Do I have an issue somewhere or am I being paranoid.
My Setup.
Newer NW-800 professional studio Mic
Newer NW-100 48 volt Phantom power supply.
Plugged into my 3.5mm Mice Jack on my Asus z-170a MB.
With my mic Volume set to MAX audacity is only recording at -25db.
This is my first condenser mic. I thought it would be more Spectacular than this. Heck I get better Quality out of my turtle Beach x12 headset.
Those cheap phantom power units will bottom out if you leave them running for more than an hour or so due to a common design flaw -- this is probably your issue.
It can be fixed by throwing some moderate value caps in the right places on the board, or ordering a more reliable piece of kit.
If you go condenser don't cheap out on it. Either go with a USB one or full XLR stuff. And go with a reputable brand. It will save you money and pain in the long run.
And don't think "condenser is better" because really it is just different. Dynamic mics can be great.
What is the purpose of the mic? Singing? Instruments? Professional audio recording? Youtube voice over?
Just basic voice over stuff, no music. My son is wanting to do the Youtube/Twitch thing. I personally will be just using it for game chat and trying my hand at voice overs. =). After researching People have mentioned getting a mixer. Is there any good Mixers for around the $50 American? I liked the new one Barnacules got but I don't see spending $200 for something that may collect dust. His was the Yamaha MG10XU
You'll need a preamp as there is an impedance mismatch with the motherboard mic input.
You could go with one of these and plug it into the line-in input on the motherboard. http://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Audio-Audio-Buddy-Dual-Mic-PreAmp-Direct-Box-2-Channel-Microphone-Pre-Amp-/282338286379?hash=item41bcac5b2b:g:jQEAAOSwImRYiO5r
Or make it much easier with one of these. https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-AUDIOGRAM6-Computer-Recording-System/dp/B00186FIN4/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485954031&sr=1-1&keywords=yamaha+audiogram
To be honest, I would get something like a Rode Podcaster or Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+ for your usecase.
I have that same model laying around, and I'm telling you, the problem is the 48v supply you chose. this is the only thing that needs to be replaced for basic functionality.