How-to connect an ECM-55B (power module) to a wireless system at DVinfo.net

Dany Nativel · May 28th, 2003, 05:48 PM

I'm thinking about getting the Sony ECM-55B, the one with the barrel power supply (AA or Phantom).

On the other hand going wireless could happen some day too.
Transmitter like the Samson UM1/32 or other are featuring a 3-pin mini XLR connector.

1) Can I connect the power module to the wireless transmitter ?

2) If yes, do I need the battery on the power module ?

3) If no, should I cut (oh no ;( ) the cable between the mike and power module to make my own mini XLR so I can use the power module when running wired or directly to the wireless trans when running wireless (less weight too).

Thanks
Dany

Ken Tanaka · May 28th, 2003, 10:08 PM

It is physically possible to connect the ECM55B to that Samson wireless transmitter with the aid of an XLR to mini XLR adapter. But it won't produce good results. The Sony mic does not match-up well with the Samson and you won't hear much. Better to just use the Audio-Technica lav provided with the Samson.

Dany Nativel · May 28th, 2003, 10:31 PM

Thanks Ken for your feedback.

I want to get the ECM55B first and then go wireless later.

Samson also sell a package with an ECM-55 with the mini-XLR connector... is this only a regular ECM-55B without the powering module ?

If this is a case, I wouldn't mind cutting out the link between the ECM-55B and powering module in order to insert a mini-XLR
connection.

Dany

Ken Tanaka · May 28th, 2003, 10:46 PM

Ah, I wasn't aware that Samson offers that mic as an option. That would be the way to go. I suspect that the 55 supplied in such a fashion would indeed omit the battery module.

I have two ECM55B's but have only used them wired. I like them. They have a smooth sound, perhaps a bit balanced more toward the low end.

Dany Nativel · May 28th, 2003, 10:54 PM

And they charge a lot for this "custom" ECM-55... more than ECM-55B (with powering module) !

I was looking at the first price for the Samson. It comes with an Audio Technica MT-350... any comparison with the ECM-55 or ECM-44 or even the ME-4 (included on the EW122 kit) ?

Ken Tanaka · May 28th, 2003, 11:10 PM

Well, to my ears the A-T MT-350 seems to be extremely sensitive and may have a much broader field than the Sony ECM-55B. It can pick up quite a bit of background sound and has a "sharper" sound...perhaps more sensitive in the higher frequencies.

As I noted earlier, the Sony ECM-55B seems to be smoother and picks up less background sound with careful placement.

Dany Nativel · September 22nd, 2003, 10:07 PM

see my post on http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&postid=98765#post98765

May 28th, 2003, 05:48 PM	#1
Dany Nativel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 106	How-to connect an ECM-55B (power module) to a wireless system I'm thinking about getting the Sony ECM-55B, the one with the barrel power supply (AA or Phantom). On the other hand going wireless could happen some day too. Transmitter like the Samson UM1/32 or other are featuring a 3-pin mini XLR connector. 1) Can I connect the power module to the wireless transmitter ? 2) If yes, do I need the battery on the power module ? 3) If no, should I cut (oh no ;( ) the cable between the mike and power module to make my own mini XLR so I can use the power module when running wired or directly to the wireless trans when running wireless (less weight too). Thanks Dany

May 28th, 2003, 10:08 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	It is physically possible to connect the ECM55B to that Samson wireless transmitter with the aid of an XLR to mini XLR adapter. But it won't produce good results. The Sony mic does not match-up well with the Samson and you won't hear much. Better to just use the Audio-Technica lav provided with the Samson. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 28th, 2003, 10:46 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Ah, I wasn't aware that Samson offers that mic as an option. That would be the way to go. I suspect that the 55 supplied in such a fashion would indeed omit the battery module. I have two ECM55B's but have only used them wired. I like them. They have a smooth sound, perhaps a bit balanced more toward the low end. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 28th, 2003, 11:10 PM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Well, to my ears the A-T MT-350 seems to be extremely sensitive and may have a much broader field than the Sony ECM-55B. It can pick up quite a bit of background sound and has a "sharper" sound...perhaps more sensitive in the higher frequencies. As I noted earlier, the Sony ECM-55B seems to be smoother and picks up less background sound with careful placement. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

May 28th, 2003, 10:31 PM	#3
Dany Nativel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 106	Thanks Ken for your feedback. I want to get the ECM55B first and then go wireless later. Samson also sell a package with an ECM-55 with the mini-XLR connector... is this only a regular ECM-55B without the powering module ? If this is a case, I wouldn't mind cutting out the link between the ECM-55B and powering module in order to insert a mini-XLR connection. Dany

May 28th, 2003, 10:54 PM	#5
Dany Nativel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 106	And they charge a lot for this "custom" ECM-55... more than ECM-55B (with powering module) ! I was looking at the first price for the Samson. It comes with an Audio Technica MT-350... any comparison with the ECM-55 or ECM-44 or even the ME-4 (included on the EW122 kit) ?

September 22nd, 2003, 10:07 PM	#7
Dany Nativel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 106	see my post on http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&postid=98765#post98765