The output of a tube mic will be higher than the output of a dynamic mic but you will still need a mic preamp (unless you are recording very loud sources).

While a tube mic may be slightly noisier than a solid state condenser mic, it shouldn't be noisy enough to require a noise gate on normal vocals or instruments. I suspect that you may have a damp or contaminated capsule. Try putting the mic in a warm airing cupboard or on a warm radiator for a few days to dry it out. Once it is dry, store it in a box with some dessicant to keep it dry.

I have a friend who scours Ebay for non-working mics at low prices. He then dries them out and usually ends up with a great mic for next to nothing.

James.

Last edited by James Perrett; 07/19/10 11:03 AM.
James Perrett, JRP Music http://www.jrpmusic.net

Della Perrett's Sweetedge http://www.sweetedge.com