Chris L
158 posts
Dec 27, 2016
9:43 PM
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I am considering an Ultimate SM57 and I am wondering about the High impedance configuration with the 5/8" screw-on connection.
I currently use a standard SM57 with an inline volume pot and an impedance converter running into a Zoom G3x or directly into an amp. The Ultimate 57 with a 1/4 inch seems like a simpler way to achieve the same effect.
On the other hand I have heard the screw on connectors are less reliable than XLR.
Does anyone have experience with this set up? I would love to have some input before I invest.
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Moon Cat
631 posts
Dec 27, 2016
11:05 PM
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Whats wrong with the current technology (XLR) again? Seriously... I personally like being able to use my mic for vocal, instrument micing or other applications in addition to harmonica if I have to or want to..So I'm not into the screw on 1940's deal... BTW there may be a secret new microphone coming out from someone new...
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Last Edited by Moon Cat on Dec 27, 2016 11:07 PM
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Kingley
4063 posts
Dec 28, 2016
3:27 AM
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Either are a good option. With a screw on connector and 332A adaptor which most people use (that use screw on connectors). You can use any guitar Jack to Jack lead. With an XLR you get the benefits that Jason outlined above. You simply need to make your choice. I like and use both options at various times. Given that you already have an SM57 with XLR connector, maybe try the screw on version and see which you prefer. If you don't like it they are easily sold on. For more in-depth pros and cons of each method my best advice would be to email Greg Heumann and ask him. What he doesn't know about it, isn't worth knowing.
Last Edited by Kingley on Dec 28, 2016 4:03 AM
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jbone
2228 posts
Dec 28, 2016
3:45 AM
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I use a screw on a lot with no problems, but I usually sit in one place to perform. Back in the day I stood and moved around, and more than once stepped on my cable with 1/4" jack at the mic, which of course unplugged it during a solo.
Hm, Moon, new mic you say?
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STME58
1900 posts
Dec 28, 2016
11:53 PM
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I was setting up at a blues jam a few weeks ago and I could not get my cable to screw on to my Ultimate 57 Mic. I was able to tread on a screw on to instrument cable adapter and use a standard 1/4" instrument cable to play. When I got home I looked closely at my screw on cable and saw the nut had been ovalized. I don't remember stepping on it and I keep my cables in a zippered bag so it couldn't ave been crushed by closing the case on it. A little work with a pair of pliers got the nut close enough to round to thread on easily and it works well now. I suspect that an XLR cable end is less susceptible to damage like this.
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Greg Heumann
3304 posts
Jan 01, 2017
9:44 AM
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First - let me clear one thing up in case we have readers who aren't as familiar with the subject - you can't get an SM57 with a screw-on connector. The SM57 is available from Shure ONLY as a low impedance mic with an XLR connector.
You CAN get an ULTIMATE 57 set up either way. The Ultimate mics were developed to shorten and lighten the SM57 for better handling comfort, and to build in a volume control.
There are 4 possible configurations described in the “Ordering” section of the Ultimate Series Mics page of my web site.
A) Low impedance with XLR connector (like a stock SM57 or SM58)
B) High Impedance with Screw-on Connector (compatible with Samson AG8 wireless transmitter w/ 332 adapter)
C) High impedance with XLR connector "Pin 2 Hot” - compatible with Samson AX1 wireless transmitter
D) High impedance with XLR connector "Pin 3 Hot” - NOT compatible with Samson AX1 wireless transmitter
There is no advantage tone-wise to any one of these options, and ANY of them can be connected to ANYTHING - it is just a question of what kind of cables and/or adapters are needed. If you own a cable that already works, then you can save a little $$. If not I can supply what you need.
The most common are A and B.
The most flexible alternative is to set the mic up as a low impedance mic with an XLR connector (configuration "A"). The advantages are that it is now just like any standard vocal mic and can be plugged straight into a PA - so easily used for vocals, or to mic an amp or instrument. Low impedance XLR cables are standard the world over so they are easily bought/replaced at any music store. The disadvantage is that you need to use an "impedance matching transformer" to connect this mic to a high impedance input like a pedal or guitar/harp amplifier.
Config A: Low impedance/XLR - ready to plug into a PA or XLR-based wireless transmitter, add an impedance matching transformer to plug into an amp or pedal. You might need these accessories:
24.95 18' low impedance cable XLR<-->XLR
19 Impedance matching transformer
If all you ever want to do is to connect directly to a tube amplifier with no adapters, then the simplest alternative is Configuration B: High impedance/screw-on. It has a "screw-on" connector that is common on vintage harmonica mics - so you would also need a "screw-on to 1/4" cable. To connect to a PA you would need to use a "DI" box. To connect it to a wireless transmitter with a 1/4" plug you would need a 332 adapter. You might need these accessories:
45 20' cable - screw-on to 1/4"
14.95 Switchcraft 332A adapter (recommended for backup against cable failure, not primary use)
If you don't already own high impedance mics with XLR connectors (JT30VC/BluesBlaster, Shure 545 set to high impedance being about the only ones) I recommend you avoid configurations C and D. I can't tell you how often I have to educate/deconfuse people about mixing high impedance and XLR connectors. There are two incompatible standards and NEITHER is the same as XLR low impedance which is standard the world over. When people mix and match high-and low-impedance (unbalanced and balanced mode, respectively) XLR equipment - they get bad results and confusion.
As for XLR vs screw-on - XLR is a little easier to connect/disconnect, but screw-on is shorter, lighter, and I offer a range of adapters when you need to connect it to something else.
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/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
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Last Edited by Greg Heumann on Jan 01, 2017 9:47 AM
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