Re: [Harp-L] impedance

[Paul Bowering <paul_bowering@xxxxxxxxx>]

Generally mics with 1/4 plug are high impedance and
mics with XLR connectors are low impedance. Be aware
that there are any number of exceptions.

For you as a harp player it isn't a matter of one
impedance rating being better than the other. The
important thing is to match the impedance of your mic
to whatever you are plugging it in to. A mis-match of
impedance will rob you of power and prevent the mics
characteristics from shining through. The greater the
difference the worse the problem. Now, you don't have
to match exactly although the closer the better.

Here's the deal; a mic rated in the 150-600 ohm range
is considered low impedance. Plug these into a PA and
you're good. A high impedance mic (in the 10000 ohms
range) can go directly into an amp or effects pedal
because they also have higher input impedances. If you
wish to use components with different impedances you
need to buy an impedance matching transformer and
insert it between them in the signal chain.

I'm far from experienced in this. My second mic, an
e-bay purchased RE-10 arrived last night. I used an
adaptor without a transformer, plugged into my amp
and, besides hum, got nothing at all . I'll have to go
shopping tonight. Recommendations for an inexpensive
transformer anyone?

Paul

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com