unbalanced input woes...

  • Thread starter Thread starter johneeeveee
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johneeeveee

johneeeveee

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... i just picked up an old 244 that is in pretty good shape, and really sounds very good. the preamps are actually quite quiet, but the mic lines into the unbalanced 1/4 inch ins are picking up a lot of noise (even using a descent line matching transformer xlr-1/4 inch adapter). would using a preamp or direct box help out here? i like the way the preamps sound, and would love to be able to use them without the interference. any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
thanks- jv
 
244 input noise...

... the mic cable is picking up buzzing sounds as i move it around the room (trying to find a spot that is quiet). it is not the hum of the pre's or tape hiss, but buzz from the mic line (i think?).
thnaks- jv
 
Use a cable that has better quality shielding in it.

The one you are using must just have a simple spiral rap type shield and you probably should use one that has a fuller, braid wrap shield along with a solid wrap underneath of it.

Companies like Canare, Monster-cable and others make this type of cabling and getting a good one is a great investment. It will save you headaches and stress and grey hairs too!

Good luck! :)
 
mic line noise...

thank you for your reply... that is something i thought of, but wasn't sure how big a difference it could make. aside from that, how about a ground lift, or other possible ways to cut down on noise on an unbalanced line in? if i went into a pre or a di with my mic and cable (balanced going in at least?), and then used a good quality and very short 1/4 inch cable out, into the 1/4 inch input on the 244, could that help as well? i am just now learning about impedance and such, and any input is welcome.
thanks again- jv
 
Direct boxes are more suited to taking unbalanced devices like guitars and allowing them to impedance match to the balanced input of a mixer. You are trying to do the opposite here and the problems you described don't sound impedance related. They sound like a a bad cable.

But, hey! what do I know? If you have a few bucks to play around with, try out a DI box or rent one from a musical instrument shop and give it a whirl. While you're at it, rent a nice monster cable too and see which one solves the problem.

My money is on a bad cable.

Cheers! :)
 
The fact that the buzz changes as you move the mic around the room, almost guarantees that you have a poorly shielded cable.
 
mic line noise...

thanks again guys. i will actually go get a good monster or mogami cable. while i have your experienced ears, are there any other better options you would recommend for going into a 1/4 inch in on my 244 with a mic line ?(other than the usual line matching transformers).
thanks a bunch- jv
 
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