XLR Balanced Mic adaptor for Recorder or Camera

It is possible to connect a balanced microphone directly to the camera using a simple adaptor cable. 

The problem with this sort of adaptor is that they unbalance the microphone and negate the advantages of a balanced circuit.

A simple solution to this problem is to use a transformer which converts the balanced signal to an unbalanced signal, thus maintaining the advantages of balanced connection.  The transformer has the added advantage of preventing any DC from the microphone socket (plug in power) reaching the microphone.  The transformer also means full signal level is preserved whereas a non transformer adaptor loses 3dB of level.

This balanced input kit consists of two items:

The transformer - a high quality Neutrik unit in a tough extruded metal enclosure with a female XLR connector for the microphone. The other end of the box has a phono socket output.

Output lead - phono plug to 3.5 mm right angle plug, 1 metre - connects to the phono socket of the transformer box and feeds the mono audio to both the left and right tracks of the camera or recorder.

All the components are of excellent professional quality, all the connectors are gold plated to resist corrosion. The XLR connector, the transformer, the case, the phono socket and plug are made by Neutrik.

Beachtek, Juice Link and others make units which take a balanced microphone into a camera, they offer many different facilities and features, however if you all you need to do is connect a mono microphone to a camera or recorder in the most simple way maintaining the highest quality, this is the way to go.  No switches, batteries or controls, just plug in and go.

In use the transformer should be located as close to the camera as possible so the length of unbalanced cable (from transformer to camera) is as short as possible. This maintains the balanced advantages of the microphone circuit as much as possible.

Please note this unit is suitable for use with all dynamic and self powered microphones, this would include Beyer M58, Shure SM58, Sennheiser K6/ME66, MD46 and 50, Electrovoice RE50 and many hundreds of others.

Audio specification:  Transformer ratio 1:1, impedance ratio 200:200 ohms.  Source/load impedance in Ohm: 200/2k, (600/10k).  Max. Input level (@ 50 Hz, 1% THD): -3 dBu.

Please note the photograph above shows how the adaptor is used.
The microphone and XLR cable are not included.