XLR to 1/4

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Krystof01

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Hi,
I was just writing this thread before and it dissapeared; maybe it'll turn up.

Anyway,
-I bought a tascam 414 on e-bay
-I have a KORG D16 so the tascam is just for use as a kind of notebook
-It doesn't have xlr inputs (I need them for the mic's)
-Can you buy cables with xlr one end, 1/4 the other or do you have to buy some kind of transformer/price?
-It won't ruin my mic's will it?

-By the way, why is the xlr used as opposed to a standard 1/4 input; I think I roughly know; can someone please explain.

Thanks,
Krystof.
 
Yes, you can buy XLR to 1/4", and no, it won't ruin your mic's. :)

spin
 
-By the way, why is the xlr used as opposed to a standard 1/4 input; I think I roughly know; can someone please explain.
Click to expand...
You can't run mics that need phantom power (condesers) on 1/4 plugs, they need to have xlr plugs. But if you have all dynamic mics then you don't need to worry about it (until you buy a condensers that is ;)) and can buy a xlr to 1/4 and it won't hurt you mic at all.

-tkr
 
Buy an adaptor

You can buy an adaptor at a music store or even Radio shack!

It will cost you $10 - $20 bucks. It's a good thing to have in your gig bag anyway.....

(Many moons ago in a far off land I was on the road with a band and the PA System exploded... I just whipped out my trusty bag of tricks with mic adaptors and a mini mixer and we were able to play the concert by runing vocals through our guitar amps.... not the best sound, but it worked pretty good!)

Dom Franco
 
Make sure you get the type of adaptor that has a transformer in it or you won't get any benefit of the mic output being balanced.
 
I believe that the XLR connection has a ground plug because you usually run with a condenser with power running through.

XLR:

X = ground
L = Left
R = Right

I could be wrong but I think I remember reading that somewhere.
 
XLR - A type of audio signal connector designed and trademarked by ITT-Cannon. The connector specifications dictate a circular connector, lockable, where ground (pin 1) makes first contact to dissipate any static or induced EMF. Male connectors have pins protected by a metal shell. Three-pin XLR connectors are by far the most common style, used for microphone level audio signals, line level audio signals, and balanced digital signals. Configurations can come with as many as seven pins for special signal transfers, such as intercom, data, or power.
Sorry, Virginia, but "XLR" does not stand for anything-- it was Cannon's original part number designation. The Switchcraft A, B, C, D, and E-series connectors, and Neutrik's NC-series connectors are all compatible with the XLR standard.
 
XLR or 1/4"

I would choose XLR over 1/4" whenever possible.

Just another opinion from another nobody.

T.J.Hooker:cool:
 
Use XLR

In general xlr to xlr will have less noise than xlr to 1/4. Possible exceptions exist but probably don't apply if you're just slapping an adaptor to the end of the xlr or buying xlr to 1/4 cable.
 
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