Would this work?

[Andyboy]

I came across this item that may be of some interest to those that want to use XLR mics on non-XLR recorders:
http://www.habbycam.com/xlrpro.html

Now, could this be used with a Minidisc, or a cheaper (portable) DAT or any other kind of consumer level recorder with 1/8" miniplug inputs?

[Alex]

You have to be careful when buying these type of products.

We had a unit similar to this demo'd at a video club meeting.

The audio level pots were not linear...the area of critical adjustment on the audio pot was so microscopic that if you barely turned the pot one way, you had no audio level, if you barely turned the pot the other way...you had way too much audio level.

So, the chassis may look nice, but whichever unit you buy, make sure you get a smooth, even volume increase or decrease when turning the knobs.





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[trevorbr]

XLR-to-1/8" cables can be found. I found mine a Mars music. They can be hard to track down, but they are there and they work. Not the best choice perhaps, but if you are forced to use a consumer MD then it will work. Forget trying to use a dynamic mic. Find a descent battery powered condensor.

-trevor

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[trevorbr]

I should have read the add more closely. I'm guessing you want to record in stereo? If so, for a bit more than that price, you could buy a good, small mixer (mackie or the like, but not samson, too noisey) This would not be as portable because it would require AC power but it would be more flexible I think.

Just a thought.

-trevor

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[Alex]

Trevor, the primary purpose of this XLR unit is to allow for balanced XLR cable runs to avoid the problems associated with unbalanced audio, namely audio quality degradation the farther you run your RCA cables, and just good old fashioned hum in the RCA cables no matter how short the run is.

-Alex

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[MovieStuff]

Here's a trick I came up with to allow long runs off unbalanced mics with 1/8th inch or 1/4 inch plugs. Radio Shack makes a small battery powered mono audio amp, about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It has a 1/8th inch mic input, a tiny built in speaker and, most importantly, an earphone output. And that is all it has. No frills.

I disconnect the speaker by simply clipping the leads. I then run as long a cable as I wish from the earphone output to the "line in" of my audio board or equipment. Line level audio doesn't have to be balanced nor does it have the potential hum problem of unbalanced mics over long runs. Plus you can attenuate the signal using the volume control on the tiny amp. Works perfectly.

These little units are about $6.00 + tax, run off a single 9V battery and are worth every penny. I also keep one with a working speaker to test mics quickly in the field.

Roger

[trevorbr]

The device I see on the site does not show or indicate RCA type connections. It appears to have an 1/8" TRS (either balanced or stereo) output. Most portable, consumer MD recorders have stereo, 1/8" inputs. I in no way indicated using an RCA connection. From the looks of it, this device is nothing more than a small two channel mixer/preamp. I would hope for that price it is dead silent.
I don't know about this particular divice. I was just offering my opinion as to weather or not it could be used with a MD recorder. If Andyboy wants to run in stereo in a portable way, this might work although I personally would look at all other options and similar devices before spending that much money. I use a simple XLR to 1/8" cable connected to a battery powered, condensor mic, and as far as I know it is balanced. I have no problems with hum. I have not seen a portable, consumer MD walkman with RCA connections. The higher end portables might, but they usually have XLR inputs as well.
Not quibling, just my experience. If the 1/8" jack at the end of the XLR conversion cable is TRS (dual conductior,) there is a good chance it is balanced, the package should indicate this.

-trevor

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[trevorbr]

Also, the alternative mixers I was suggesting do accept balanced XLR connections.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ex/sh...761?pid=634219

This is what I use in my studio. Again, not as portable, but more flexible. An older used model can be found on ebay for less or check pawn shops. This requires AC power!

The best sugestion I can make about any audio device....DON'T BUY UNTILL YOU TRY IT FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!

What one person thinks is the greatest thing since frozen yogurt will be a complete waste of time to another. Look at as many options as you can, try them, and then decide what will fill your needs the best.


-trevor

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[trevorbr]

I like Roger's idea. It's cheap and you can listen to the quality before you alter it (or buy it for that matter.) If you don't like it, take it back. My experience with "realistic" products from Radio Shack has been mixed. It's either a gem at a steal or a paperweight in the making.

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[Nigel]

These kind of things work but I think that they are dodgey at best. You can spend the money now or spend it later--you should just bite the bullet and get an HHB DAT or Nagra When it comes to sound gear I say go to www.locationsound.com these are the Pros.

Don't deal with trying to make your consumer gear work when you can buy professional gear from the start. Good Luck

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