• Registered: 2008-10-08
  • Posts: 36

Topic: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

With only three years in the guitar hobby field, I am confused regarding which mic adapter I need.  Have read several reviews and have  been truly confused by all of the reviews. I thought it would be simple to purchase a simple adapter.  HEAR IS WHAT I NEED TO DO.
my Fender M-80 amp has a 1/4 mic  cable opening,  I need to be able to plug a three prong
mic cable into it.  There are a lot of various mic cables  on the market out there and I am not knowledgeable of all the technical lingo associated with purchasing a simple adapter so I can it on my present amp.  Can anyone help? Please.   Note:  I have been using the amp with a 1/4
in. male end in the past.  I just have a need to change the type of cable I now am using.

2 Reply by Russell_Harding (edited by Russell_Harding 2010-08-12 13:25:13)

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

you can get it online or at most music stores they carry the adapter your looking for its a 1/4" female adapter it has three holes you plug the mic cable into it  the other end has a regualar guitar jack 1/4" plug
http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Fem … amp;sr=1-2

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Registered: 2008-10-08
  • Posts: 36

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

Thanks Russell, Just one more question regarding the mic cord adapter.  Will the use of the adapter cause or create any distortion in sound, tone or quality in the audio thru the amp.
Thanks, Gerald

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

your welcome Gerald and no it wont cause any distortion of the signal I have been useing them for over 30 years or so just dont get any cheap plastic adapters the one I showed you will work fine and the price is right. (and I have no affiliation with amazon)  lol

Gerald Quarles wrote:

Thanks Russell, Just one more question regarding the mic cord adapter.  Will the use of the adapter cause or create any distortion in sound, tone or quality in the audio thru the amp.
Thanks, Gerald

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Registered: 2008-10-08
  • Posts: 36

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

I have ordered one from MF along with some other much needed accessories. Again thanks a lot.

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

your very welcome glad to help smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
  • Posts: 1,914

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

One thing to consider... If the mic has a 3 prong hook up it may need phantom power to work.  So you'll need a power supply. Running a 3 prong mic through 1/4 input (even with an adaptor) sometimes won't work.  Just a thought....

What kind of mic is it??

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

Guitarpix's Website

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

You're correct Pix, if it is a condenser mic it will need phantom power, but dynamics won't.  Another thing to consider though is that usually 1/4 TS inputs are expecting a different impedance than the three pin XLR. 

Gerald, you have been to MF for the other things, you might look and see if they also have a little adapter that is called an Imp.  Basically an XLR to male 1/4 TS adapter with an impedance matching transformer within to ensure that the microphone sounds correct when plugged into an instrument input (like on your Fender amp).  I use a mixer so impedance matching is handled on board the mixer circuitry, but have considered adding an Imp to my arsenal of adapters just for the case where the only hole to plug a microphone into is a guitar amp.

I should add that if you are using a pre-amp for a microphone that does require power, the transformer is redundant for the same reason that it is not required in the mixer application.  You could try what you have and if it sounds terrible (squeals, and makes other obnoxious noises) you likely will need the matching transformer.

Take Care;
Doug

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • Registered: 2008-10-08
  • Posts: 36

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

Selecting the proper guitar strings  for my acoustic electric  has been my most difficult
learning curve during the past three years.  Someone about has to be a metallurgist to understand  the lingo phosphor bronze, bronze, 80/20, silk & steel I could go on  and on.
My question is.  I am looking  for a string that has a good woodsie, mellow soft  tone, everything I have tried has been real bright.  Trying to match my vocals close as I can. Any one have  any suggestions.  I had the correct string at one time, but don"t remember the name or kind.  Can anyone help.  Thanks Gerald

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

Hi Gerald,

  Generally the Silk & Steel will be as mellow as they get, with the 80/20 Phosphor Bronze at the other end of the scale being very bright and what I use on my huge bodied 12 string.  For my shallow Ovation, I prefer the 85/15 Phosohor Bronze to get a bit more bottom out of the instrument, and of those, like a Bluegrass mix consisting of heavier bottoms and light tops to get the bass up to a balanced tone.

Hope that helps a little.

Take Care;
Doug

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 192

Re: Mic cable adapters (confusion)

I always keep the wrapper from my strings in the case. That way when I change my strings again I know what is currently on it. Just an idea to keep track of what brands you like.