Low Recording volume in garageband

[Chris2007]

I just got an imac g5 core 2 duo and I'm trying to record with an external condenser mic on garageband but the volume is really low. I've got the input volume all the way up but it doesn't help. I'm sure it's something basic that I'm doing wrong. Help appreciated

 

[50voltphantom]

Play louder! J/K. Is there a input pad on the mic itself that might be turned on?

 

[Chris2007]

No there is a power switch that you can set to mono or stereo - I've tried both and it is still low

Btw it isn't a phantom power mic. It's just a cheap one I bought off ebay for £20. I don't know if that makes a difference

 

[MartinS]

You probably need a preamp. I use an electro-harmonix Black Finger.

 

[Reiner2112]

Chris, What Martin says is probably correct. If you used a USB mic or one designed for direct connect, that issue would be addressed. A pre amp(or mixer) is definitely a good idea with a standard audio mic. Apogee makes some nice sounding gear if I may say so myself?. Check out "One".
USB Microphone and Audio Interface > Apogee ONE > Apogee Electronics
Personally I use the Duet and it really works well.

 

[MartinS]

Apogee Duet is what I would buy if I needed something and didn't have the Black Finger (bought it as a guitar compressor but it also works very well as a pre-amp). You might find a BF on ebay.