Topic: 4.7k Mod

[ThePiedPiper]

I have a question about the 4.7k mod. Is it ONLY necessary when using a 3.5mm plug or would it be beneficial to have via a TA3 mini-XLR as well?  Do such a thing even exist for the TA3?

[goodcooker]

If you are using mics as 3 wire they will probably handle higher SPL as is. The mod was developed to allow 2 wire mics - such as stereo mics wired to a mini plug - to have lower sensitivity.

Ask Chris Church about it....

[adrianf74]

I'll save Chris the e-mail as he had a little injury over the weekend. 

4.7k mod is needed for AT mics especially when they're being run 2-wire.  If you're running them as 3-wire mini-XLR (the way their manufactured) there is ZERO to gain by doing the mod.  In fact, the mod on those could affect quality in the end.

[goodcooker]

I'll save Chris the e-mail as he had a little injury over the weekend. 

I'm FB friends with him so I saw that he messed himself up but he's already posting about amps again so that's good news.

Chris and the saga of the 4.7k mod is sort of a running joke around here - I was being facetious.

[adrianf74]

Chris and the saga of the 4.7k mod is sort of a running joke around here - I was being facetious.

TS and CA and FACETIOUS in the same sentence?  *NEVER*

Just thought I'd clarify for the OP since I've had that conversation with Chris in the past.

[Gutbucket]

Goodcooker covered it, but to clarify-

4.7K mod is an option for adapting 3-wire low-voltage, non-balanced, non-phantom powered microphones to 2-wire mode for high SPL use. Most of such mics will be miniature ones (AT, Countryman, etc).  The mod is not required for 2-wire mode, but is recommended for recording loud source material to help avoid overload.  It is not recommended if always recording quiet material as it will reduce sensitivity and raise the self-noise floor somewhat.  The mod is often installed so as to fit within in the microphone connector housing.  Alternatively it can be installed in a separate adapter cable, which allows for use of the mics either with or without the mod.  Likewise it is sometimes installed in the battery box or preamp - and sometimes made switchable, sometimes not.

Termination connector used for the microphones is a separate issue.  A pair of 2-wire 4.7k mod'ed mics wired as a stereo pair to a single connector requires 3 channels through the connector (Left signal & power, Right signal & power, shared ground) and may be terminated to any connector with 3-or more contacts. Most common for tapers is termination to a TRS stereo mini plug or a 3-pin TA3 mini-XLR.

[ThePiedPiper]

Thank you Gutbucket, Goodcooker & adrianf74 !!  Great info.
So I think I will leave these in the original 3 wire method and enjoy the benefits!