Double Bass Mic and string blender

[Harami]

I would like to combine a mic with my piezo pickup and got a sdsystems BS-2 string blender. I don´t want to buy the sd mic, as I already own a audiotechnica pro35x (gooseneck with a big XLR for phantom power). So here´s my question: Does anybody know how to wire an adaptor to fit this mic to the string blender (which has a peculiar plug, maybe taylored for their own mics) ?
btw.: I mailed s.d.systems but they just didn´t answer

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Post a link to the SD Systems site which includes specs of the unit in question, and maybe someone will be able to help. There are two questions involved: the physical matching of the plugs from one type of connecter to another, and the question of impedance matching. More info is needed.

 

[Harami]

Thank you I already mailed them...
Concerning the plugs: the mic has a standard XLR used for mixerx with 9-48V phantom power - the string blender´s mic input is a stereo 1/4" jack labelled + (tip), Signal (sleeve), ground (shaft). Hope that helps.

 

[Rob Knight]

From the SD systems site. Spec of their mic intended for use with the string blender

SPECIFICATIONS LCM100 microphone
Type:back electret condenser microphone.
Polar pattern: cardiod-unidirectional.
Frequency response: 20-20.000 Hz.
Sensitivity at 1 kHz,: -66 dB,
Output impedance: 200 ohm.
Max.sound pressure level: 139 dB at 1% THD.
Powering: 9 V battery.
HL and BS-2 type preamps have line level output (for guitar amp).

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Something like This on the blender end should allow you to run a regular mic cable to your mic and get you in the ballpark. I can't speak for the impedance or phantom power matching, though.

 

[Tbeers]

You ought to be fine with an adapter. Does the string blender provide phantom power?

 

[ToneRanger]

the mic has a standard XLR used for mixerx with 9-48V phantom power - the string blender´s mic input is a stereo 1/4" jack labelled + (tip), Signal (sleeve), ground (shaft). Hope that helps.

Standard wiring for balanced mic signal XLR:
Pin 1 - ground (cable shield)
Pin 2 - Signal +
Pin 3 - Signal -

And for balanced signal to 1/4":
Tip - Signal +
Sleeve - Signal -
Shaft - ground

It's not obvious from the wording you gave whether it's a standard balanced connection.
"+ (tip), Signal (sleeve)" could imply that it's an unbalanced connection with the power supply going to tip and the audio to the sleeve. But that would be very unusual. I'd try a standard adaptor cable - if you can't buy one, anyone with a soldering iron should be able tomake one.

 

[Harami]

Hi, thanks very much for your comments. Since the string blender provides 9 V power to the mic (as in a portable dat or md, but not as phantom power, which should be "splitted" between the audio links, I fear that the connection is not standard. That´s exactly my problem (besides the point that sd didn´t answer). Has no one ever done this? Everyone uses the string blender with sd mics (if at all) ?

 

[Jonas J]

I have the whole kit with the piezo, mic and blender from SD-systems, but I only use the piezo and not the mic. The reason for this is twofold;

1. The main reason is because the blender distorts the signal audibly, making the setup sound nasal. I actually get a better, more natural sound using only the piezo (which is not a particularly hi-fi sound, I consider switching to something else).

2. Feedback from the microphone.

Cheers,
Jonas

 

[AMJBASS]

The ATM is a great mic. I actually just got the ATM35(little wider frequency response). I would recommend that you go with a blender more suited to it though. The K&K unit is an inexpensive blender that will do a good job. I think the SD equipment is very specialized for their own products. I could be wrong though....