[Harp-L] Mic impedance into a PA
Paul Routledge
Z signal. Am I right?
If I am would it be better to use an XLR-XLR lead, or use the channels
instrument socket and use an XLR-Jack lead?
If I used a DI box and ran the mic into that then into the PA it would
be a balanced Low-Z signal. Am I right?
Would either way be of benefit tonally to the mic and it's frequency
curve?
The reason I'm asking is because tomorrow I have a sit in on a local
gig, but as it's only for a couple of tunes I would rather go direct
into the PA than take my amp.
I plan on taking a Shure 545SD wired to Hi-Z, I also have an RE10
(that obviously is Low-Z so is fine) that I may also take.
But I think as it's an unknown situation the 545SD may be a better
choice with the on/off switch. Just in case the feedback monster
raises it's ugly head.
Paul
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Arthur Jennings
> If I plug a Hi-Z mic direct into the PA, it acts as an unbalanced Low-Z
> signal. Am I right?
No; it's still Hi-Z.
>
> If I am would it be better to use an XLR-XLR lead, or use the channels
> instrument socket and use an XLR-Jack lead?
Wouldn't make any difference.
>
> If I used a DI box and ran the mic into that then into the PA it would be a
> balanced Low-Z signal. Am I right?
Yes; that's correct.
>
> Would either way be of benefit tonally to the mic and it's frequency curve?
The direct box would be best.
>
>
> The reason I'm asking is because tomorrow I have a sit in on a local gig,
> but as it's only for a couple of tunes I would rather go direct into the PA
> than take my amp.
>
> I plan on taking a Shure 545SD wired to Hi-Z, I also have an RE10 (that
> obviously is Low-Z so is fine) that I may also take.
>
> But I think as it's an unknown situation the 545SD may be a better choice
> with the on/off switch. Just in case the feedback monster raises it's ugly
> head.
>
> Paul
> _______________________________________________
> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
> Har...@harp-l.org
> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l
>
--
Arthur Jennings
http://www.timeistight.com
Vern Smith
own, you should take adapters.
You have two things to consider:
Jacks and XLR connectors...mechanical compatibility.
Hi Z and low Z...impedance match.
Usually, XLR is Low Z and the jack is Hi Z
Some PAs and mixers give you your choice of Female XLR Low-Z
or Female jack hi-Z on every input. You should be so lucky!
I always take two transformers..available at Radio Shack or
Guitar Center, etc. for < $20 each.
See:
http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=microphone%20transformers&origkw=microphone%20transformers&sr=1
1. Hi-Z female jack in to Low-Z male XLR out. This is the
one you may need with a Hi-Z mic and a PA system.
2. Low-Z female XLR in to Hi-Z male jack out.
With these, you should be prepared to deal with any PA
inputs.
I have never noticed any perceptible degradation of the
sound attributable to a transformer.
Most likely, the PA will have Low-Z XLR inputs.
You can plug your Low-Z mic in directly.
You will probably have to use the transformer (1. above) for
your Hi-Z mic.
Vern
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Routledge" <kin...@mac.com>
To: "Harp L L" <Har...@harp-l.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:12 PM
Subject: [Harp-L] Mic impedance into a PA
> If I plug a Hi-Z mic direct into the PA, it acts as an
> unbalanced Low- Z signal. Am I right?
You probably won't hear anything at all from the mic.
> If I am would it be better to use an XLR-XLR lead, or use
> the channels instrument socket and use an XLR-Jack lead?
That would take care of the mechanical compatibility of the
connectors but not the impedance match.
Paul Routledge
I guess I'll have to get a Hi-Lo-Z adapter or a DI box.
For tomorrow though I think I'll probably just rewire one of my
545SD's to Lo-Z.
I figure that will be easier for the time frame involved.
John F. Potts
If you go into the 1/4" instrument input of a PA board it is an
unbalanced hi-z input that bypasses the board's mic pre-amp. I used
to do this when i was playing a green bullet through an Alesis
Quadraverb GT and it sounded fine. But, in general, I am of the
opinion that lo-z PA style mics sound better for playing harp into a
PA board.
These days I usually use a lo-z mic like a Shure 545 Ultimate or an
EV RE 15 (or sometimes an Audix Fireball V if the material requires
less "electric" sound). I use an XLR cord that has an on/off
switch. Besides helping control feedback, the nice part of using an
on/off switch is you can leave the stage on tunes that don't call for
harmonica and easily turn off what otherwise would be an open mic.
So, for what it's worth, if i were you, I'd use your 545 SD if it was
wired for lo-z. A tight cup on that mic will give all the dirt you
want on demand, even through a PA.
Have fun!
FWIW,
JP
Paul Routledge
I ended up using a 545SD wired to Lo-Z direct into the PA. Sounded
great. I may actually leave it wired that way just for this type of
occasion.
I was quite surprised by the amount of dirt I could get that way when
I wanted it.
The lead guitarist / band leader asked me to come down next time they
play there and to bring my full rig. He loved the harp in the mix.
The audience were really digging it and best of all the club owner was
blown away by it and asked me to book a couple of dates at his club.
Thanks for all the info guys.
Paul