Firepod Not Getting Much Level..., at all! Options

[kelly001]

I just purchased the firepod yesterday and I'm having problems with getting any real level. I tried to record separately a vibraphone (with a MXL V67 with phantom power on) and vocals with an Audix OM5 and in both cases, I barely get any level on the channels I decide to record on. And I mean, barely any. I'll be lucky if the meter on the channel even lights up. What am I missing? Is the unit defective? Is there a pad somewhere?

[Hearandnow]

I appreciate the quick response. Here's the breakdown: I have tried multiple mics (AKG C1000S, Sennheiser 416t, and Sennheiser Evolution Series Wireless Lav) all of which I know are functional because my company uses them to record to Canon XL series cameras. I have tried multiple cables I know to be working and presently have a brand new cable connecting the AKG C1000S to input 1 on the Firebox with Phantom Power enabled on the box (though I get the same result using a 9V in the mic). I know this mic specifically puts out a pretty hot Mic Level signal.

The problem is when I enable Monitoring and Recording on my Logic Express interface (I also have the same problem in Cubase SE) I get only a tiny signal. I have to turn the headphones up pretty high to monitor the tiny signal I am getting, and when I go to play back a recording of that signal I hear nothing. In my Core Audio settings for Logic I have the Firebox selected as my input and output device and I have the same settings in my Mac OSX User Prefs.

Additionally, if I connect a Line Level input (a Casio Privia PX-400R digitial piano) to the third input (one of two available Line Level inputs on the Firebox) I get no signal whatsoever. On the Presonus webpage there is a FAQ explaining how to enable the additional inputs in Cubase SE, but I can't find how to enable these extra inputs in Logic.

I am admittedly pretty new to computer recording. My only prior experience is with using an iMic connected to my Powerbook using Garageband to record Voice Overs. My small video production company has been doing well which has allowed us to expand our audio capabilities in terms of software and hardware. We are currently trying to do most of our recording through computer which has pushed me over to only doing audio. I'm excited about this, but need to get through these early setbacks to really be able to take advantage of the better quality recording available through our Macs.

I greatly appreciate any insight you can offer. Oh yeah, the first two links you sent me were dead. I guess those forum pages aren't up anymore.

Ben Campbell
High Noon Productions
www.YourNextVideo.com