I received my new E100S in the mail today and have been testing it. I have it plugged into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (with phantom power turned on). I have recorded several test videos and in every case it is apparent that the sound is considerable louder in my left earphone than in my right. All my prior recordings (using a CAD u37 USB [no Audio Interface used] were all even volume in both ears. I am using a Fiio headphone amp/CAD, but the default settings are still in place (including balance at zero). What could possibly account for the significant difference in amplitude between the left channel and the right?
DSK1UPDATE: I have determined that the problem was not an E100S issue, but was rather a Focusrite 2i2 Audio Interface issue. I disconnected the Focusrite and connected the new E100S using just a phantom power unit, and upon playback both headphones had the same amplitude. So now, I need to change my question: Any idea why the Focusrite would take the left/right signals out of balance? I'm not using any equilizers (that I know of). Is there any setting I may not know about to adjust the left-right balance on the Focusrite 2i2? Thanks.
loosecannonI am using Windows 10. My video recording software is Open Broadcaster Software. I believe I am recording in monaural because I have never seen a stereo mic setting. Now, the plot thickens: As you know, when I disconnected the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and ran the mic signal through a simple phantom power unit, the recording was perfect. Today, I reconnected the Focusrite, and reinstalled the latest drivers. I made several test recordings, addressing the mic from the left, the center, and the right. Here are the strange results upon playback: When the mic was connected to mic input 1, the sound was always substantially louder on the left, and when the mic was connected to mic input2, the sound was always substantially louder on the right. I have no idea how this could happen, even in a faulty USB Audio Interface, but I'm thinking it may be time to return the Scarlett 2i2.
DSK1UPDATE: Given the strange results discussed above, I decided to try the same test using different video recording software. I repeated the test using Cyberlink You Cam video. Again, when the mic was plugged into the Focusrite's mic input 1, the sound on playback was much louder on the left side of my headphones,and when the mic was plugged into the Focusrite's mic input 2, the sound on playback was much louder on the right side. As I said, maybe it's time to return the Focusrite because I can't understand how this could happen or how to fix it.
DSK1So I've had the same thing happen to me a long time ago. Most all of the audio interfaces will expect you to go to a program to make you audio mono, straight into a recording (obs does have a mono feature in advanced audio) software that doesn't have a mono setting like elgato's game capture program will read your mic as a single channel left or right depending on which audio in you plug into. After doing a lot of research I found the Yamaha ag03/06 which has the ability to make you single channel xlr mic into a stereo mic, so it doesn't matter if you're talking with your friends in discord or recording for YouTube everything will sound balanced.
DSK1before you do, I had a problem with OBS. There's a box to check in OBS itself. I'm at work at the moment but will try to find that setting for you asap :)
GigaratThere is a drop down menu in OBS under Audio Settings (actually Settings --> Audio), where you can specify stereo or mono, and after changing that setting to mono I felt confident that my problem was solved -- until I listened to my test video on playback, and the amplitude imbalance was still present and no better.
DSK1It really is a hidden gem, and I'm surprised more people haven't noticed the problem before. But of course most people opt for the usb microphones that are easy to use and convert to stereo but at the cost of audio quality
SevenLtrsYes, indeed. I previously used a cheapo CAD u37, a direct USB mic, which actually was quite good. I don't have a sound booth or a quiet room, so that mic picked up a lot of room echo. OBS worked perfectly with that mic with no need for special settings. Actually, it's not the mic that caused any of these problems. It was the UBS Audio Interface. I now have the new CAD E100S plugged in using a generic phantom power unit, and everything's perfect.
SevenLtrsI had just gone for the MXL 990 before this drop. Talk about timing. And now I have a cold so can't test the CAD out until I start feeling human again. :D
SevenLtrsNo, the sound isolation is not good. It is just a bit better than the CAD u37. I've been giving some thought to getting a very directional mic to get rid of all the echo in this room. I have no studio and just have everything set up on the dining room table. With tile floors, lots of glass windows and doors, etc., there is a fair amount of echo. You'll never notice any echo when conversing, but on a sound recording it just jumps out at you. There is no way to put up heavy blankets or cover my walls, and ceilings with acoustic tile, so I'm thinking a highly direction mic is the way to go.
SevenLtrsThanks, I'll take a look at those four mics. I am really beginning to think that only a highly directional shotgun mic will prevent all (or much of) the echo.
DSK1Well all the mics mentioned above are build for broadcasting and have great sound rejection. I just recently bought the re20 since it's well known for its natural sound and ease of use. so far I've really liked the sound even though my room isn't deadened
SevenLtrsThanks again. I looked briefly at all four mics on amazon and B&H (bhphotovideo.com) and will revisit these mics when I have ample time. If I recall, the ElectroVoice Re20 was about $750. I've not seen it on Massdrop at a lower cost. In the meanwhile, I'm learning not to speak so loudly. That really helps reduce the echo. Low-tech method, but it works.
DSK1This is as designed. Nothing is wrong with either the mic or the interface and is the way that almost all smaller interfaces work. Channel 1 is the left and Channel 2 is the right. That is what gives you complete stereo separation. In this case you will need to either fix it in software, or go hardware and have an external preamp of some sort that splits into both channels. I know it's not ideal, but that is the way that the interface is designed. If you set the balance in your software you should be able to set it to the middle and get a centered audio track.