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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: caitjim on October 26, 2018, 03:18:37 AM

Title: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: caitjim on October 26, 2018, 03:18:37 AM

I'm sorry for making so many posts but am new to this and get confused. I'm about to buy CA 14 mics from the Yard Sale and have gotten confused as to whether they'll work with my Tascam DR 40 as they have a single input and some of the stuff I'm reading online suggest they won't work with the tascam. I know I'll need a battery box and adaptor to connect to one of the XLR inputs but should this be sufficient?. Some articles say this type of single cable unbalanced mics won't work. Thanks for any advice or experience you might have. I don't want to mess the seller about so could do with knowing. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: Papaphunk on October 26, 2018, 08:54:27 AM

I use a 1/8" Audio Cable to connect from my CA 9200 PreAmp into my Tascam dr-100MKII Line 2 - In Input. (Mics > PreAmp or Battery Box / Cable from Battery Box > Tascam)

I believe you can use an XLR Adaptor too.

I hope this helps. I love my CA-14 Card Mics. Enjoy them!

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: Papaphunk on October 26, 2018, 08:58:58 AM

I would also ask the seller if they have a CA9200 / CA9100 PowerAmp or Ugly Battery Box to part with, will make your life much easier.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: IMPigpen on October 26, 2018, 09:00:59 AM

You can get an adaptor Y-cable to go 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo male from the battery box/preamp to dual 1/4" male into the two 1/4-XLR combo inputs of the DR-40.  You can also go the 1/8" stereo to XLR route with a Y-cable.  Just make sure phantom power is turned off on the DR-40 or you will fry the battery box/preamp.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: rumbleseat on October 26, 2018, 10:12:48 AM

There's another option to consider and that is a set of Phantom Power Adapters from Naiant Studios:
https://naiant.com/studio-electronics-products/inline-devices/pfa-phantom-power-adaptor/

This adapter will let you run standard balanced XLR cables from the adapter to your recorder.  The mics plug into the adapter pair and are then powered by the +48 volt phantom power from the recorder.  A battery box is not needed.
This is not a great stealth setup since the adapters and XLR cables add bulk to your setup.  However, if your CA-14 mics are located at some distance from your recorder, then this is a good option since you'll get the advantage of low-noise balanced XLR  cables for the long run.  I've run CA-11 mics with 100' of cable on several occasions with no problems.

Since Jon at Naiant Studios custom builds these adapters, there are MANY possible configurations.  Just send him an email and let him know which mics and recorder and he'll quote you the appropriate adapter configuration.
The set that I got was about $100 in 2015.
 

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: caitjim on October 26, 2018, 10:42:31 AM

Thank you. Thats a definite option. Thanks again.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: shenny on October 26, 2018, 10:56:22 AM

As mentioned in other responses, to use your DR-40 with a batt box and the CA 14's you need a cable like this: https://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-XLRM-MINI-2

(https://www.soundprofessionals.com/mas_assets/thumb/SP-XLRM-MINI-2.jpg)

I have this set up and it works fine, albeit a little bulky.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: Limit35 on October 27, 2018, 12:56:04 AM

I agree with rumbleseat, the Naiant PFA is a good way to go. I really don't like using a battery box in the chain personally, the PFA isn't that big, is built really well, and one doesn't need to worry about battery condition. Another thing that is nice is the connections can be easily taped which is harder/messier to do with a battery box or preamp with 3.5mm connections in my opinion, if cable separation is ever a concern of yours.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: caitjim on October 27, 2018, 02:16:31 PM

Thanks limit35 - I think I'll go for the Naiant can you just advise me what options I need to choose as quite frankly they mean nothing to me - Input and Barrel specifically. Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: Limit35 on October 27, 2018, 11:33:30 PM

I use a miniplug for pip, standard barrels, stereo cable, 25cm . However as mentioned before email Jon, he is helpful with what you need.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: caitjim on October 28, 2018, 08:04:29 AM

THANKS

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: Limit35 on October 28, 2018, 10:38:04 PM

Just to be clear, stereo miniplug for pip, there are a lot of options in that first drop down on the Naiant site.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: caitjim on October 29, 2018, 07:42:56 AM

Thanks. Ive contacted him and told him the gear I have so just waiting for him to get back to me. Ta for the advice.

Title: Re: Attaching CA 14 cardioid mics to Tascam DR 40 XLR input
Post by: caitjim on October 31, 2018, 03:27:54 PM

Reply from Naiant but they don't post to Europe!!! Any advice, or knowledge of European suppliers? Ive tried the web without success.