jonsparrow
959 posts
Sep 06, 2009
4:02 PM
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so as some of you may know in order to use a low impedance mic, like an sm57 you need one of these. well i didnt know that when i tested one so it sounded like shit. that was months ago. so today i google it to see what they look like...to get to the point iv had one this entire time i just didnt know thats what it was. i probobly even had it with me when i tested the sm57. well tomorrow im going to a BBQ at the guys house that owns the sm57, so imma bring this an a harp an try it out.
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isaacullah
328 posts
Sep 06, 2009
7:27 PM
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Awesome, let us know how you think it sounds with the xformer. And just to add a bit to what you said (for the benefit of any newbs out there reading this thread), you only need one if you are going to plug your low-z mic into a high-z input, like that of a guitar amp. You don't need one to plug into a PA, an "acoustic" guitar amp, or a keyboard amp.
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The magnificent YouTube channel of the internet user known as "isaacullah"
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Cisco
9 posts
Sep 06, 2009
8:49 PM
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The xtransformer works very well. But you may experience some hum from it if it gets too close to certain components in the tube amp. If so then just move it to a different position till the hum goes away.
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jonsparrow
967 posts
Sep 06, 2009
10:15 PM
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mine is a stageworks sm-302
im pretty sure its a cheap POS.
Last Edited by on Sep 06, 2009 10:16 PM
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Greg Heumann
137 posts
Sep 07, 2009
9:07 AM
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IF you don't use an impedance matching transformer when connecting a low-Z mic to a high-Z input, your mic's output will be half or less than what it is supposed to be. Not only is the impedance wrong, but that would mean you're using a cable with an XLR connector at one end and a 1/4" at the other. Such cables (unless you have one with built-in transformer, see the Audix cable below) are for high impedance mics and are wired differently from low impedance XLR. They don't even connect one of the two signal wires come from your mic - you will get less than half of the mic's output.
There isn't much rocket science to one. Two wires in, two wires out. Shure's transformer is probably a little better than some of the el-cheapos but their IMT is pretty expensive.
Here's a nice primer: http://www.coutant.org/matching/5.html
In addition to what's shown above, audix and Calrad make units with a short cable between the XLR in and the 1/4" out - which reduces the risk of damage to your amp's 1/4" input. The Calrad is model CR-10-86.
I recently learned that there are a few "impedance transforming cables" out there. Audix makes one - see
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68086-REG/Audio_Technica_CP8305_CP8305_Low_to_High.html
Note that if you have an XLR-to-1/4", it almost certainly does NOT have a built in transformer unless it looks like this audix cable - that is, with a much larger than normal 1/4" connector.
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
Last Edited by on Sep 07, 2009 9:18 AM
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jonsparrow
972 posts
Sep 07, 2009
9:10 AM
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hey greg, i was planning on ordering a ultimate 57 from you soon. question is, should i have it converted to hi-z or use a transformer? i heard useing a transformer will sound a little better. is this true?
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Greg Heumann
138 posts
Sep 07, 2009
9:21 AM
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Hi, Jon
There really isn't a difference in tone. It is more about convenience. Low-Z gives you the most flexibility because low-to-high impedance matching transformers of the right sex are easy to find, where the reverse is not true. But if you always intend to play through an amp with a cable, there is something to be said for setting it up high-Z - one fewer transformer in the chain and one less piece of gear to deal with or fail.
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
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jonsparrow
973 posts
Sep 07, 2009
9:24 AM
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so basically the only reason to not have it set up for hi-z would be if i wanted to plug into a PA or some thing?
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jonsparrow
975 posts
Sep 07, 2009
6:48 PM
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well im back. the sm57 kicks ass. im getting one for sure. sounds great. just a little weird to hold an get a good cup on it as im used to my bullet mic.
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Greg Heumann
139 posts
Sep 08, 2009
8:31 PM
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You can get used to holding an SM57 but it will always be tough. The Ultimate 57 makes a huge difference.
There are other reasons for setting it up low-z - connecting to certain wireless systems for example, or wanting to use a 100' cable. But again - if all you want to do is cable it to your amp, then hi-Z is the way to go.
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
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Andrew
596 posts
Sep 09, 2009
4:26 AM
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The exciting possibility is the radio mike - the space taken up in an SM57 by the transformer is filled with low-impedance circuitry, and no transformer is needed. It's a pity I no longer have the technical know-how to do it.
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Greg Heumann
140 posts
Sep 09, 2009
8:42 AM
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What's "The Radio Mic"? Do you have a picture? A link?
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
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Cisco
10 posts
Sep 09, 2009
9:23 AM
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Here's the link for the Audix transformer. I have one for my backup mic SM58 and it works very well.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/438615-REG/Audix_T_50K_T50K_Impedance_Matching.html
http://www.music123.com/Audix-T-50K-Inline-Impedance-Matching-Transformer-330710-i1128417.Music123
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jonsparrow
980 posts
Sep 09, 2009
9:52 AM
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wow that one looks nice.
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jonsparrow
981 posts
Sep 09, 2009
10:07 AM
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Mr. Greg, if i were to send you a sm57 whats the wait time like to have to made into an ultimate57 with one or your custom knobs an coverted to hi-z?
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Andrew
602 posts
Sep 09, 2009
2:36 PM
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What's "The Radio Mic"?
You know, just a wireless mike - it has a transmitter inside. I'd like to make one, but I don't know how. I've heard they're too expensive to buy.
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congaron
115 posts
Sep 09, 2009
3:08 PM
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Lately I am using a radio shack inline transformer right on the end of my samson r21 (my daughter works at radio shack.) An inline connector to my guitar cable and the chord over my shoulder keeps all the strain off it. The r21 has been modified with a couple of skillful sledge blows on the mesh ball on the dining room table to flatten it ala beta57, now the harp is right up close to the capsule when i cup it. It sounds fat or gritty or thin or plain old acoustic..whatever you want, however you cup it makes all the difference and it's very feedback resistant....lovin' it.
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Greg Heumann
141 posts
Sep 10, 2009
8:35 PM
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"Mr. Greg, if i were to send you a sm57 whats the wait time like to have to made into an ultimate57 with one or your custom knobs an coverted to hi-z?"
Jon - I charge $129 to Ultimatize a '57, '58, or 545 with your choice of impedance and connector. I charge another $19 for a custom knob, and $8.50 return shipping. I usually turn them around in 2 days. Please contact me by email at greg@heumann.com if you want to pursue it so I can give the full run down on the high-Z connector options.
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
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apskarp
30 posts
Sep 10, 2009
11:33 PM
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If you live in europe, this is one option to consider:
http://www.thomann.de/fi/monacor_ma_100_15.htm
I have one and it seems to work fine and is very affordable: 16.40 eur.
It has also LO/HI switch but I'm not sure what's the usage for that - perhaps to make long XLR-XLR to cheater cable I guess.
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