Hi all, I just picked up a Rode NT1-A mic for some vocals to complement my dark trinity + Virus TI2 setup. I’ve hooked the mic up to my audio interface and turn on phantom power and I get this horrible, digital distortion-like sound from both speakers (sample clip linked, it’s faint in the recording but it’s killer IRL). This sound goes away when I turn off phantom power or unplug the mic when phantom power is still on. It doesn’t sound like a ground hum so I don’t think it’s a grounding issue. My setup for this is NT1-A to Roland UA22 interface to PC/DAW. I use the same Roland interface for my Octa outs with phantom power off and I don’t have any issues, so it seems like it’s phantom power-specific. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Have you tried using the power supply rather than USB power? It’s a weird one, so I’m just trying to think of ways to troubleshoot it 
Also, is the hi-z switch off?
Yes Hi-Z is off, I tried it both ways when this problem cropped up. I’ll try to unearth my power supply but it might be tricky to find hah. Would that make a difference if I still need to use USB for the actual audio interfacing?
Hmm, to be honest I have no idea but I thought because phantom power requires a source maybe it was straining the USB power too much? Probably not tbh! Maybe the problem is with the mic itself? Is it brand new? Have you got something else with phantom power to try it out? Or maybe a mate has something you can try?
Yeah mic is allegedly new, the box looked a little beat up when it arrived beyond just the typical shipping wear-and-tear so I’m a little skeptical. I’m going to try to get my hands on some other XLR’s and see if that makes a difference also. No other mics to try unfortunately.
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Hmm. That sucks. I meant another device like a mixer/interface with phantom power so that you can try the mic on that and (hopefully?) eliminate the Roland from the troubleshooting process. Even if you can borrow one, visit a friend etc
Edit: either way, be mindful of the return period if it’s from a shop, then send it back before that expires and request a new one
Another edit: latest driver installed on the Roland?
Agree on the power supply. Phantom power draws a lot, and USB is a questionable source at best for that.
Found the power supply for the interface and that fixed it! The seller got back to me also and confirmed that phantom power requires the A/C adapter and power over USB isn’t sufficient. Thanks for your help!
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Awesome! Enjoy your new mic
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