Beta 58... No, not "is it better than 58" again

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JeffTheEngineer

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I have a Beta 58 which my vocalist uses when we are practicing. I'm using a Mackie 1604VLZ PRO. I really like the difference between the Beta 58 and 58 for live vocals - there's just more clarity.

Anyways, I have an interesting problem. We usually practice with all the equipment miked up - the amps, kick, snare, and overheads. That way we can record ideas onto HD whenever were just jammin. There's bleed over, but its better than the boom box I was using 5 years ago, and I can cut everyone a CD at the end of the night. I run C1000Ss as overheads for the drums, so I have the phantom power on the Mackie switched on. I've noticed that when the phantom power is engaged, the Beta 58 sounds boomy, muffled, and distorted. It's like someone turned the hi eq knob all the way counter-clockwise. I realize that dynamic mics are not supposed to be affected by phantom power, and I couldn't believe it when I discovered this, but there it is! Has anyone ever heard of this? I think I'm going to get a tube mic pre with phantom power and use that to run the condensors during practice, so I don't have to use the mackie's phantom power at all. So that should solve the problem. But it's still just wierd.
 
Hello,

You can phantom power the AKG C1000s mics individually, with phantom power adapters - basically batteries. Unscrew the C1000s about halfway up and put the battery in there. You should be able to get the batteries from most places by order.

Cheers
 
Yes, because your leaving the mic's on.. :)

Unplug the XLR connectors and turn the mic off when your not using them. Better yet, take the battery right out.
 
Thanks for your replies! Yeah, the 9Vs seem to work fine, but I always tend to leave the mics on and forget about them, and the batteries are worn down by the next practice. Does anyone know why this situation would be occurring?
 
Sorry that last one sounded stupid. I realize why the 9V batteries are running down. I meant, does anyone know why the Beta 58 is sounding muffled when the phantom power is on?
 
There shouldn't be ANY difference in the performance of the 58 betas compared to when you use them w/o the phantom switched on.My suggestion is to find a cable tester and see more closely what exactly is going on with your cables,and if necessary,spend some money for higher quality cables.Cheers!
 
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