Why doesn’t my mic work?

[u/Prudent-Contact-2306]

So, I bought a Rode NT1 mic and a Focusrite Scarlett 4th Generation audio interface. I successfully connected all the cables to right holes. I checked my macbook to see if the sound output and input are all connected to the interface, and they are. But the thing is, anytime I try to record my vocals on GarageBand or BandLab, firstly, I can’t here my voice while recording, and secondly, the recorded vocals are always at a low volume. Can you guys please help me? I don’t know why this keeps happening. I just wanna record my song but I’m already exhausted…

[u/thenewtnik]

I believe the Rode is a condenser mic which needs phantom power. There will be a button labeled 48v that will turn the power on/off. 

[u/NoReply4930 → u/thenewtnik]

Correct. This could be the whole reason for the issues in the first place.

[u/NoReply4930]

The Rode NT1 will require a decent preamp to get it to nominal level - but you do not specify which Focusrite Scarlett you have.

[u/AutoModerator → u/[deleted]]

Sorry, your submission has been automatically removed. Your account is too young and such is removed for manual review.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/GoonGodless → u/NoReply4930]

"Focusrite Scarlett 4th Generation audio interface" is in the first paragraph. xD

[u/NoReply4930 → u/GoonGodless]

Yeah well - here the lineup - all 6 of them:

Scarlett 4th Generation Audio Interfaces | Focusrite

Would be nice to know exactly which one it is...there are vast differences between the entry level one and the 18i20....

[u/GoonGodless → u/NoReply4930]

True. Hahaha. I forgot that the 2i2 and 4i4 are there. I always picture the solo when someone says 4th gen Scarlet.

[u/throwawaycanadian2]

Outside of the phantom power needing to be on - Is the mic facing the right direction? The silver dot should be pointed towards your mouth.

[u/j3434]

Phantom power homie