FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Power Acoustic Amp

Question:
My acoustic Trace amp doesn't have an xlr input. If I want to use a condensor mic with it, what do I need to do? If I get a phantom power unit, can I just plug the mic straight into the amp from that if I use an xlr-1/4 adaptor? Or would there be some problem with the levels/signals? I also have a battery-powered condensor- can this be plugged straight into the amp safely if I use the adaptor? Would the results be the same as using an amp with a built-in xlr input?

Answer:
You'd be brickwalling by running a preamp into another one. To use a condenser mic with an amp, you can get a simple phantom power supply. If you're running a cable to the amp that is xlr at one end and 1/4 inch at the other, I think you have to make sure it's unbalanced. If the 1/4 inch is TRS (tip ring sleeve), I don't think it will work. Something like a Groove Tube The Brick would work. It has instrument and XLR mic input and switchable Phantom Power. I recorded some electric lap steel with it recently and found it has a VERY nice sound. Very similar to my reconditioned pre-CBS Fender Super Reverb amp. It has a Balanced XLR output.