M
marcuswilson
New member
"Mr Funk asked how important proper impedance matching was between a mic and a preamp was."
It is wrong to use of the word 'matching' as far as microphone impedance is concerned. The literature released by most microphone manufacturers will tell you that a microphone should 'see' (be connected to) an input impedance of 10 times it's own impedance. In other words, a 200 ohm microphone should be loaded with no less than 2000 ohms by the preamp. All data supplied with a microphone (ie. frequency response, output level, distortion etc.) is measured under these conditions. This information is also available from Jensen and other transformer manufacturers.
Matching impedances means equal impedance output and input. This is hardly ever done nowadays. Most equipment has a low output impedance and a high input impedance. This is the most efficient system to use.
"Because if you were to load down the mic it would lose level, distort, and sound crappy."
A microphone loaded with an impedance lower than 10 times it's own impedance will suffer loss of level, may distort at very low impedances (especially mics with preamps on board), will often have an altered frequency response, but will not always sound crappy.
It is wrong to use of the word 'matching' as far as microphone impedance is concerned. The literature released by most microphone manufacturers will tell you that a microphone should 'see' (be connected to) an input impedance of 10 times it's own impedance. In other words, a 200 ohm microphone should be loaded with no less than 2000 ohms by the preamp. All data supplied with a microphone (ie. frequency response, output level, distortion etc.) is measured under these conditions. This information is also available from Jensen and other transformer manufacturers.
Matching impedances means equal impedance output and input. This is hardly ever done nowadays. Most equipment has a low output impedance and a high input impedance. This is the most efficient system to use.
"Because if you were to load down the mic it would lose level, distort, and sound crappy."
A microphone loaded with an impedance lower than 10 times it's own impedance will suffer loss of level, may distort at very low impedances (especially mics with preamps on board), will often have an altered frequency response, but will not always sound crappy.
