Conference napalm::guitar

    
    See note #1139 in DNEAST::COMMUSIC for some info.  Hit KP7 to add to
    your notebook.
    
    I could have sworn there was a long mike topic here but a directory
    search of "mic" and "mik" didn't turn it up.  
    
    							Brian
    

    I don't know a lot about it and I'm definately not much of a singer,
    but I have an EV N/D-257 which is similar to an SM58 but has a hotter
    signal.  I've used it for everything from vocals to miking instruments
    and it seems to be a decent all around mike.  It only cost a little
    over $100.
    
    I also like SM57s a lot, excellent general purpose mike, small and
    durable.
    
    Greg

    Oh yeah, I ment to mention that there is an article in either this or
    last month's issue of "Mix" magazine on "inexpensive" studio mikes
    (inexpensive seems to be something under about $1000 or so to them).
    
    They also highly rated the lowly SM57...
    
    gh

    FWIW:
    I've lots of good things about Audio Technica mics. I was going to
    get a shure SM57 (for recording), but after listening to people who
    like them (and play out all the time and have all kinds of mics) and
    seeing their prices vs. Shure Mic prices in the Musicians Friend
    catalog, I will be going with a AT. I don't have experience, but I am
    told that the AT's have a tighter pickup pattern.
    (I used to have a SM57 though...and loved it.)
    Jay 

    If you have about $250+ to spend, I recommend without reservation the
    ElectroVoice ND-757 or 757A (the A is the current model, some delaers
    may have the older version still).  This mike is absolutely fantastic,
    it has the transparency of a condenser mike with the ruggedness of a
    dynamic.  
    
    The other ND series (257,357,457) are good, but the 757 is the real
    deal.
    
    							Brian

    
    	Speaking of real deals, I've got a pair of Sure mics for sale;
    they're listed in 2. -
    
    	At $50 for both, I'm suprised no one has snapped them up yet
    - you wont get like-quality in a store for that money.
    
    	They're High Z and perfect for what you've described...
    
    	Joe

     This seems like a good a place as any to put this!
    
    Excuse my ignorance but could someone explain the characteristics/
    difference/benefits/particular uses of a low impedance mike verses
    a high impedance mike? I take it that Lo Z and Hi Z mean impedance.
    
    If you have a Lo Z mike and go through one of those transformer 
    attachments to make it a Hi Z will it still perform as good? Or
    vicer verser (Hi Z to Lo Z).
    
    Do the Hi Z mikes cause more feedback? If so how do you correct,
    other than getting a new mike?
    
    Ted

    The main issues with impedance are these:
    
    1.  The mike impedance should be matched to the mixer/amp you are
    pluggin it into.  90% of the time, a 1/4" connection is high impedance,
    an XLR connection will be low impedance.
    
    2.  High impedance mikes (and guitars) don't like long cable runs,
    about 20 feet is the maximum beforee you start getting signal loss and
    noise buildup.  Low impedance cables can run 200 feet or more no
    problem. 
    
    3.  Most low impedance connections are balnced, that is they have three
    conductors, a positive "hot", a negative "hot" and a ground.  Balanced
    connections have superior noise immunity over unbalanced ones.
    
    4.  Balanced low impedance connections allow for what is known as
    "phantom power", where mikes that would otherwise require a battery can
    be powered from the mixer, with the power being piggybacked on the same
    cable that carries the audio.
    
    
    Transformers indeed will correct for impedance mismatches, but may
    impair the audio quality.  The difference between a $12 Radio Shack
    transformer and a $45 Shure transformer is audible.
    
    The impedance of a mike has no effect on its susceptability to
    feedback.
    
    In general, all pro-quality microphones are low-impedance. 
    
    						Brian

    Thanks Brian, what you've said has helped put the bits and pieces
    together!
    
    Ted

    I could use some help in locating a connector for an old EV mic.  I've
    owned it since the mid 60's and the cord somehow got up and walked
    away.  The connector on the cable was a male 4 pin with two of the
    pins slightly closer than the other two and a screw on ring to hold it
    onto the mic.  I called Electrovoice who referred me to Switchcraft in
    Chicago who said they didn't have it and didn't know where I might find
    it.  I figured some of you rockers from the 60's might have one laying
    arround or in your junk box.
    
    Mark

    I remember a similar discussion on the Usenet group rec.audio.pro. Ask
    there if no one can help you here...
    
    Brian

    
    Hi Mark,

    I think those are Amphenol connectors. I have some old Shure mics that
    use 'em, but the only parts I have are broken ones.

    --Ron (old rocker from the 60s with big box of 60s rocker junk)

    I didn't think of calling any of the other Mic manufacturers.  You
    wouldn't happen to know of a phone # for shure?  Do you know if
    Amphenol is still in business and where they are located?
    
    Mark
    

    Shure was located in IL last I checked, I think. I'll see if I can find
    a current address. Shure sold more mics with those connectors on them
    than Ludwig sold gray pearloid drums.

    --r

    If your anywhere near Worcester Mass, there is an alectronics supply
    place called Stark Electronics that I deal with occasionally. I 
    believe they have lots of old Amphenol connectors in the store. 
    
    Another good source for this stuff is Ham Radio/Amateur radio
    flea markets and swap meets. I bought a dozen of the old style
    amphenol connectors at a Ham radio flea market a while back. The
    ones you are looking for are a little differant, but I'm pretty
    sure you can find them. If you are in Mass. there are radio flea
    markets at M.I.T. on a regular basis. There is one coming up in
    another week or two. If you're interested, I'll post a pointer.
    
    In my opinion, contacting the manufacturer should be reserved as
    a last resort, especially on something this old. 
    
    Mark

    Also try electronics surplus stores.  I've seen some old style
    connectors in some of them.  The stock's variable, but you might find
    whatcha need.
    
    Greg