Problem putting XLR cable into mic

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RideTheCrash

RideTheCrash

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This is really frustrating and I can't think of any reason why this is happening. I have two condensors and I've had one hooked up to a cable fine for about a month. Today I finally got around to picking up another boom stand and an XLR cable (not to hook the mic up with though, something to do with my mixer) and I tried plugging my second condensor in but it won't go all the way...basically you get it all the way in but it won't click and lock with the button.

I looked at both mics to see any differences between the two but they look the exact same, there is nothing in it that won't prevent it to lock, and the prongs aren't bent or anything. There is no wear on the mic that would prevent the lock from clipping in. Now, both cables will *not* work with the second condensor, but one of them will work with the first condensor I had up. The XLR I picked up today does work with the second condensor though. So it's hard to pinpoint if it's a cable problem or a mic problem, because both work with something. Help...
 
Sounds like it's just slight differences in manufacturing tolerances for both the mics and the cables...not necessarily just one or the other.

If you have an XLR that will work in one mic and not in another, then that indicates a difference between the mics. On the other hand, if you have one cable that will work in one of the mics and another cable that will not work in that same mic, then that indicates a difference between the two cables.

While it may seem that the mics are completely identical and that there is nothing to keep it from locking, that would really be very hard to know for sure. The locking mechanism is built into the mic body, while the pins themselves are connected to the circuitboard INSIDE the mic body. If that circuit board was not mounted exactly right inside the mic body, then it is possible the circuit board will not allow the XLR to far enough into the mic body for the lock to engage. Some mics have screws on them, enabling you to just slightly loosen the internal circuit board and gently work the XLR in until it locks. You can then (gently) lock the screw back down to keep the circuit board in that position which works. This carries with it the downside of potentially damaging your mics (if you're not careful) and/or possibly voiding any warranty you may have on them.
 
This happens in guitars and anything with inputs. For some reason certain instruments don't like certain cables. I had an acoustic guitar where a rodam pro cable wouldn't fit into but would fit all other guitars. Just take it to the store and check it out.
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate it. But shiiiiiittt, it takes me long enough to get this far now I have to take it in.

Okay, the mics are (don't kill me, I work in fast food, I make little $$$) Behringer ECM8000's. I bought a pair of them. The XLRs are 50 foot Roadhog (they have Neutrik plugs). That really ticks me off, the mics and cables are identical. Anyways, I think I mixed up my last post...

My first condensor *will* work with both cables -- but my second condensor will work with neither. Well thanks guys...I'm open to anymore suggestions.
 
RideTheCrash said:
That really ticks me off, the mics and cables are identical.
Click to expand...
No they're not. They're the same brand and the same model, but that does NOT mean that they are identical.

You said you work in fast food...let's assume for the moment that it's a burger joint. Let's say someone orders two of the same burger. Same condiments and everything. Do both burgers have EXACTLY the same amout of lettuce? EXACTLY the same size tomato? Did you put EXACTLY the same amount of mustard on each one? No...while they are the same basic thing, they are not identical.

Behringer especially is known for not having the best manufacturing tolerances in the world. While they are both ECM8000's, I can guarantee you that they are not 100% identical. Heck, I have a pair of $300-a-piece Shure SM81's and they are not 100% identical. The same with my pair of SM57's, and my pair of M-Audio Solaris mics.

You're just going to have to either find cables that work in the mics, or you're going to have to try and adjust the mics so that the cables you have will fit.
 
Ouch, what they say about this section of the forum is true, as I don't venture here often.

But anyways, when I said they are identical I meant they "look it" and look the same to my eye. I know they aren't identical, they aren't even a matched pair or anything, but it's just frustrating thinking 'they look the same c'mon...' because I don't have time to keep screwing around, I just want something to not set me back for once, I always run into these problems.
 
RideTheCrash said:
Ouch, what they say about this section of the forum is true, as I don't venture here often.

But anyways, when I said they are identical I meant they "look it" and look the same to my eye. I know they aren't identical, they aren't even a matched pair or anything, but it's just frustrating thinking 'they look the same c'mon...' because I don't have time to keep screwing around, I just want something to not set me back for once, I always run into these problems.
Click to expand...
Sorry, not trying to be harsh... I was just trying to make the point :o . Anyway, the story of the recording engineer (professional and hobbyist alike) is one of overcoming setbacks, fixing things that don't work, and finding ways to use things in ways they were never designed to be used in. In my experience, it's almost never just a cut-and-dried "everything works and you just do it." There will always be problems you will have to overcome, but that can be part of the fun of it.
 
Yeah I can understand that. This wouldn't be as much fun as I had everything cut out for me I suppose. Builds experience I guess you could say. The ECM8000s have little screws on the outside by the XLR connectors but I don't wanna break it. Knowing the stores around here they'll order me another one which will take another month...

I'm trying right now to see if I can still run it ok...the mic seems to pick up my drums (right now it's plugged in, but not locked). Does this cause any noise issues or any potential damage if it's not locked in? I just want to be sure, because if it works the same it'll save me the time. If the levels are not where they should be because of it, or the sound quality will suffer then I'll have to take it in. Any clue?
 
Well I just did a test and the second condensor seems to not pick up as clearly. The first one picks up everything (the one of the left of the drums) and the second one (on the right of the drums...the drummer's right) is more muffled. It picks up more of the snare, but hardly the ride even though it's like right over it. The mic by the hats picks up more of the ride and it's opposite. So I'm probably answering my own question, but confirmation is always nice. Thanks.
 
metal microphones?

it might be something to do with the heat (ie expansion of metals)
 
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