Topic: Nak CM100 > UA5 using XLR or 1/4"?

[sunjan]

Hi all,

I just picked up a pair of stock CM100 Naks. The cables included are terminated to 1/4" mono plugs, 5 meter long each.
Would it make any difference if I got myself a set of XLR cables, maybe also a bit shorter, to connect them to my UA5 (Wmod)?
Or would the characteristics be just the same as plugging in the 1/4"s?

Also, any ideas of how to hat-mount the CM100s? I don't expect this to be stealthy, I just prefer to have my hands free during the gig, checking the levels and holding my beer... ;-)

/Jan

[Roger Gustavsson]

If you want a balanced transmission, the only way is through balanced cables with 3-pin connectors, like XLR. The mono plugs that CM-100 came with will not allow a balanced operation. If you are running short cables, there is not much difference. You can even bypass the output transformer in the CM-100 and you will get about 14dB more signal, a little less gain in the mic preamp needed then that could reduce the noisefloor.

[sunjan]

If you want a balanced transmission, the only way is through balanced cables with 3-pin connectors, like XLR. The mono plugs that CM-100 came with will not allow a balanced operation. If you are running short cables, there is not much difference. You can even bypass the output transformer in the CM-100 and you will get about 14dB more signal, a little less gain in the mic preamp needed then that could reduce the noisefloor.

So what you're saying is that my current 5m 1/4" cables are short enough, and there wouldn't be much difference running say 2m XLR cables instead? I'm a bit of a n00b here, so I just need to get this right?
How do I bypass the output transformer? Any soldering involved?

I also read about the attenuator setting in the manual:
"It may be necessary under high SPL to attenuate the signal going to the CM-100 preamp. Access to the 10dB attenuator pad is gained by unscrewing and removing the capsule. Using a thin stylus, move the lever to the desired position as shown in the diagram".

What's the recommended setting for fairly loud rock shows? Do you guys normally use this function or not?

+T for your expertise, Roger!

/Jan

[Roving Sign]

If you want a balanced transmission, the only way is through balanced cables with 3-pin connectors, like XLR. The mono plugs that CM-100 came with will not allow a balanced operation. If you are running short cables, there is not much difference. You can even bypass the output transformer in the CM-100 and you will get about 14dB more signal, a little less gain in the mic preamp needed then that could reduce the noisefloor.

So what you're saying is that my current 5m 1/4" cables are short enough, and there wouldn't be much difference running say 2m XLR cables instead? I'm a bit of a n00b here, so I just need to get this right?
How do I bypass the output transformer? Any soldering involved?

I also read about the attenuator setting in the manual:
"It may be necessary under high SPL to attenuate the signal going to the CM-100 preamp. Access to the 10dB attenuator pad is gained by unscrewing and removing the capsule. Using a thin stylus, move the lever to the desired position as shown in the diagram".

What's the recommended setting for fairly loud rock shows? Do you guys normally use this function or not?

+T for your expertise, Roger!

/Jan

you dont really need the attenuator...this mic already has a lowish output...

I'd go with the XLRs...not even sure the 1/4 ins on the UA5 go through the mic pre circuit...

Roger - do you bypass the transformer just by running the unbalanced cable?

[willndmb]

you have a oade mod ua5 so the 1/4 ins are disabled
if you had a bm2 i think you could still use the 1/4 but not with oade mods

[sunjan]

you have a oade mod ua5 so the 1/4 ins are disabled

+T Will and RS, I managed to dig up the FAQ and realized this too. XLR it is then!
/Jan

[Roger Gustavsson]

Roger - do you bypass the transformer just by running the unbalanced cable?
[/quote]

No. Bypassing the transformer needs opening up the microphone and do some soldering. The result will be higher output (=less gain needed), weaker cable driving and a non-balanced output. If your are just running short cables, it will work just fine. Even if your UA5 has XLR connectors, you can still use non-balanced cables. I have no problems with running my microphones that way.

Roger 

PS. I have attached a schematic of the CM-300 (simular to the CM-100). If your micpreamp have phantom power, turn it off. It will then allow the green+red connection. If your micpreamp is not allowing DC at the input, go for the red only connection. If you want to keep the low cut switch, go for the blue+red connection. DS.