Talkback mics

[Adam P]

I tried searching for more info, but the search results were too ambiguous and I didn't want to wade through threads with 50+ replies only to find that it didn't turn up what I was looking for.

Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone has used any of the Shure desktop paging microphones (444, 450, 522, 550, etc) as a talkback mic. They are mounted on a base with on/off switch. There are a decent number of them on eBay fairly inexpensively, and they seem like they would do the trick (plus, they look kind of cool). Also, a lot of them are wired with a 4-pin connecter...any ideas where you could go about finding an adapter to 3-pin XLR, or go about wiring an XLR to the end of the cable?

Thanks.

 

[DJL]

I just picked up a Behringer B5 to use as a talkback mic... it's seems like a nice little budget mic so far.

 

[christiaan]

Have you taken it apart yet?

 

[tubedude]

I'm working on a simple little passive talkback system right now. I am waiting on some quotes from some local metal fabricators to come in, but it will be 1 space rackmounted, look pretty nice, and hopefully come in around $60. I plan on making 100 and see how it goes from there. You'll be able to use any dynamic mic you choose with it, as long as its xlr out.

Audio-technica makes one of those little bases, too, with a red button on it.

 

[still4given]

I tried searching for more info, but the search results were too ambiguous and I didn't want to wade through threads with 50+ replies only to find that it didn't turn up what I was looking for.

Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone has used any of the Shure desktop paging microphones (444, 450, 522, 550, etc) as a talkback mic. They are mounted on a base with on/off switch. There are a decent number of them on eBay fairly inexpensively, and they seem like they would do the trick (plus, they look kind of cool). Also, a lot of them are wired with a 4-pin connecter...any ideas where you could go about finding an adapter to 3-pin XLR, or go about wiring an XLR to the end of the cable?

Thanks.

I can't see why any of those mics you listed wouldn't work for that purpose.

 

[crazydoc]

I just picked up a Behringer B5 to use as a talkback mic... it's seems like a nice little budget mic so far.

Post your pics of the PC board.

 

[Marik]

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Originally posted by DJL
I just picked up a Behringer B5 to use as a talkback mic... it's seems like a nice little budget mic so far.
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<Post your pics of the PC board.>

Hey DJL, I would appreciate your impressions about it. What do you think about it compare to Oktava 012? I am thinking about getting this one as well.

 

[DJL]

Have you taken it apart yet?

No

 

[DJL]

Post your pics of the PC board.

No

 

[DJL]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by DJL
I just picked up a Behringer B5 to use as a talkback mic... it's seems like a nice little budget mic so far.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<Post your pics of the PC board.>

Hey DJL, I would appreciate your impressions about it. What do you think about it compare to Oktava 012? I am thinking about getting this one as well.

So far I think it's a pretty nice little budget mic... I'm not going to comment more until I've had the mic longer and have a chance to play with it more. In the past I've made the mistake of making comments to early and I'm not going to do that again.

 

[crazydoc]

So far I think it's a pretty nice little budget mic... I'm not going to comment more until I've had the mic longer and have a chance to play with it more. In the past I've made the mistake of making comments to early and I'm not going to do that again.

At least you can take it apart and shoot a few shots of the innards. If you have any trouble getting it apart, just ask Alan or Brent. They would know how, if your prior suppositions are correct.

 

[Adam P]

I'm working on a simple little passive talkback system right now. I am waiting on some quotes from some local metal fabricators to come in, but it will be 1 space rackmounted, look pretty nice, and hopefully come in around $60. I plan on making 100 and see how it goes from there. You'll be able to use any dynamic mic you choose with it, as long as its xlr out.

Audio-technica makes one of those little bases, too, with a red button on it.

Can you give me more info on the one you're trying to build, just to satisfy my curiosity? Feel free to PM me if you want. Also, those AT switched bases retail for $90 and are a base only, so I'm gonna guess that they're a lot rarer on eBay.

I also discovered, after a little more reading at the Shure site, that those mics come new with no end on the cord, just bare wires, with a wiring diagram for balanced or unbalanced connections, so thats no longer a question.

Originally posted by crazydoc
At least you can take it apart and shoot a few shots of the innards. If you have any trouble getting it apart, just ask Alan or Brent. They would know how, if your prior suppositions are correct.

If you're trying to incite a Behringer/SP/PMI bashing, kindly do it somewhere else please.

 

[crazydoc]

If you're trying to incite a Behringer/SP/PMI bashing, kindly do it somewhere else please.

Nope, just trying to get DJ to put his money where his mouth is.

 

[DJL]

If you're trying to incite a Behringer/SP/PMI bashing, kindly do it somewhere else please.

Lol... you sure nailed crazydog fast... lol.

 

[DJL]

Re: Re: Talkback mics

Oh and Adam P... like still4given said... I don't see why any of the mics you listed wouldn't work as a trakback mic either... and you should be able to get adaptors from http://www.fullcompass.com.

 

[Adam P]

Yeah I looked some more and Shure actually has the wiring diagrams for the mics in their accompanying literature, so I don't think I'd need an adapter. I'll just have to track down one of my solder-savvy friends.

 

[darrin_h2000]

I like the nady sp-1... its also handy for when an asshole wants to borrow a mic...who cares if you see it again.

 

[DigitalDon]

Some of the Shure talkback mics also have an extra pair of wires that you can use for whatever. Comes off the switch. You could use it to energize a relay to turn a lightbulb on when you talk. That could help when the band takes off their headphones to argue or goof off and you're trying to get their attention through the glass.

Oh yeah, make sure the switch is a momentary (press) switch. Not a slide switch. Kinda embarassing when the switch is left on and someone talks about the drummers dog ugly girl friend.

 

[Bowisc]

I normally use an SD mic... less obstructive and less off-axis coloration--- not that it matter much. But some LD mics get all phasy if you're not in the optimum polar sweet spot. I can simply tuck the SD away and it'll pick up the voices of control room occupants nicely.

 

[Adam P]

Some of the Shure talkback mics also have an extra pair of wires that you can use for whatever. Comes off the switch. You could use it to energize a relay to turn a lightbulb on when you talk. That could help when the band takes off their headphones to argue or goof off and you're trying to get their attention through the glass.

Oh yeah, make sure the switch is a momentary (press) switch. Not a slide switch. Kinda embarassing when the switch is left on and someone talks about the drummers dog ugly girl friend.

All of the models I've looked at do have the extra wires. I never thought of using them to trigger a lightbulb though...good idea. I'll keep that in mind. As far as I know, they're all momentary switches that have the ability to lock in place by sliding them, so that they can function either way.