Shure 545S
Hi David. I just bought a older Shure 545S on ebay and it is on the way. I didn't do a lot of research before pulling the trigger and bought it on a whim. Looks like I need to buy a 4 pin cord in order for it to work? Do you have any suggestions where I might find one (other than the bay)? This is a low impedance mic, can it be rewired for high impedance? Or do I have to use my low to high adaptor? My low to high adaptor has 3 pin to 1/4" jack, will that work with the 4 pin cable? Thanks for your help.
Thanks David. Looks like I will be sending the mic out to Fritz. He gave me two options. Here is his response:
"First would involve installing a SWITCHCRAFT A3M XLR connector (the type you'd see on a stock Blues Blaster); Second would be machining a SWITCHCRAFT 2501MP 5/8" thread-on to a disc (essentially a washer that fits (exactly) atop the cast threading present with the MC4) that is held in place by the aforementioned collar. It would be a matter of choice as to which would work best for you. One consideration: Altho the XLR represents more bulk, should you ever consider going LOW-Z with the 545 the XLR would offer that option, requiring only simple re-wiring at the connector's internal terminals, while the 'thread-on' would associate itself with the dedicated HI-Z camp.
Do you have a recommendation? What is the difference between Hi and Low Z? I'm a little confused as to what the advantages and disadvantages are.
This is the third mic I have sent out to Fritz and man he always does a great job and is great to work with.
Thanks again!
Basically Hi-Z is what we use into guitar/harp amps and Lo-Z is what we send to a mixing board (live or in the studio). Go for the Hi-Z screw-on output connector... it's the standard in the pro harp world.
I got the mic back from Fritz and it works great. Fritz did a great job and I am 100% satisfied with his work (again!). However, the head (or ball?) is kind of loose, not well anchored to the stem (body?). Is this the norm for the 545? When I get a tight grip on the mic the head moves a bit and the sound cuts in and out. I was reading a old post from Fritz where he recommended using tape or handlebar foam to help get a grip. Any ideas? Thanks.
Yes, use tape. Not the best looking fix, but it's what we all do. Glad the mic is working out well for you.
Those 4-pin connectors are no longer made, so you will need to get a vintage one. Some of the 545 models (if not all if I remember correctly) give you an internal wiring option for low or high impedance... if not, the transformer you have should do the trick. You may be better off sending the mic to Fritz and having him rewire the mic to use a standard connector... it will make life easier (and maybe less $, a cable can run up to $50 due to the rarity).