Getting a lot of noise from new Aphex Channel Master Preamp how do I fix this? I was using a Neuman TLM 103 mic and just recently switched to a Rode Procaster mic but still plenty of noise. I'm sure it's fixable but I can't seem to get it right! Can you help?

Repair of this mic is not something you can do yourself. This sort of failure is common, and I can repair it.

The hiss is caused by your monitor system level and your preamp gain being so high. At high gain settings, a preamp is going to get noisy, and tube mics have a higher noise level to begin with.

If you can't hear it on your recordings, then it's not a problem.

the process of elimation will help you to solve your issue. first plug the rode nt1 (great mic by the way), into a good pa head or something you know works, of course you will need to have a pa that gives you phantom power. if the mic works then move on to the preamp. try it in the pa too, if it works move on to the m-audiophle and plug a line level signal into it (a cd player or mp3 player for instance) it this works then you have determined that everything works and you don't actully have a problem other than switching, Also try plugging your mic into the M-audiophle directly and see if thaat works ( don't know if that provides the 48 volts, if it doesn't than you will have to get a phantom supply to plug into first. good luck

Getting the grill fixed or replaced could run you 50-100 bucks.

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone instead of the electret one Neumann TLM 103. This means that Shure does not need a phantom power supply voltage, instead of Neumann TLM 103; this one needs 48Volts. Here are the specifications for each one of the microphones: Shure SM 58 - Neumann TLM 103. In case you use a pre-amplifier or an audio console try to locate a switch marked as "Phantom Power" and turn it on. Typically there is no problem supplying a phantom power at the SM58. In case you have no phantom power switch available, either post back the mixer brand / model to check it for you, or post me a question to suggest you one. Details about the usage and the mixer you are already using will help me to clarify the total audio situation.

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you should be using these:

M-AUDIO - Fast Track Pro - 4 x 4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface

Seems you might have a gate inserted on that mics channel. Or if you are going to a computer, the program you are using might have an insert activated with a gate. Which means when signal gets to a certain threshold, the gate opens and the mic signal passes thru, below the threshold...the gate stays closed and the mic signal will not pass thru. Hope this is helpful.

This mic likely has a built in preamp. BEFORE you open the mic, verify that your pahntom power from your preamp is clean.

If you are unfamiliar with phantom power for mics, google it to find a treatise.

Noisy or failing phantom power could be your problem. Also the preamp in the mic could have a problem rather than the diaphram. Dust would NOT normally cause what you are describing.

Well... Rode NT2's are condenser mic's that require phantom power to work. So the phantom switch should be on. When you turn phantom power on you usually hear a bump sound (through the amplifier). In this case, nothing is broken.
Your picture is of a Rode Videomic (not an NT2) which is a stereo mic for video cameras. If you had some kind of stereo mini to (single) XLR adaptor, and put phantom power through it, the mic would probably be damaged. But maybe not... just try again without phantom power to see. a stereo mic won't work very well with the Mbox Mini because it only has one mic preamp. 

I would use sheilded wire on the mic with the least amount of cable. You can relocate the pre amp with aluminum foil wrapped around the pre amp. also turn the gain on the mic down as to eliminate any interference from your strong radio station nearby. Randy