[Harp-L] XLR>1/4 inch IMT

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

Rick.
	As a long time devotee of non-bullet style mics for harmonica, I  
have more than casual experience with XLR>1/4 inch impedance matching  
transformers.  My cumulative wisdom on this subject  (for whatever it  
may be be worth) is as follows:  The Radio Shack unit works fine, but  
(like the Shure IMT) it is much longer than a standard 1/4 inch plug  
as it protrudes from the input jack of your amp and is even more  
lengthy with the output of the XLR cord connected to it.  This  
creates  leverage that will put significant  pressure on the input  
jack if the cord is pulled or the transformer  is bumped (as  
inevitably happens) which  can and often will damage the jack on the  
amp and/or bend the input plug on the transformer.  Accordingly, it  
may be preferable he  to use a "pigtail" transformer on which the XLR  
receptor is separated from the 1/4" jack with a short length of mic  
cord, so only the 1/4 inch plug protrudes from the jack on the amp.   
Peavey makes one and I am sure  other manufacturers do as well. I  
also think they may be  easier to handle and carry around,.  But all  
of the impedance matching transformers i have ever used sound fine  
and about the same EXCEPT the pigtail transformer made by Audix.  The  
one i tried produced a very weak signal that was significantly  
diminished in volume and tone. I don't know if the particular Audix  
transformer i tried was a defective unit or if they are all that  
way.  The Audix transformer is a little pricey anyway, although   
Audix does make some great mics. 	Hope this helps.
	JP