thanks for the feedback and corroboration jakekim. I hope I have better luck with the hiss. Will do some recording and see. I can’t imagine they would have included XLR inputs with phantom power but condenser mics aren’t useable. Yikes!
I have used a NT1 and a 421 with no issues. Just FYI
Glad to hear it thanks Waterbound. Are they condenser mics? Did you have to push the level knob significantly to get a good level with no noise?
I will try it again soon but I don’t believe I had to push the levels as much as you did and yes, they are both condenser mics. I will see if I can get some time to try/document my settings again.
No they have not of course!
I compared a few different microphones including condensers requiring 48V between my RME UCX mic interface and QC mic interface, both at the same gain settings - they were all giving same result on the UCX and the QC within a dB.
If your dynamic and ribbons give enough level and the condensers not on the QC and they deliver in your other interfaces I’d suspect a faulty phantom feed and you’d better get in touch with support@neuraldsp.com.
Tried again with a Rode NT1 condenser mic and compared to my Presonus 1818XL interface etc., I didn’t need to bump the levels as you indicated and no noticeable difference between the two different interfaces.
Hey thanks for this very useful info hasse_fx and Waterbound. I will have time this weekend to take into consideration your experiences/expertise and do some experimenting.
Glad to help. Sorry I don’t have much experience with the AKG -C-3000B!
Hey everyone! Apologies for replying to a 4 year old thread.
Getting back into music making after several years and I’m interested in purchasing a RODE NT1-A for recording some acoustic instruments at home.
Having never used condenser mics, my main worry is whether QC can support them. I’m planning on using the QC as an audio interface as well. Reading this thread and MP_Mod’s reply, it seems like everything’s good to go! I did want to triple check however before purchasing to avoid wasting money.
If it’s of any use, I purchased my QC December 2021 (in case newer QC’s have new components??)
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies, it is much appreciated!
I use the same mic everyday with my regular interface and the QC and haven’t noticed any discernible difference, but I will take another look/listen and see if I notice anything
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it’s pretty common with the QC, yes. I’ve tested it myself.
Some mics send levels so low users often think they aren’t working at all.
You have to boost it; either on the grid with the Input block volume or add a gain block to the row, or w/ a gain plugin in your DAW
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Super helpful everyone, this is much appreciated! I’ll reply back here after I get the NT1-A to share my experience, might come in handy for others with the same question. Have a great week 
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You shouldn’t have any issues with condenser mics, their output volume levels are generally loud enough due to the +48V phantom power. I think the OP of this thread had a faulty QC.
I’ve had a Shure SM7B for a while; it’s a super quiet dynamic mic and needs a lot of juice to be usable. Recently I got a Cloudlifter, which boosts the SM7B’s output via phantom power. Need to try it out with my QC (as an audio interface).
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