SM57... help

[Big Al]

gonna be getting a SM57 for my birthday...

i need it to plug into my Pod to record to my imac. If i buy an 'XLR to Jack' lead do you think it'll work? (also, is it the 'male' XLR that plugs into the mic? - it's been while since i used one!)

just fed up with the recorded pod sounds. :(

[Big Al]

sh*te... do i need 'phantom power' to power it?
:confused:

[Quinny]

Hi Al!

Yeah, XLR to jack is what you need, the XLR connector being a female. I'm assuming the jack port on the iMac is 1/8" though?? So you'll either need a lead that goes XLR--> 1/8" jack or a normal one (XLR-->1/4"j) with an adaptor to downsize the jack. I'd say go the latter option, gives you 1/4 or 1/8 as required.

I'm not sure how urgent this is for you Al, but if you can hang on till early next week I'll solder you up some leads myself to whatever length you want. I'd do it this week but the degree rages on until Friday! I could do you a couple of very fine leads, using Klotz cable and Neutriks connectors, the same (or better, in the case of the plugs) components used by many 'pro' companies. The cost to you sir?? Bugger all. Well, maybe just one tin of finest Super. :D If you can hang on a week or so.

Cheers, Niall.

[Quinny]

Shure has a great part of their site dedicated to the SM57. Tech specs are there, as well as the K Base FAQ section and many other titbits. Check it out HERE (http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/sm57.asp#tech)

Cheers, N.

[Big Al]

will it not work plugged into my Line 6 Pod? (it has a preamp setting)
The pod then goes to my mic input on the imac.


Niall... that'd be cool. i'll discount from your logo price of course ;) i'm in no rush :)

[San]

Hi Al,

I'd urge you to follow Phill's advice about the mixer. I got a small one about a year ago and it's made my recording life so much easier. Not only do you have fine control over all your inputs but you get get some friends to come over, jam along and record the results!!

I got the UB1002 from GAK...£55

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/prodlist.php?category=Mixing+Desks

Good luck!!


San.

[GaryNattrass]

On the subject of SM57's I was at the Newcastle guitar show and a guy was selling copies that he said were made for shure before they switched production to mexico.

They were great quality and had the weight of a proper sm57.

They were £23 each, I have his card and I am going to check them out to see if they are as good.

Will let you all know.

[Adam]

I'll second John's recommendation for the in-line 1/4" to male-XLR adapters - these are extremely useful to have around. They've saved my butt a number of times.

I'll also +1 on the small powered mixer solution. Carvin makes some very good, affordable stuff that suits this purpose. Your POD could create more hassle than it's worth in this situation. Does it's preamp mode still send power when in "bypass" mode? If you're using your amp to record, you certainly don't want a bunch of digital processing going on with your signal.

I would probably recommend taking the POD out of the equation entirely.

[Big Al]

i tried it through the pod for the first time tonight...

sounded pretty good. only got 30mins before the wife started moaning. i'll post something over the next couple of days.

the pod seemed fine...although i do like the look of the spirit notebook thingy. hmm how near's xmas? :D