Condenser mic with XLR connector on FT-897d?

[K4TCF]

Hello all,

Just wondering if it's possible to use a condenser microphone (a CAD M197) having a 3-pin XLR connector with my Yaesu FT-897d and its 8-pin modular jack. I've been searching the 'net and found some Heil adapters (CC-1-YM, for example), but don't know if there's something else that might be needed because of the phantom power requirements of the condenser mic?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Tim, K4TCF

[KI4FON]

Tim,

You will need a phantom power supply. I run a ML990 with a phantom power supply from Musician's Friend into a W2IHY I-Box. The I-Box makes the connection between the mic and the radio. The cable from the phantom power supply is balanced on the mic side XLR and changes to unbalanced for input into the I-Box, tip, ring 1/4 inch phone plug. There are other ways of getting the power to the mic. Do a Google search. Hope this helps.

73,

Don

[W9GB]

In addition to Don's (KI4FON) comments for interfacing professional (XLR 3-pin connector) microphones, you will need a method to perform the Push-To-Talk (PTT) function. I like the hand switch/pushbutton, which is made by Switchcraft, and used in healthcare industry (e.g. hospital bed "call systems" [ON/OFF]; Radiology [ON momentary]). You can also use VOX or a foot switch (e.g. sewing machine and manufacturing/fabrication industries) if you desire "hands free" operation.

w9gb

[K4TCF]

Thank you very much KI4FON and W9GB! I have a much better grasp of what's needed now. Got some info from W2IHY's site, too.

Thanks again!
Tim, K4TCF

[KC7OV]

I use the Audio Technica AT 2020 with the Heil ADM-817 modular to 8 pin adapter along with the Heil CC1 XLR cable for Yaesu as this also has the 1/4" jack to use a foot or hand switch.Just be aware that the the radio only has 2.1 khz tx bandwidth on ssb so your audio may be on the bassy side when using the condenser because of the wide frequency response of the mic.I installed Inrads #726 2.9 khz filter and it makes a big difference.You may also encounter hum from the phantom power supply so using the W2IHY I-BOX per KI4FON would be a good suggestion too.

Mike kc7ov

[W1GUH]

With a good qualilty large diaphragm condensor mic the other option, besides a dedicated phantom power supply is to get a good mic preamp with the phantom power built in. It's pretty amazing to hear the difference a high-qualilty discrete preamp can make, and a good preamp is required in pro-recording. It would also be highly desirable to have an EQ between the preamp and the rig.

There priciness is daunting -- but when you hear the difference, you'll be glad you paid so much to get "nothing"!

BTW....while I was putting my studio together (VS-880EX) I didn't know this and went to Manny's (R.I.P) for the Shure KSM-32. The sales guy was very knowledgable and was a really good guy who taught me the facts of life about using high-end mics. If I would have insisted, he would have been happy to sell me just a PS...but I was glad for the education.

[K4TCF]

Thank you all for your advice...I ordered the W2IHY box and got a phantom power supply, and used W2IHY's cabling suggestions (I emailed him and he replied in minutes), and now I'm getting good comments about my audio.

I must say, it's instances like these, where some "newbie" (me) asks a question and gets several expert replies in short order, makes me proud to be a member of the "fraternity" of Ham Radio. I truly appreciate your answers to my questions and your suggestions.

Thanks again, and 73's to all,

--Tim, K4TCF

[tedjohn09]

Thanks so much KI4FON and W9GB! Thanks again!
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