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48V power issue Focusrite audio interface

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georges97 Posted messages 14555 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   -

Hello, I have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen sound card and a Rode NT1A microphone, but when I try to use the microphone on a relatively powerful laptop, I can't record; the gain doesn't even detect my voice. However, I have almost no issues when the same sound card and microphone are connected to a desktop PC. I think the problem lies with the 48V power supply since the sound card works perfectly for everything else (listening and connecting an instrument via jack). I've already tried to find a solution by checking all the cables, drivers, and doing a 'clean' installation of the card. I've watched quite a few other tutorials (including those from Focusrite) and read other forums about people with similar problems, but no answers have solved my issue. So I still hold out hope for a savior who might have an idea. Thank you in advance.

4 answers

Answer 1 / 4
pierre
 

Hey

Voltage at this level of research can be measured. A jack connection wouldn't be the first time that a plug "fails to" transmit the signal through an outlet while another one does.

Nothing on the operation lacks knowledge.
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Answer 2 / 4
txiki Posted messages 6514 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   610
 

Hello everyone,

Is this the model?

"impossible to record, my voice detection at the gain level doesn't even happen": your laptop probably doesn't have a microphone input but a "line" input (already pre-amplified signal). At least that's an idea, not having it in front of me...

Or the 48V isn't delivering enough current (mA). From here, we can't guess.
Check your motherboard documentation regarding audio inputs (microphone).

Best regards!
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Answer 3 / 4
georges97 Posted messages 14555 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   2 911
 

Hello,

I'm no savior (no serious contributor on CCM claims to be), but the two points:

almost no problem when the same sound card and microphone are connected to a desktop PC.

and:

from a relatively powerful laptop, it's impossible to record, the detection of my voice at the gain level doesn't even register.

make me think of the eternal problem of the combined microphone-headset jack (so-called combo) on certain recent laptops, which raises the issue of the wiring of the male jack in relation to the female multi-contact socket. Therefore, it's a matter of using the right adapter (6.35mm mono jack to 3.5mm mono mini-jack) or even directly replacing the original socket.

I have refrained from recommending this approach because there's never any feedback on this verification.

Moreover, I think the brand is serious enough to ensure sufficient amperage to meet the clearly established standard for powering all condenser microphones, regardless of whether they are used on a desktop or a laptop.

Finally, if reinstalling the driver could resolve this type of problem, which, according to the description of the conducted tests, has nothing to do with the computing processes but is likely an audio issue (aside from disabling the laptop's mic-line input), it would lead me to revise my knowledge and make amends.

That said, I might be completely wrong, but until the test is conducted... (I'm at ease).
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Answer 4 / 4
georges97 Posted messages 14555 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   2 911
 

Hello,

feedback following the examination of the sound module features.

- if the USB-C port is used for digital signal transmission, the question of the driver may arise if the driver is not available for the version of Windows on the laptop.

- the interpretation of the technical sheet suggests that the USB port is only for powering the module, meaning that the output is analog. If this is the case, there are no driver issues.
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