Condensor mic question

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 9 Aug 2004 5:40 am

Do all condensor mics require some kind of power (either from a battery or a mixer)? I have a Shure Beta Green 4.1 that worked in my old 4-track that had XLR inputs, but doesn't work plugged in straight to a guitar amp with a low-hi Z adapter. Do I need to have a powered mixer to get this working?

Thanks
Bill

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 9 Aug 2004 5:56 am

YES, your mic requires a power supply. I don't know what your adapter consists of, but if it is a transformer,it will not pass the dc voltage to the mic (even if the voltage is present at the amp input).
Most devices that accept condenser mics say they have "phantom power" at the input.
Maybe someone can advise you of a cheap power supply for your mic. I am not up to date on a lot of available "goodies".

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 9 Aug 2004 6:52 am

That's what I thought.

Thanks for the quick reply John.

Bill

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 9 Aug 2004 10:46 am

There are inexpensive power supplie available for condenser mikes. Check Musician's Friend, about 50-60 bucks.

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 9 Aug 2004 1:21 pm

Thanks Stephen.

I'm thinking a cheap Behringer mixer (like the UB802) might be the ticket. Two XLR inputs that will power the mics, plus a couple of mono and stereo inputs, headphone out, fader etc all for about that price (60 bucks).

C Dixon · Post by **C Dixon** » 9 Aug 2004 1:22 pm

I have flat forgotten. Taught it for years. A complete mental block of which mics use power and which don't. Never thought I would see this day.

But then...

A Better Way

carl

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 10 Aug 2004 8:15 am

Here is another thought. Use a dynamic mic. No power needed. I have used cheap mics and use EQ to get the sound you like......... JD

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 11 Aug 2004 1:51 am

Bill, you may also want to consider getting an inexpensive Tube Preamp ( 12AX7) they sell for about $70 and most come with the 48V Phantom power as well, so you get 2 for 1 .

I use an ART Dual 12ax7 preamp ( with phantom power) for all recording on the Digital mutiltracker and use it with with both the condensors and dynamic mics..

theres an amzing amount of STUFF out there now..

t