Libertad
1 post
Dec 27, 2011
4:13 PM
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I am thinking about buying an Ultimate 57 for use with my Vox AC4TV. I understand that I need the high impedance model XLR Pin 2 hot, if I go directly into the amp. However in the future I may want to go wireless or directly into a PA. How do other people achieve this with either the Shure SM57 or the Utimate 57.
Should I go for the low impedance version and use a impedance matching transformer or DI box? Will this have any effect on sound? As you can probably guess by the question I am very new to all of this, so any advice would be gratefully received.
Greg has been very helpful, but I would like to hear how other people deal with the issue.
Thanks
Martin
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Greg Heumann
1393 posts
Dec 27, 2011
4:50 PM
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I'll be interested to hear what others think too. From my perspective, the only downside to the low impedance version is having to use the impedance matching transformer. The advantages are:
o it is just like any other SM57 so it doesn't confuse anyone
o XLR<->XLR cables are available at low prices worldwide
o Easy to press it into service as a vocal mic, instrument mic or amp mic
If I were to go high impedance I would use the screw-on connector because it keeps everything as short and light as possible. But screw-on cables are indeed harder to find and more expensive than XLR cables which are mass produced.
I do not hear an appreciable difference tone-wise.
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/Greg
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Joe_L
1684 posts
Dec 27, 2011
5:04 PM
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Personally, I have an SM-57 and a 545.
I use the 545 wired high-Z into an amp. It's been Ultimatized and Bulletized.
I use the SM-57 for vocals or playing through a PA. I carry a impedance matching transformer in the event that I need to plug the SM-57 into a PA.
Here is why I carry own both mics:
1. I like the convenience of being able to use the SM-57 in darn near any mic stand on the planet. The Ultimatization process would require the purchase of a different clip for the mic stand.
2. If I forget or lost the transformer, I couldn't plug the mic into the amp.
3. I don't notice much difference in sound between the SM-57 w/ the transformer plugged into the amp and the Ultimate 545.
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The Blues Photo Gallery
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crispyagain
47 posts
Dec 27, 2011
5:58 PM
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I have used a 57 with my AC4TV with a transformer and it sounds good. The transformer is no big deal and makes the mic more versatile to be able to use in low or high Z settings. Mine is not ultimized but it sounds great.
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Willspear
21 posts
Dec 27, 2011
8:07 PM
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are there any wireless units that are fitting for the high impedance screw connector crowd. I know of a few guitar ones but never really considered it an option
xlr seems simpler for that application but I dig the tone of bullets
I would like a ultimate 545 and I have been rolling around the impedance issue as I try to keep everything uniform in my kit and not having to carry xlr cable for one mic is a big draw just for my crazy sense of uniformity.
edit= I guess if I actually read the stuff on wireless on your page my questions are answered for the most part
is there any impedance issues involved in the reciever to amp connection if transmitting from a high impedance device.
Last Edited by on Dec 27, 2011 8:32 PM
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Greg Heumann
1395 posts
Dec 27, 2011
8:57 PM
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YES - you can go wireless with high-Z mics that have screw-on connectors with the system I sell. See http://www.blowsmeaway.com/wireless.html. I have the screw-on to XLR adapter required either with or without volume control.
The impedance thing is an electrical phenomenon only. Once you go through the air the mic end and receiver end don't have to match. Basically you have two completely independent connections - the mic to transmitter connection and the receiver-to-amp (or pedal) connection. One does not affect the other.
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/Greg
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shadoe42
97 posts
Dec 28, 2011
7:21 AM
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I use an old sm57 mic. Like 20 years old + I bought the thing in a pawn shop in the early 90s so it was used when I got it :) LOVE this mic. I have played thru newer SM57s and just don't get the same sound.
I use an adapter similar to this one http://www.fullcompass.com/product/294385.html to run the mic into my RP255 with some slight effects. Or if I need to I can run the mic directly to the PA without the adapter.
I however do want to get a hold of one of Greg's systems one day. Every time I go to the page I drool over the ultimate 57 airline system :) hmmm... my birthday is coming up Sunday..... hahahahahaha
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The Musical Blades
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Greg Heumann
1399 posts
Dec 29, 2011
10:06 PM
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@shadoe - The old 57's, just like the older 545's, sound different - and if you're a harp player interested in blues, by most opinions, better. I am happy to ultimatize your old 57 - you don't have to buy an Ultimate with a brand new mic (although you can.) When I convert your mic I will use both its transformer (which may be the source of the difference in tone) and its element.
Visit the Ultimate Series Mics page on my site, or contact me greg at blowsmeaway dot com for more info.
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/Greg
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shadoe42
98 posts
Dec 29, 2011
10:29 PM
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I have always presumed it was simply due to age that it sounded different. A 20 year old mic just doesn't sound the same as brand new one. and yes to my ears in this case my old beater sounds way better than a brand new one for Harp. It is however a pain in the ass to sing thru :) gotta crank it up to do vocals then crank it back down for harp. Gave our sound person fits the last gig cause it was the only mic I had (oops heh)
Its a matter of funds and true need. Right now a wireless harp rig is not an absolute need. Its a really really want. I have a rigged wireless for my drum(djembe) and would like one for the harp just to have a few less cords on stage :)
silly things like mortgage have to come first :) oh and tires..something about putting 40K+ miles a year on your car tends to work the tires pretty hard hahahaha
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The Musical Blades
My Electronic Music World
Last Edited by on Dec 29, 2011 10:31 PM
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easyreeder
85 posts
Dec 30, 2011
6:53 AM
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"Should I go for the low impedance version and use a impedance matching transformer or DI box? Will this have any effect on sound?"
A good quality transformer will be pretty transparent, but a cheap one can be awful. I use a lot of them in my work, and I stick with Shure. I don't know what Greg uses, but he guarantees satisfaction so I don't doubt he's using good quality transformers. I have a collection of cheap in-line transformers left behind after events by musicians, AV rental companies, and people who shop at Radio Shack. I won't allow them to be used in systems we provide because they usually sound awful, and can't take a beating. I like the Shures because they have the screw-on connector and come with female and male 1/4 connectors, very flexible.
I sold an Epiphone Valve Jr. head & speaker to a friend after he heard me demonstrate it and tried it himself with his own mic. When he got it home he said "What happened? It sounds awful." I swapped his bargain transformer with one of my Shures and voila!
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Libertad
4 posts
Dec 30, 2011
10:34 AM
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Thanks everyone, I have just bought a Audix T50K Impedance Matching Transformer. I like the short cable design. I will let you know how it sounds when it arrives.
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Greg Heumann
1403 posts
Dec 30, 2011
11:20 AM
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The Audix T50 will rob some high end. The Shures are good - and believe it or not, the dirt cheap Whirlwind "Little IMP" works very well too.
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/Greg
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shadoe42
99 posts
Dec 30, 2011
2:47 PM
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The exact one I use is the ADAM AMT-1CS
http://www.invisionsmusiq-store.info/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=51&products_id=6450
has a low/high switch on it. I have always just left it set on low... how would it alter if I tried the high setting?
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The Musical Blades
My Electronic Music World
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Greg Heumann
1404 posts
Dec 30, 2011
8:43 PM
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Shadoe - you cannot hurt the mic or the transformer by flipping the switch. It will be different. Choose the setting you like the best.
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/Greg
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crispyagain
48 posts
Dec 31, 2011
2:43 AM
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You mean there are differences in transformers ? I thought they were all the same. First I've heard about this. I got mine from Radio shack.
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