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Old 07-16-2009, 12:15 AM
eric22rr eric22rr is offline
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Default SM-57 to unbalanced input?

I'm using a Roland KC-300 amp (basically using it as a PA) with an SM-57 mic, with a cable that's XLR female on the mic-end, 1/4" on the other. The KC-300 has a channel that is a dedicated balanced mic input, in addition to other line-level, non-balanced channel inputs. I understand the benefits of using the balanced setup. I want to use the amp for two mics. Does anyone think that plugging the mic into the unbalanced, line-level inputs would be unusable? Would there be too much noise, etc. to use in a live situation?
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Old 07-16-2009, 12:20 AM
peppertree peppertree is offline
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Default Re: SM-57 to unbalanced input?

Should be OK, but the output will be lower, and there won't be CMRR which is a noise defeating mechanism. However as long as there isn't serious RF issues in the room or something you'll never hear the difference in that amp...not sure if where you're plugging it has enough gain though.

Try it and see...failing that use a small mixer or outboard preamp like an ART or something.
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Old 07-16-2009, 08:05 AM
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albee1952 albee1952 is offline
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Default Re: SM-57 to unbalanced input?

Several companies(Radio Shack and Shure anyway) make a transformer that converts an XLR mic cable to an unbalanced Hi-Z for connection to unbalanced quarter inch inputs. Not the most elegant solution, but certainly the cheapest.
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOSA-MIT435-LoZ-...3%3A1|294%3A50
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Old 07-17-2009, 05:48 PM
Barnabas Barnabas is offline
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Default Re: SM-57 to unbalanced input?

I don't think you can get enough level out of an SM57 to drive the line input without going through some kind of preamplifier first.

There is a big difference between a 1/4" line input and a 1/4" mic input.

1/4" mic is a weak signal compared to a 1/4" line level signal.

Try it, you might get lucky.
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Old 07-17-2009, 07:00 PM
peppertree peppertree is offline
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Default Re: SM-57 to unbalanced input?

SM57 can generate a whole volt on its own with a loud source...
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