Headset mic

This may be a super obvious question, but I'm using my Eleven Rack as my PC's audio interface/sound card and purchasing headphones with a mic for gaming. Obviously, I can plug the phones right into the front, but how exactly do I connect the mic? Thanks!

Surely someone has some insight?

Use the line input at the back, use the switch at the back to select the right line level (most likely -10db since that is a consumer level device).

Thank you, kind sir!

No problem, we are here to help!

Unfortunately, I'm not able to get the mic to respond when following your advice. Have it plugged in to one of the line inputs, but can't get a signal from the mic. Tried playing with all of the different options in Windows recording devices and you can see the level of the output, but the thing's just not producing. Any advice?

I am going to have to assume that you may not have configured the input. From the manual:

To choose which input is routed through the Rig:
1 Hold the Edit/Back button for one second to bring up the User Options screen.
2 Use the scroll wheel to select the Rig Input User Option.
3 Press the SW1 button to enter the Rig Input menu.
4 Set the input you wish to route through the Rig with the illuminated control knob.
5 Press Edit/Back twice to return to your original view.

To ensure you hear your audio when using Eleven Rack as a standalone signal processor, be sure to set the Rig Input User Option to the type of input you plan to use (Guitar,
Mic, Line).

If that does not work check the line level switch, it may need to be in the +4db mode

If you do not have it, highly recommend downloading the manual (http://akmedia.digidesign.com/support/docs/Eleven_Rack_User_Guide_v90x_71670.pdf) lots of good stuff in there

BTW are you using pro-tools or another DAW?

Another thought, you probably need a mic pre-amp to go into the line level input.

If my other advice does not work. Another option is to buy a XLR to female TRS converter (or make your own ) and use the mic input on the 11 rack (http://www.amazon.com/TRS-Female-XLR-Male-Adapter/dp/B0024X7XL0).

This is probably the best option as it will allow better control over the signal (pad/gain).

Here is the explanation why: http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/linelevel.shtml

Thanks again so much for your help and input. Unfortunately, none of the above worked, so I went ahead and ordered a XLR to 1/4 converter to go through the mic pre. Will let you know if it works!

I use Reaper and Ableton Live as my DAW, but this specific case is for PC gaming with my friend.

Ah OK, you are using the 11 rack as a sound card, then this may be a windows issue not 11 Rack. You may need to let windows know that you are using the line in on the 11 rack as the mic input. this may help:

http://superuser.com/questions/595494/ho...-microphones-in

You may also have to set the game to use the 11 rack as the sound card.

Overall, it may be way easier to switch to the onboard sound of the PC when you playing games (i.e. plug headset into the PC vs 11 Rack) and adjust the settings in windows accordingly.

Yeah, I thought it might be a Windows issue, too, and I've tried experimenting with every combination possible through the device menu. Nothing gets a signal.

I know it's possible to use the 11R as a sound card because I don't have any issues getting sound through it when playing games. I have the onboard sound disabled.

Hopefully, the XLR input works because I'm not sure what else to do.

most of the pc mics and gamer head set mics have electret and preamp inside powered by the pc.

soooo with that said you will need a ckt to phantom power the headset. most are 9volt dc. so
9v battery
100 ohm 2 watt resistor for battery isolation / current drop.
1 uf 25 volt cap
plug
socket
box to put it in.
trying to find my print on this....
easy to build!!
there are some after market units that do this too...
25-50 bucks.
or build it your self if you are handy!!

try another non phantom powered mic and see if it works first.

Okay, so this has been a bundle of fun. Thanks very much Rushian and Paul for all of your input.

The XLR adapter arrived and still provides no signal. Paul must be correct that a preamp is required, though I thought the 11R contains a preamp for this purpose? Sorry if I'm not quite grasping the concept. I'm very much a newbie with this.

Anyway, I had a thought to solve the problem and would like the ask the two of you (or anyone else) if this would work:

The idea is to purchase a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as an audio interface to run the phones and mic through for gaming. Would that interface have a self contained pre that would function correctly for my purposes, or would I still somehow be in the same boat?

The hope is that this also MIGHT potentially kill two birds with one stone because the other problem I've been having is blue screen system crashes when the 11R is on. I never have these crashes when it's off and I know it's somehow related to an issue with the motherboard in my recent PC build and the 11R itself. I can't remedy the situation and I never experienced it when using the 11R with my old laptop in the same way.

If this does solve both problems (I can dream, at least) then I would use the Scarlett as my everyday interface and use the 11R only when playing guitar.

Thoughts?

I don't really know the Fousrite Scarlett 2i2, but from what Paul wrote in his very informative post, I think you will still have the same issue. As Paul wrote the headset already has the required preamp but it needs to be powered. This thread has some useful information: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end-...mall-mixer.html

And also here for a circuit diagrams:

http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/microphone_powering.html

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/180781-homemade-electret-mic-power-supply.html

This may be your simplest option if you are not into diy wiring and soldering:
http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-DJ-500MC-MKII-Headphones/dp/B0002D0HT4/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1436797910&sr=1-6&keywords=headphones+and+microphone&refinements=p_36%3A4000-6000&pebp=1436797924928&perid=0DPWAC7KNSVJ80FZCE9P

or just use regular headphones and this type of mike: http://www.amazon.com/Nady-10300-64-HM-1...amic+microphone

As for your mobo problem, have you updated the bios? or have you got the latest drivers from you mobo manufactures web page? as you may already know the drivers on the disk that came with it (99% of the time) are not the final drivers for it. is the USB port you are using a USB 3 or USB 2 port? the 11r is USB 2 and there is a USB 3 driver that is separate from your other drivers for USB.