Topic: how to power mic with 2.5-12V dc ?????

[sasanarecorder]

hello,

I need to know how to power a headworn mic - it comes without power supply
and needs 2.5-12V dc. It is meant for connecting to wireless bodypack transmitters.
If I get a pigtail version and connect to a locking TRS connector can I then plug it into
the mic-in of a handheld recorder and let it be powered by its plug-in power?
The mic is also available with other connectors  like TA5F...
Which other options do I have using it with either a recorder with 3.5mm mic-in or
XLRs but only 48/24V Power???
Most convenient for me would be any battery power supply to save my recorder's
battery life.
I inquired from mic producer about this and the following answer:

 
a) Pulling-up into 12V at 10kΩ.
b) And then, pass “Coupling Condensor”through.
c) Finally, connect to Microphone Amplifier.

   
                             

I just need to know how to use it, not how to build a power supply myself.

hope someone can help me
               

[LikeASong]

Handheld recorders' plug-in power is usually between 2 and 4 volts, 5 at max I think. To properly power a mic like yours I think you need a battery box (simple power) or a preamplifier (power plus added gain). Both will power your mic at the desired 9 or 12 volts


A battery box will always be smaller and easier to use if you only need to power the mic:




A preamp is usually bigger and has a gain knob (and sometimes other added features):

[stevetoney]

Handheld recorders' plug-in power is usually between 2 and 4 volts, 5 at max I think. To properly power a mic like yours I think you need a battery box (simple power) or a preamplifier (power plus added gain). Both will power your mic at the desired 9 or 12 volts

He says that his mics will work down to 2.5V.  Therefore, there should be no reason they won't work on plug in power directly from a recorder.  That said, a battery box would increase the recorder run time.

The tinyhead/tinybox and CA-9100 are both tiny preamps and although they might be slightly larger than the smallest battery boxes, I wouldn't worry about their size. 

[sasanarecorder]

Thanks a lot for your answers.
So I have to figure out only where to get a fitting battery power supply,
because my location is not US but India.
I think the Tinybox doesn't ship outside the US currently.
And shipping + customs would make it too expensive.
Anyway, just as 2nd option, are you sure, or does somebody know for
sure that a lav or headworn mic, that requires minimum 2.5V terminated with a TRS plug,
can be plugged into the 3.5mm mic-in of a portable handheld recorder that provides at least 2.5V
plug-in power like the e.g. the Sony PCM D50  and will be powered by this?
I found the Millimic Power Supply for Professional Sound Corporation.
see the attached photo
Does anybody have experience with it?
I think it is available here.

[sasanarecorder]

I also found the Giant Squid Stereo and Mono Microphone 9 Volt Battery Power Supply
see picture below, looks very well made.

[bryonsos]

Naiant and Church both ship internationally. I would see what they can do for you before I looked at the options you listed.

[stevetoney]

For what it's worth, there was apparently an issue originating here in North America with shipping Li-ion batteries overseas so Naiant didn't ship internationally for the past six months or so, but apparently that restriction has been lifted.  I think the bigger issue for would be the time for delivery and the cost of import duty. 

The Giant Squid box should work fine.  I don't know what that other device is.  It doesn't look like that would work for your needs. 

You said you have a sony D50.  Why not simply buy the mic you want first and then try it out.  Once you have both the mics and power supply, just plug your mics in to see if they have adequate power to function in the range of volumes you plan to record at.  For example, use a home stereo and record some music.  Make sure you increase the volume so that you can verify that your mics have enough power to function properly at louder volumes.  You'll know if you need a battery box because you'll hear distortion in your recording.

[sasanarecorder]

Thanks so far to all.

So I can use the mic directly if necessary with the recorder's mic-in & plug-in power
and have to search for a battery power supply available here.
The Professional Sound Corporation's Millimic Lithium Power Supply was on an US site
offered as power supply for the Sanken COS 11D Lavalier Mic, but it costs here more than
double. in US: $124 in India: $257
The Giant Squid box looks very well made-have to check this.
Concerning the proper wiring - which channel where, only single left channel audio or
double mono wiring, what is best for which purpose
many recorders cannot record in true mono, only stereo.

[fmaderjr]

The Giant Squid box looks very well made-have to check this.

It probably would, but I would steer away because Giant Squid Mics are horrible and the box is way bigger than necessary. I would try to find out what it costs to buy one of the small Church Audio or Sound Professionals battery boxes and have it shipped to India. Chris Church's box is barely bigger than a 9 volt battery and I believe Sound Pros may have copied his idea (nothing new there) and started building a small battery box as well.