WTB: very strange old mic cable

[jdogric12]

Long shot, but just in case... anyone have a mic cable that connects 5/8" screw-on (like old harp mics) to XLR?

[jps]

Amphenol connector? If so, I can check my resources.

[johnhall]

Like this? I happen to have one here on an old mic I'm trying to restore.

Amphenol MC1F and Switchcraft 2501F

Doubt you'll find a cable already made up since this is usually a high impedance connector, unbalanced, whereas the XLR is typically low impedance, balanced line. But I've made them up before in the past.

Connectors are still readily available- best bet eBay.

Best practice is to use as short a cord as possible with single conductor shielded cable then go to a balun with XLR out then on to the snake or board. Could also use a cable MC1F to phone plug, then into a DI, preferably a 48 volt phantom powered one.

[jdogric12]

Thanks guys! Great info John. That's the one. I was wrong to want XLR... and I should know better, it's a hi-z mic, so that would be 1/4", yep. I've located a connector. Now just to cross my fingers and hope the ribbon still works!

[jps]

Now just to cross my fingers and hope the ribbon still works!

This guy can probably take care of any issues you may have with the mic.

[johnhall]

I was wrong to want XLR... and I should know better, it's a hi-z mic, so that would be 1/4", yep. I've located a connector. Now just to cross my fingers and hope the ribbon still works!

There's nothing wrong with using an XLR for high impedance- they're great connectors, terrific shielding. The problem is that people then want to plug them into a low impedance balanced line system which may or may not work well, depending on the gear's input circuit.

The mic I have has a shot coil/diaphragm cartridge that Shure doesn't make anymore. I hope you have better luck.

[cjj]

I was wrong to want XLR... and I should know better, it's a hi-z mic, so that would be 1/4", yep. I've located a connector. Now just to cross my fingers and hope the ribbon still works!

There's nothing wrong with using an XLR for high impedance- they're great connectors, terrific shielding. The problem is that people then want to plug them into a low impedance balanced line system which may or may not work well, depending on the gear's input circuit.

The mic I have has a shot coil/diaphragm cartridge that Shure doesn't make anymore. I hope you have better luck.

Yes, it's not the connector, just the circuitry, and using a connector such as an XLR, which is the standard connector for a low impedance (nominal 600 ohms) balanced (same as differential) configuration may lead to confusion down the road.

Of course, if you do as John suggested and use a balun (balanced to unbalanced impedance transformer), then things will match up and work as everyone expects...

[johnallg]

I was wrong to want XLR... and I should know better, it's a hi-z mic, so that would be 1/4", yep. I've located a connector. Now just to cross my fingers and hope the ribbon still works!

There's nothing wrong with using an XLR for high impedance- they're great connectors, terrific shielding. The problem is that people then want to plug them into a low impedance balanced line system which may or may not work well, depending on the gear's input circuit.

The mic I have has a shot coil/diaphragm cartridge that Shure doesn't make anymore. I hope you have better luck.

Which old Shure?