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

[gbuxman@xxxxxxxxx]

Ok, in the spirit of the old saying, "there's no such thing as a dumb
question"...

Why is impedence matching necessary?  What will happen if you don't do it?

I currently play through a Shaker dynamic mic, with a male XLR.  I
specified this construction when ordering the Shaker because I wanted
to use my Samson Airline wireless system with its female XLR
transmitter.

So I just use a cable that has a female XLR on one end, and a male
1/4" connector on the other. As far as I can tell it works fine.

Thanks in advance.

- GB

On 9/13/08, John F. Potts <hvyj@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> 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
>
> 	
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