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

[gbuxman@xxxxxxxxx]

John,
Thank you for your kind reply.  I'm glad to know that connector style
isn't the determining factor.

-  Guy

On 9/13/08, John F. Potts <hvyj@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> GB,
> 	i have more experience as a musician than a technician,  and i have
> almost no experience w/ wireless units,  so I'd prefer to let others
> on the list with greater expertise  provide an explanation.  But it
> has  to do with ohms of the mic output and whether the signal is
> "balanced" or "unbalanced." The type of connector is NOT the
> controlling factor in determining whether you need an impedance
> matching transformer... and it's certainly NOT a dumb question.
> 	JP
>
>
> On Sep 13, 2008, at 5:40 PM, gbuxman@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
>
>> 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
>>>
>>> 	
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
>>> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
>>> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l
>>>
>
>