naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Split cable

Subject: Re: Split cable
From: Walter Knapp <>
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 20:01:00 -0400
Jeremy Minns wrote:

> When I recorded with a DAT, which was useless for playback, I carried a 
> TCM5000 cassette recorder as well and had a neat split cable from the 
> Sennheiser ME62 microphone to two XLRs for the DAT and a mini-plug for the 
> cassette recorder. I could record on both recorders simultaneously. Now I 
> am using an MKH20 mic running on phantom power connected to a Portadisc. As 
> the Portadisc gets through so many batteries when used for playback I am 
> thinking of getting a consumer MD for this pupose. I had hoped to use the 
> same split cable from the MKH20 to the Portadisc and the consumer MD but 
> to-day I tried this, using a cassette recorder instead of the consumer MD, 
> and failed to record on either.
> 
> Is there any way to make this setup work or is it doomed because of the 
> MKH20's requirement of phantom power? It's bad enough going back to 
> carrying two recorders in the field without carrying two microphones as 
> well. Or leaving my expensive new MKH20 at home.

Without putting a meter to the cable I can only guess. My guess is that 
the cable ties signal -  to the shield. This would act a a dead short of 
one leg of the phantom power, so would kill it working. The test would 
be to check if pins 1 & 3 of the XLR connectors are tied together 
electrically using a ohm meter.

The two ways I can think of making it work is to simply not connect the 
shield of the mic or portadisc to the shield of your unbalanced 
recorder. Just connect signal - to that connection.

The other way is to isolate the DC phantom power with capacitors so it 
won't get shorted.

> I feel quite embarrassed at the number of questions I put to this group! 
> But so far I've always found you very helpful and responsive.

Everyone learns sometime. It's a good part of what this group is about, 
helping each other.

Walt




________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
  • Split cable, Jeremy Minns
    • Re: Split cable, Walter Knapp <=
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU