Brian Reynolds
Forum Replies Created
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Fast, Good or Cheap. Pick two…..
If there was a GREAT recorder under $500 we would ALL have one.
It’s just a case the more $$$$ you spend the better it is.https://www.sixside.com/fast_good_cheap.asp
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I assume that you are counting the ‘metal’ connection rings and not the plastic insulation?
There are 3.5mm connectors out there with 2 ‘metal’ rings but they are used for mobile phones etc.
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3.5mm connectors can be wired in many ways and this is often what causes so much confusion.
Firstly a 3.5mm MONO connector has 2 connections tip (signal +) and the sleeve (signal -)
A standard STEREO 3.5mm is wired on the 3 connections. tip (Left +) the ring (Right +) and the sleeve (signal -)
This is the standard for most DSLR / Video cameras and handheld recorders like the H4n (on the back) as well as Headphones and Ear Bugs used on MP3 players.DUAL MONO this is to get the same signal to both Left & Right of the DSLR / Video camera….
The (signal +) must go to BOTH the 3.5mm tip & ring and the (signal -) goes to the sleeve.
This configuration is the standard that is required by most DSLR / Video camera people.On the other end the standard XLR connections are
Pin 1 on the XLR is the shield used for blocking out interference on ‘Balanced’ audio equipment. (and does NOT carry any signal)
Pin 2 on the XLR is (signal +)
Pin 3 on the XLR is (signal -)Radio mics using 3.5mm connections are different again and we won’t go into that at this time.
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What do you mean by careful use exactly?
A professional would connect a mic in and out of a recorder several times a day… 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year, rain hail or shine….XLR’s can cope 3.5mm connectors won’t. How long would a pocket recorder last in the desert or jungle? ….. thats what I mean by careful.
Also, have you ever experienced problems with new mics that create noise?
NO…. In 30+ years of broadcasting only once I had a NEW mic not work….Just NO output at all but that was a long time ago before the quality control they have these days. (and it was a cheapie mic as well)
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XLR connectors have been the professional standard for many decades, and for good reason.
3.5mm plugs and sockets have NOT been regarded as professional level connectors…. Also for good reason.
Current equipment use has often blurred that line between pro and non pro gear and with that shift reliability has slightly taken a backseat compared to price.
3.5 mm connections are reliable with careful use. -
Yes the cable from amazon is the correct one to use.
A cable may ‘look’ the same but often the internal connections are different. Recorders (MP3, camcorders, computers, note takers etc) are all using the same size connectors but often they are configured differently in the machine.
No a NiMh battery won’t damage the mic (if inserted correctly)
Balanced v Unbalanced audio.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio -
Oh boy where to start…. Lets make the assumption the mic is good and the recorder is good, its the stuff between thats the problem….
Just go for a cable like this
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/971355-REG/microphone_madness_mm_3pxlrf_35mm_3_pin_xlr_female_to.htmlYou are going from a ‘balanced’ o/p of the mic into a transformer addapter which is wrong and not needed, comming out on a 6.5mm (mono)+(unbalanced) plug then going through a 6.5(mono)-3.5(stereo) converter, then going into a recorder with a 3.5mm stereo input.
The simple fact that you got ANY signal through is amazing…
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No it not normal….for a mic to be noisey.
Firstly is it possible to tell us where pins 1, 2, &3 are connected to on the 3.5mm plug?
Or gently pull apart the XLR and tell us what is connected to each pin?What sort of recorder are you using?
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Something that might work is an FM transmitter, I have used one like this for some sporting events as a ‘in ear monitor’ using cheap FM pocket radios as the RX.
https://www.technolab-inc.com/html/News/news_files/fm_nano_trans_news.htm
