Using a low-Z unbalanced mic
Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:25 pm
I recently repaired an antique dynamic mic (Allied M3311) that was given to me by a family friend. It's unbalanced (2-conductor) and low-Z (10k ohm).
If I plug it directly into an unbalanced input on my mixer, I have to crank the trim and the gain, and the hum is unreal.
If I plug in to a directbox, the hum is gone, but I still have to crank the gain. I'm also pretty sure the DI box is meant for high-Z inputs like guitars, so I'm not sure if the impedence mismatch is screwing with the sound.
In a nutshell, my gear seems to be designed for low-Z balanced or high-Z unbalanced, but not low-Z unbalanced.
Advice?
If I plug it directly into an unbalanced input on my mixer, I have to crank the trim and the gain, and the hum is unreal.
If I plug in to a directbox, the hum is gone, but I still have to crank the gain. I'm also pretty sure the DI box is meant for high-Z inputs like guitars, so I'm not sure if the impedence mismatch is screwing with the sound.
In a nutshell, my gear seems to be designed for low-Z balanced or high-Z unbalanced, but not low-Z unbalanced.
Advice?