Question on Microphones, XLR Jacks and Converting them to single electric guitar jacks and using an amp?

Question

Sorry for the bad header, it's hard with the limited space to describe what I need help with. As you know most performance microphones use and XLR jack which have three prongs. I play electric guitar, and was wondering what the downsides were to converting the XLR jack into a single prong jack (they sell converters) and simply plugging it into a spare guitar amp. Will this have a large effect on tone? Obviously there is a large market for Microphone special amps so there must be some reasoning behind not doing this. One of the main reasons I ask is because of my desire to run the microphone into a guitar FX pedal, that and save some cash but not having to buy special Mic AMP. I'll award extra points if you can recommend some models of MICS and Mic Amps too. Thanks Alot!

Sorry for the bad header, it's hard with the limited space to describe what I need help with. As you know most performance microphones use and XLR jack which have three prongs. I play electric guitar, and was wondering what the downsides were to converting the XLR jack into a single prong RCA jack (they sell converters) and simply plugging it into a spare guitar amp. Will this have a large effect on tone? Obviously there is a large market for Microphone special amps so there must be some reasoning behind not doing this. One of the main reasons I ask is because of my desire to run the microphone into a guitar FX pedal, that and save some cash but not having to buy special Mic AMP. I'll award extra points if you can recommend some models of MICS and Mic Amps too. Thanks Alot!

Answer 1

It is more than configuration of the plugs that is at issue.

Usually mics with XLR plugs are low impedance, and most 1/4 inch plugs (standard tip/ring, not TRS, or tip/ring/sleeve) are from high impedance instruments, like guitars, key boards, etc.

So, all you need is a transformer, low impedance "balanced" to a 1/4 "unbalanced" high impedance plug. You can get one for about $15 at Radio Shack. A transformer is NOT the same as an adapter.

This will get the signal into your guitar amp. It is here that your tone challenge will begin. Guitar pre-amps are not designed for mic input, in most cases, so the quality of the sound is going to be affected, and this will be particularly noticeable if the mic is going to be used for vocals. In additon, your tone controls on your amp may be inadequate to get a real good sound.

If, on the other hand, the mic to be used is a "condenser" that doesn't have an external source for phantom power or able to operate off of a battery, you are out of luck. Guitar amps do not provide phantom power and, even if they did, it would not flow through the transformer.

I would suggest buying a little 2 channel mixer. Behringer makes a decent one, it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes, provides phantom power as well as accepting both high and low impedance inputs, 3 band EQ, as well as balanced and unbalanced out puts that you can then patch to your guitar amp.

Because this is a true mixer, you can run it right through your effects pedal from the high impedance output.

This is your best bet for decent sound, and the mixer can be had for about $45 (or, less, including shipping) through Musician's Friend, American Musical Supply or Pro Sound and Stage Lighting.

Money is always tight, but scrape up the most you can when mic shopping. If for vocals, an inexpensive mic that will work is the Shure SM57. Around $75. Better, Shure SM 58, around $100. Even better, Shure Beta 58, around $150. Of course there are tons of others, but these are the old reliable workhorse mics that have been around forever and are still the choice of many professionals, even at high-end venues.

Good luck, and if ya need more info you can contact me through this site.

Answer 2

Im with sevenfold, Line 6 has the best cheap amps with head phone jax. They also sound pretty darn good for a solid state modeling amp. They come with a line in so you can play with songs through your amp speakers. I would, however, save up for the spider 4 series, as they sound better and have usable upgraded effects. If your really pressed for money, they make a $99 spider 4 15 watt amp that alright, but you dont have the fullness of a 12" speaker. Still good beginners practice amp. I would reccomend saving up for the 2x12 spider 3 or 4, because if you ever want to get into a band, that will easily compete with a 100watt 4x12.

Answer 3

many mics use the rca 1/4 as i use them from all models. there are many amps you can mic through from marshal to vox and peavy. go to samashmusic.com and you will find what you want and they have everything anyone can need. i use them all the time.