Hi there -
I do understand the function of P48V on the Tascam unit; that if the P48V is turned off, the mics are not being powered - and that means the mics are not capturing a signal.
In other words, through trial and error ( and an act of blind faith), it became apparent to me that I *had* to switch on the P48V on the Tascam, if I want to use the external mics.
My question was related to the earlier comment from heathen:
I don't think you want to send phantom from the Tascam if the AT8533X is supplying phantom power, if that's what you're asking. But you talked a bit about the bass roll-off as well, so are you asking about whether to use that?
The AT8533 modules have been described as "phantom power modules", which *might* be interpreted to suggest that they supply the P48V, in a similar manner as the darktrain 4.7k mod y-cable (which I can't use with the Tascam, because the only options for externals are XLR or TLS).
Maybe that description is not the best verbiage to describe them, then? It seems that what they really are, is an adapter that converts mini-XLR to XLR, and also happens to have a bass roll-off switch, which beatkilla helped sort out by referring to the barely visible lines on either side of the switch.
Given all that, I do think that *some* documentation could have helpful, otherwise it leaves a lot of trial-and-error, which in this case was harmless, but with other types of gear, could have ended up being destructive.
If these are the ones i think they are than the switch only goes left and right.To one side is a STRAIGHT LINE(flat frequency NO roll off) the other way is a slanted line for BASS ROLL OFF.If that is worn off than the switch towards the xlr connector side should be bass roll off on.
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Hi GroundHog,
there is no need to have documentation for AT8533. These are not old things, they still work and are used. Gutbucket explained it. The adapter AT8533 is converting P48V to the voltage that suits AT mics. If you power AT mics directly with 48V, you will burn them. To your note - when you turn off the P48V at Tascam, the adapter has no voltage and the microphones are not powered. The second function of the adapter is that it also convert an unbalanced input signal from a mic to a balanced output. So you can use very long cables between your Tascam and the adapter.
It is also possible to have the AT mics modified and use them with a battery box with a 9V battery. Then, of course, you don't turn on phantom power on Tascam because the microphones are powered by a battery box.