Topic: CA14 > M10 -- Audio is very low volume and distorted

[LiveHD]

I'm running the following setup for taping shows:

Church Audio CA14 cardioid > SP SPSB-10 battery box > Sony M10 (Line In)
M10 Gain: 4.5
24 bit / 48000
Limiter: Off

I've used this same setup previously with success, but the volume was extremely low and I had to normalize it in Post.  I decided to bump up the gain on the M10 from 3.5 to 4.5.  The volume is still super low, but despite that, it now sound distorted.  I can't figure out what the issue is here?  I already tried replacing the battery in the battery box, double checking connections.

Attached is a screenshot of the wav file in Adobe Audition.

[morst]

line in or mic in?
if it's low, I'd suggest trying mic in

[LiveHD]

line in or mic in?
if it's low, I'd suggest trying mic in

Line In.  I've edited my post.

[nulldogmas]

How quiet was the music? I've used that exact same setup, and seldom had levels quite that low.

Either going mic in or cranking the gain up to around 8 should be workable options, but if you've never seen levels this low before, I do wonder if something else is going on.

[LiveHD]

Problem solved.

It seems the two "new" batteries I tried didn't work.  But once I opened a new pack and put it in the battery box, it now works.

Lesson learned: Always test your gear before a show.

[grawk]

Low volume always means you need more amplification. Preamp, mic in, something.

Distortion can come from anywhere. Under powered mics are the most common after too much gain, but the possibilities are endless