OT: Unbalanced mic recommendation?

RalphM wrote on 7/25/2007, 7:15 AM

I need to use one of my minidisc recorders (Sony MZ-R37 with "plug-in power") with a lavaliere microphone which will be secured between layers of clothing. The recorder uses an unbalanced 3.5mm (1/8 in) jack.

I'd really prefer not to introduce an XLR to 3.5mm adapter into the setup, so I'd appreciate any suggestions for a decent mic that comes with a 3.5mm plug.

Thanks,
RalphM

Comments

farss wrote on 7/25/2007, 8:42 AM

Most lapel mics can be had with a 3.5mm plug however not all these things are the same. The tradition connection with this plug / socket is L/R on T & R and Gnd to sleeve.
On mics using this such as going into the Senny TXers the T&R are balanced lines, same on their Rx outputs. Also on the Senny mics one pin has power for the mic on it.

So while there's plenty of mics on offer without XLRs (in fact very few lapel mics have XLR plugs on them, oftenly Shure, Senny or Lemo) you really should speak to the vendor and tell them what you want to plug it into. Unless you want top shelf mics your simplest solution as a first port of call is to see if Sony make a mic for the unit to do the job you want, otherwise you could easily end up spending more on a lapel mic than the recorder cost.

RalphM wrote on 7/25/2007, 11:30 AM

Thanks Bob,

Found what looks to be a reasonably usable (for voice) unit at soundprofessionals.com. Made for units having plug-in power..

Ralph

Laurence wrote on 7/27/2007, 5:37 PM

What you need to do is go to http://microphonemadness.com/microphonemadness.com[/link]. They have a wide selection of microphones designed exactly to be used in this way. What really clinches the deal is that they make use of the Sony DC bias voltage to power the mics. From personal experience, they work quite well.