Lots of equipment.. How do I set it up?! Podcasting question.

[ZombieMorg]

Here's the chain that you want for that gear:

SM7 > XLR-XLR lead > DBX 286a > TRS Jack-TRS Jack > Mackie Onyx (Use the line button on the front panel) > USB

With your current chain, you have three preamps which are amplifying the mics signal and there's really no need for this.

The DBX looks like a decent preamp with some cool features, so run your SM7 into that. If you can't get your signal loud enough (aim for the -10 level light on the DBX) then put the cloud lifter between the SM7 and DBX to increase the gain.

Using the Mackie console has no real use, apart from it's EQ section but you can do this more easily (and cleanly) in your DAW so there's no need for it in the chain.

Make sure to use the 'line' button on the Mackie Blackjack as this removes its own preamp from the signal and decreases the added noise/gain that you don't need.

Also, check out 'Reaper'. It's a lot cheaper than Audition and does everything you will need.

Hope this helps!

[Grovestand]

Originally Posted by ZombieMorg

Here's the chain that you want for that gear:

SM7 > XLR-XLR lead > DBX 286a > TRS Jack-TRS Jack > Mackie Onyx (Use the line button on the front panel) > USB

With your current chain, you have three preamps which are amplifying the mics signal and there's really no need for this.

The DBX looks like a decent preamp with some cool features, so run your SM7 into that. If you can't get your signal loud enough (aim for the -10 level light on the DBX) then put the cloud lifter between the SM7 and DBX to increase the gain.

Using the Mackie console has no real use, apart from it's EQ section but you can do this more easily (and cleanly) in your DAW so there's no need for it in the chain.

Make sure to use the 'line' button on the Mackie Blackjack as this removes its own preamp from the signal and decreases the added noise/gain that you don't need.

Also, check out 'Reaper'. It's a lot cheaper than Audition and does everything you will need.

Hope this helps!

The one nice thing about EQing before you get to the DAW is that for 90% of material you don't need anything under 75Hz so you can use a HPF to cut that out which frees up headroom. Meaning you have a more detailed signal at that target -10dB mark. This is my novice understanding, but the big boys DO use an EQ on their mics before it hits the "tape."

One really cheap investment that will make all your audio sound better is some acoustic absorption.

Either buy something like this:
RealTraps - Portable Vocal Booth

or make it yourself from some breathable fabric and Owens Corning 703.

Have fun!