1/8" stereo TRS cable from microphone into M4/M2 using 1/4" adaptor

[redsonola]

Hello,

I am having some problems getting signals from some microphones in the M2 & M4. I am using throat microphones for a project and the both have 1/8" TRS male outputs. One is mono and the other is stereo.

I've put both through 1/8" to 1/4" adaptors, but the signal gets completely lost.

These microphones work great through my cheap-O UGreen audio interface that take in 1/8" so I know the signal is live. However, the latency on the UGreen is horrific and I need something for real-time connection not just audio playback.

However, I can't get ANY of these signals to work through my M2/M4 (I have both, but M2 I bought specifically for this project). I've tried the Input 1 & 2 which I understand to be mic level inputs.

#1 With a cheap throat mic with mono 1/8" output I've tried:
1. Mono 1/8" to mono 1/4" adaptor to M4/M2 through Inputs 1 &2 -- nothing, terrible
2. stereo 1/8" to stereo 1/4" adaptor to M4/M2 through Inputs 1 &2 -- nothing, terrible (expected to not work but worth a shot)

#2 With my more expensive throat mic with stereo 1/8" output I've tried:
1. stereo 1/8" to stereo 1/4" to M4/M2 through Inputs 1 &2 -- nothing, terrible -- I tried a few of my adaptors for this & they do work for headphones with 1/8" cables.
2. Mono 1/8" to mono 1/4" to M4/M2 through Inputs 1 &2 -- Somehow, I have SOME signal, but only if I tap on the mic, like really make noise. It won't work IRL.

I'm buying 2 more adaptors, stereo 1/8" to Y splitter 1/4" mono outs & another stereo 1/8" to 1/4" adaptor/cable to try to test setup #2 again (rather would use expensive throat mic).

I have tested my laptop audio outs recently to see if that gets signal via a 1/8" to 1/4" stereo cable -- all male, and that is fine. A laptop (macbook) is NOT a great test of this, I know, but that is what have that I can connect with 1/8" cables to test. But the microphones do NOT work.

Am I missing anything?

Thank you to anyone who can shed some light on this situation or any thoughts that you have.

[stubbsonic]

I'm not sure, but I don't think the M1/M2 input will expect a microphone level if you input a TS 1/4" (6.35mm) plug. If you use a 1/4" TRS plug with stereo signal, that won't work either as they will be out of phase due to the balanced/differential preamp.

Does a throat mic have a pre-amp built in? Does it require battery power?

Do you know if the 3.5mm TRS is balanced? If so, you might need something like this for $10:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... lr-adapter

For the one that is stereo, you'll need one cable to split out the TRS to dual mono, and then adapters to get the final XLR male.

You could find a female 3.5mm TRS to dual male RCA-- then add these:

https://www.amazon.com/TISINO-Adapter-C ... B077L5PD29

I should disclaim that these recommendations are all based on hunches. Don't spend any money on adapters until you can confirm my suspicions. First, that the M2/M4 will only give you mic-preamp amounts of gain if you use the XLR input and won't do so for unbalanced (TS) 1/4" inputs. And 2, that your mic doesn't need something else like power or other in order to connect to a standard XLR input.

[redsonola]

Hello!!

Thank you so much for your thoughts!!

It was not exactly your solution, but a similar solution -- I definitely needed to convert to the XLR. Your answer set me down the right path of exploration. It turns out that my throat microphone, like a lot of web/video/headset gear are condenser microphones with 3.5mm outs and need 5V-ish volts of phantom power (unfortunately there was very little documentation or support on this). I got the Rode VXLR Pro adaptor which can convert the 48V from my M2 to what 3.5mm mics take and it worked!!

I got the MOVO F-XLR Pro & that worked too, but is noisier.

[stubbsonic]

Glad you got it sorted. And thanks so much for reporting your results. That's a hugely important step that many who post here don't follow up on.

Best wishes