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Davd
3
Jan 9, 2018
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My ModMic 4 Uni has been really lackluster. I hope I have a bad sample because even old discarded phone headsets are favorable in comparison.
It has bad issues with gain and noise. I need to set gain to +30dB and stuff the mic so close it's touching my lips to be heard at all, and even using noise reducing software the noise is clearly audible. The magnet glue-on also can't stick to my headphones and falls off just from the weight of the mic itself.
Jan 9, 2018
AntlionJoe
233
Antlion
Jan 10, 2018
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DavdHey David, seems like you've got a few different problems. The noise and volume issue is due to whatever you're plugging into isn't providing proper voltage.
You can always get direct support from us at customerservice@antlionaudio.com or by hitting us up in our discord at https://discord.gg/ZqDGNFg
The quick fix for this is an inexpensive USB adapter, such as the Syba CM-UAUD. Should cost under 10 dollars.
https://www.amazon.com/external-Adapter-Windows-Microphone-SD-CM-UAUD/dp/B001MSS6CS
The adhesive problem is unusual. The average lifespan of an adhesive is over 3 years! There are two possible reasons typically for a failed adhesive:
1) The surface needs to be cleaned completely and it helps to let the adhesive cure for a long time (1 hour+).
2) The surface is rubber. As we state in the FAQ rubberized surfaces are a problem, the adhesive works best on metal or plastic.
Here's a quick video that covers how to set the adhesive in the best possible way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZqV9cjw0RA
Jan 10, 2018
Davd
3
Jan 10, 2018
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AntlionJoeThanks for the tips, the adhesive issue could be because of the mesh so going to try the heatgun trick.
But the noise and volume is an issue on multiple devices which work great with my other mics (several discarded phone headsets and my old gaming headset). What is the proper voltage for the ModMic? I can try to measure the output if needed.
Jan 10, 2018
AntlionJoe
233
Antlion
Jan 10, 2018
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DavdModMic operates best with 5v-10v, a typical good USB will output about 4.5v. Our min spec is typically 3v.
Jan 10, 2018
Davd
3
Jan 12, 2018
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AntlionJoeSo I did some measurements and it turns out my motherboard mic bias voltage is 2.8V, which explains the issues. I'll have to get a new sound card or a new microphone.
I haven't been able to find an official standard for PC mic bias voltage, but the sources I find mirror your specs though. What I find odd is that my Android phones (spec is 1.8-2.9V bias voltage ) drive my old AKG gaming headset mic without issues., so why does the ModMic require higher voltage?
Jan 12, 2018
AntlionJoe
233
Antlion
Jan 13, 2018
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DavdWell, I am just the marketing guy, so my tech knowledge is somewhat limited. I believe that the voltage requirements directly mirror the overall maximum quality you can get, so while you can get a mic that sounds its best at 2 volts it will never sound as good as a mic that sounds its best at 5.
That's probably an oversimplification and may not even be correct, but as a general rule I think it is.
Also that isn't to say it is the only factor. Size of the mic, design, the materials used, and the electrical source all strongly impact quality. However, we're really confident that with a true clean source and proper voltage our mic stands very close to mid-quality XLR products like the AT2020. The key difference is its much harder to get clean signals and proper voltage on a 3.5mm than it is on XLR (which is fairly standardized). We'll have an XLR solution this year, fingers crossed.
Jan 13, 2018
Davd
3
Feb 2, 2018
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AntlionJoeSo I thought I'd put AntLion to the test and give you a chance to redeem yourselves after my poor initial impression. I bought a USB adapter as recommended, in fact I got AntLion's own adapter to be fair and to make sure you're all in.
The adapter measured 4.45V bias voltage, which is fine and expected from a 5V USB driver. This adapter solved just about all of my sound issues. The noise was almost completely gone, no extra gain was needed, and I no longer needed to talk with the mic in my mouth. The volume could still be slightly higher however, but it rarely causes a problem and can usually be fixed with a few minutes of volume adjustments,
So great! AntLion passed the test! I tip my hat to you, good people of AntLion, and thank you for the support.
One point of criticism however: I did some control measurements on a handful of computers I have access, with fair distribution of age, price, integrated/dedicated sound card etc. What I found was that the bias voltage was fairly evenly distributed between 2.1V and 4.8V. Assuming my sample was representative it calls into question if minimum 3V/ recommended 5V bias voltage is a good design target. [edit: unless it's bundled with a USB adapter. Queue pitch for ModMic 5]
Feb 2, 2018
aditxman
34
Feb 3, 2018
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AntlionJoecan u drop it again ? i need 1 more with 2 acc packs man
Feb 3, 2018
aditxman
34
Mar 16, 2018
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Davduse UHU patafix way better than the adhesive from this drop i mean more more more better
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Mar 16, 2018
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