Best USB Sound Card for XLR to TRS?

[90sRammy]

Hi all,

   I received a TONOR BM-700 XLR condenser mic a few years ago, and I am only now putting it to use. The USB sound card went missing, so I scoured Amazon and other sites to find a replacement. I ordered a Sabrent branded USB sound card, and to my surprise, it would barely pick up anything. Doing more research on it, I realized it does not produce enough voltage to support the mic. I raised the levels, and even used Equalizer APO to turn the audio up, but to no avail. I then purchased another sound card, the Movo USB-AC1. When I put it to use, it gave me only static, no matter how many times I tap the mic. I tried plugging it in to different USB ports, as well as a different computer, and the issue stayed. I may have purchased the wrong card, as it was labeled TRRS, whereas the mic I have is an XLR to TRS. I have issued a return. Are there any USB sound cards out there that can solve this problem? The sound card that came with the microphone worked just fine if I can recall, and I cannot find a place to purchase it separately. I have linked the things I have used, as well as my computer specs (might need it, who knows?) below. Anything helps. Thank you. 

 

TONOR: https://www.amazon.com/TONOR-Professional-Microphone-Podcasting-Broadcasting/dp/B01LEEWO7C/ref=sr_1_1?
Sabrent: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Movo: https://www.amazon.com/Movo-USB-AC1-Microphone-Digital-Converter/dp/B08BN4D9VZ/ref=sr_1_3

 

 

[LpoolTech]

are you using 48v phantom power supply which should be included with this mic? if not then that would explain why its so quiet. 

[90sRammy]

44 minutes ago, LpoolTech said:

are you using 48v phantom power supply which should be included with this mic? if not then that would explain why its so quiet. 

The Amazon description mentions that it does not come with a 48v phantom power supply. Thank you for bringing that up to me. Cheers

[The Flying Sloth]

4 hours ago, 90sRammy said:

The Amazon description mentions that it does not come with a 48v phantom power supply. Thank you for bringing that up to me. Cheers

Don't worry about that, a 48v supply is only part of the fix. Those microphones are very cheap and quite nasty, theoretically they should run on the included XLR to 3.5mm cable just fine because really, as an electret mic they don't need phantom. For sure Phantom can make them have less hissing and be louder but for that to be effective you will also need a preamp for the mic.

 

ENTER THE AUDIO INTERFACE 

 

That's the piece of hardware you want, an audio interface is designed specifically to power microphones and though it can't turn that turd to gold it certainly can polish it a fair amount. UM2 Is the cheapest interface on the market and honestly it doesn't sound like you'd benefit from anything higher quality though I would suggest having a read of the link in my signature so that you understand the hardware needs of a mic like that and have a bit better background knowledge before deciding on what hardware to purchase.