For years whenever I needed a cable for my Astatic mics, I would just pick one up at the music store, no problem with mic compatabiliy. I would even be able to use the same cable to plug a Shure Beta 58 mic into a pa. I've been looking for a shorter 10' cable to use with my Astatic and all I can find are hot 2 pin cables. Is there any reason why this seems to have become the standard? (I'm sure Gregg can answer this question. I might have to order one from him if I can't find one anywhere.)
Pin 2 Hot is the standard for high impedance cables in Europe and Asia, however Pin 3 hot remains popular in the U.S. You can find them both - sometimes they're even labeled! But if they're not don't bother asking the guy at the music store - you'll get that "deer in the headlights" look. Bring a meter, or search online until you can find what you need.
FYI - Although you can use a Pin 2 Hot or Pin 3 Hot cable to plug a low impedance mic like the Beta 58 into the PA's or amps - but you are getting only half of the mics signal and there is an big impedance mismatch besides, which will throw off frequency response. It is far better to use a proper low impedance cable (XLR at both ends) and plug into the PA's low impedance input, or the same cable with an impedance matching transformer to plug into an amp or pedal. ---------- /Greg
