OT:Echo Mia help needed.

MyST wrote on 2/1/2003, 6:55 AM

OK, need some help.
I tried recording from my mic to add some commentary to my video, but I wasn't getting any sound. I checked to make sure my Windows parameters had the Mia as the playback and recording device. The weird part is when I checked the Windows mixer, I can't even select anything for recording. When I select the recording option, their isn't anything listed. No CD, no microphone, no wave, nothing.
So far the guys at Echo only suggested I try physically changing the card to a different slot, which I've done. They also said the Mia needs a pre-amp for the mic(something the salesman neglected to mention at the time). When I open Sound Forge and try to record, I don't get anything apart from a SLIGHT meter change(on the left channel, I'm plugged into input 1) when I tap the mic. OK, that might be due to a pre-amp being needed, but it doesn't explain the lack of recording options in the Windows mixer. I can't afford to buy a pre-amp just to find out it was the Mia that's defective.
I've made sure to select the Mia as the playback device and recording device in SF, so that's not it.
If I can get this resolved, I'd also like your opinion on using a UB802 mixer from Behringer as a pre-amp for the mic. Money is a HUGE issue right now, so please understand I'm trying to get the most bang for the (Mastercard) buck!

Windows XP Home Edition
Echo Mia with latest 6.05 driver
CAD 22 microphone

I'm hoping it's normal to have nothing listed in the Windows mixer, and I can just walk away feeling stupid. Feeling stupid doesn't cost so much. :)

Thanks

M

Comments

FuTz wrote on 2/1/2003, 7:10 AM

Hey MySt,
I can't help you very much here but I'd suggest you ask on the Acid Pro Forum too cause I know a few people got this card (the Mia) there and somebody might have an answer...
Don't despair, you're gonna fix it!..

ibliss wrote on 2/1/2003, 7:36 AM

Myst,

Yes, unfortunately you will be needing a preamp of some description to use a mic as the Mia's analog input operate at line level (so they expect to 'see' a much hotter signal). This is why pluging the mic in only gives you the smallest reading on the meters - and only on the one channel because you've only pluged into the left or right channel (the Mia uses seperate ins for left and right, not stereo inputs, so input 1 is actually 'left').

The good news is that the recording quality will be vastly superior!

Behringer gear is usually fine, though considered by many to be inferior based purely on the low price. I don't think you'll be disapointed by the 802.
As money is an issue here, Behringer also make the tiny UB502A, which has only one mic input, but is $20 cheaper. Personally I'd go for the 802 as it has more line level inputs too, and I like being able to do stereo recordings.

Check them out here

In the mean time, try connecting something like a tape deck/CD player/MD deck from any hifi setup you have - you'll need the right cable to do this (probably phono>1/4" Jack, or you could use 1/4" jack>1/4" jack from the head phone socket)

This should let you test that the card/driver is working properly.

This review of the Mia might also help you with setting up the control panel:
http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/jun01/articles/echomia.htm

craftech wrote on 2/1/2003, 10:02 AM

I had a MIA and returned it for an M-Audio Audiophile 2496. I had nothing but problems with the MIA. When I returned it I asked the vendor which card is never returned and he said the Audiophile 2496. He did not say that about the MIA, nor was he surprised that I was returning it.
I bought my son a Behringer UB802 and he loves it. He writes music and also plays in a band. On a computer I recently built for him I bought him an M-Audio Audio Buddy for him to leave attached to his computer to use for composing. It is very quiet and was the same price as the UB802 (around $79). He has an AT831r lavalier mike attached to his shirt as a vocal mike. The phantom power in the Audio Buddy drives it just fine. To the other channel he switches between an electric guitar, electrified acoustic guitar, and a keyboard. The little mixer is attached to the line input of the soundcard and works very well. He finds Vegas confusing so he uses Samplitude 2496 and gets good results.

For live performances and for more controlled mixing he uses the UB802. It is quiet and has considerable headroom. The UB series seems to perfom better than the previous series.

Return the MIA.

John