Cords and Connections
OK - not mic stuff but the link between the mic and the amp/PA. I was cleaning up my 'woodshed' and came across a couple of cords that had 1/4" and one end and XLR at the other. At my naive level, I understand the 1/4" to be a hiZ impedance connection and the XLR to be loZ. I also understand that it is not possible (advisable?) to hook a loZ mic up and plug the other end into a 1/4" connection on the amp. An impedance transformer is required to boost the signal. All this to ask:
1) Am I correct in my understanding?
2) Would it do damage if I tried it?
3) Could these cords be 'converted' and change the XLR end to a 1/4" connection and then be fine for hiZ mics?
4) What could these cords be used for? I can't remember why or how I got them.
Thanks Fritz.
Thanks Fritz - after your response I checked out a couple of my XLR mics and found that in fact the JT 30 is hiZ and I can use the cord for that but the RE10 gets no response from the amp. Always wondered why the JT30 was so hot and gave me feedback problems. I just assumed it was loZ with the XLR. Another mystery solved!!
Um...
I'm not Fritz, but the association to greatness certainly gives me a big head.
...who am I kidding? I've got a big head without the misappropriation of identity.
OK - I'll use the age card up ;-) Senior moment!!
Sorry both of you. I so focussed on the answer, I did not pay much attention to the ID or icon. Many thanks for the response JJ - it did cause me to try a couple of things which were revealing. Much appreciated.
While my protocol secretary sorts out my true identity I'll chime in with this: In and of themselves, connectors mean nothing, define nothing. They may INDICATE function or use -but there are no rules. The use of the XLR male output connector on the family of ASTATIC JT-30/CAD/HOHNER BLUES BLASTER mics is the prime example here: HI-Z element and (+/-) output signal through a multi-pin connector designed to carry (primarily) balanced LOW-Z and Line-Level signal. This has caused no end of confusion. The connector just happened to match the 5/8" stand lug in the mic's base. Thus, zip retooling to match one to the other. On these mics, Pin 3 is the (+) signal; Pin 1 and the shield carry the (-) or "ground".
As for your XLR / 1/4" phone cable, it could be categorized as an "ADAPTER CABLE": Designed to connect components possessing the corresponding mating connectors. IF that cable's meant for use with the aforementioned JT-30 clones, the tip of the 1/4" would correspond to the XLR's Pin 3, the shield would be Pin 1 / ground. IF that cable is designed to connect a LOW-Z mic to a LOW-Z / balanced input, the tip of the 1/4" would correspond to Pin 2 (!) of the XLR, The shield would still be "ground" and Pin 1 on the XLR, AND there would be a "ring" between the tip and the 1/4" sleeve of the phone plug that would correspond to Pin 3 of the XLR -representing the return (or negative polarity signal) from the LOW-Z device.
Believe it or not, connectors are considerably more standardized now than they were in the early days of audio and electronics. You wouldn't believe...
Hello, Fritz (if that's really you)
Have you found a particular brand/model of cable (or more than one) that you especially recommend for harp mic (or any other mic) use?
I assume that quality (sound and durability) varies noticeably, and that in general you get what you pay for. Then again, I figure that if there are bargain quality cables/cords, you would be the guy to know!
I'm especially interested in screw-on-to-1/4" and 1/4-1/4" types.
Thanks!
Hello Marcos,
While the economy may be touted as going "global", quality and equality are not keeping pace. I'll again stress that choosing component parts and materials that fit, that work, that last is worth the effort. A good example being the marginal differences to be found between the major brands of connectors (SWITCHCRAFT, NEUTRIC, AMPHENOL) and cable (BELDEN, etc.) and the facsimiles / look-alike products produced off-shore. Those marginal differences can translate into poor fit, poor function, premature failure. As for bargains: A higher quality tire will guarantee better performance and mileage. The connective tissue of audio cables and connectors is pretty much the same story. For general use, I've had very good results with cable products from C.B.I., New York. As for thread-on cables specifically built for harpmic use, the mega-store / mega-discount versions I've found just don't cut it. A common problem found is the thread-on connector twisting off the end of the cable much like a grape from its stem. The good people at C.B.I. (Jerry Yerman in particular) know I prefer to build my own thread-on cables for my clients. They supply me with the component parts and I assemble them using methods and procedures that have proven to be extremely durable -but that don't lend themselves to mass production.
The Hohner Blues Blaster uses a XLR-to-1/4" cable connection, and that mic is a hi-Z mic. I've seen some folks say that using XLR for hi-Z is not cool, and that it does lead to some confusion when plugging it in to a lo-Z input and vice-versa. But it's used in hi-Z none-the-less.