828 MK2 Mic PreAmp Question -- Mic inputs have no Gain!

[AnthonyNYC]

I've had the 828MK2 for awhile, but have never been able to get any gain out of the mic preamps. I hook up an SM57 and turn the trim way up, and there is sound coming through but its barely audible. I have resorted to getting a cheap 2 input mic preamp for now. Does this mean the preamps on my 828 are fried??? Is this a common issue at all? Tried a forum search, but the search function seems broken. Thanks people.

[NazRat]

Are the input faders up in CueMix?

[AnthonyNYC]

Yeah, all the way up.

[NazRat]

Have you tried a factory reset? If not and you don't know how, search the MOTU support for reset. OTT - dunno . . .

[AnthonyNYC]

Thanks, I have...but will try again, can't hurt. The strange part is with the levels all the way up the only thing that registers at all on the meters is a loud scream. Even that shows a millimeter or less of output bar.

[HCMarkus]

Bad mic or mic cable? If both mic pres exhibit similar behavior, I'd suggest the issue is more likely to be user error, or another problem in the chain. On the other hand, I didn't lay out the internal workings of the 828mkII, so I may be full of it.

On the other other hand, my 828mkII has plenty of gain for most applications (although I don't use the pres much anymore, having other pres at my disposal.)

Good luck sorting this out. Yes, a call to MOTU may well be in order.

[AnthonyNYC]

Thanks for the reply.

No, my mic hardware and cables are good. Just did the factory reset again. Set mic gain and main outs to 0db, nothing. The only time I get sound is when I turn the trim knob to max. Turning the trim to max results in a bunch of static and the mic output being audible at very low level through the monitors. When I speak at a decent volume into the mic, only one green light comes up on the green L/R output level bar. Probably time to send it in for repair.

[AnthonyNYC]

UPDATE: Put in a tech link at MOTU on 3 January 2011, and no response as of Jan 10th. Tried calling them, and their line is always busy. I really don't understand how a company can survive with such poor support. Their products are good, but not that good. Emailed their customer service. Depending on their response, I may replace my 828MKII FW with a model from Presonus, that is after I check out what kind of support that company has.

[j_e_f]

The MOTU inputs are really touchy in regards to impedance mismatch. But I know that pro dynamic mics such as a Shure SM57 work because that's what I use.

You're sure that the mic is turned up on both Cuemix's Input and Output pages? If it's not turned up on both of those pages, then you'll hear nothing.

[AnthonyNYC]

Thanks Jef. I haven't tried it with the PC on in a while, but finally got through to MOTU support today. Tried it as a standalone mixer. Nothing from the mic inputs, but when I plug a guitar into either of the 1/4" front inputs there is good sound.

They had me power it off, disconnect all cables, toggle the voltage switch on the side and then power back on. Still nothing from the mic pre's.

The good news: They'll take care of it for $99 with a turnaround of about 2 weeks. So that's good enough for me. Customer support and tech for MOTU is fine once you get through!

[SmilesLots]

Do you have phantom power turned off? Dumb question, I know. But it does need to be off.

[stephentayler]

Silly question, but are the pads switched in?

[AnthonyNYC]

Yes on the pads and phantom power.....thanks for the suggestions guys.