![Image](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/1874424169_8317460ac2_o.jpg)
I've been basement recording for years now, but have little beyond common knowledge when it comes to the science of all this.
I recently purchased two MCA-SP1's based off praise on this board, and having two extra condensers around never hurt anyone for such a low price. I have only been using them a short while when I noticed the waveform getting clipped in a manor I have never seen.
This picture is from a distorted guitar played a consistent volume. After doing some trouble shooting/trial and error, I found that I had a strong "normal" looking waveform right after switching on phantom power, but as time goes along, the top of the waveform slopes downward. This happened time and time again with both MCA SP1's I own.
As far as further trouble shooting, I switched cables, changed mic pres, all to the same effect. Other mics I own all work fine with the pres and cables.
Is there a simple fix? Do I try to return them (not the best option as I've had them for a month or two but just got around to using them)?