Simple Tip at DVinfo.net

Steven Davis · August 1st, 2004, 06:20 PM

Well, this is probably not ground breaking, but I found a neat little idea helpful in testing my audio mix. I needed to distance test my wirless microphone, and I didn't have anyone to say test test test test test test. So I took my wife's kitchen timer and set it off. It's a consistant bleep at one level and found it good to test all kinds of things, distance, sound angles and such. So while it's not weapons of mass destruction being found, but I figured it might help someone.

I also have a question. I have a wireless mic mounted to my Gl2 and a Beachtek Dxa-4p. When I first plugged my auxilary in, I noticed that I had to pull the mini male out a tad for to get sound. The guy at Beachtek told me to use a mono wire, which I don't have a the moment, or use a mini to xlr. I ordered the mini to xlr cable, and that solved the Beachtek auxilary issue, but with this new wire, I have to pull the male plug out of the mic receiver just a little to get sound. So in both instances, if I push the mini plug all the way in, i get no sound. I know that there is a stereo and mono issue, but the receiver came with a stereo mini plug, so not sure what is causing the 'short out' when I push the mini all the way flush. Any advice would be helpful.

Alan Craven · August 2nd, 2004, 12:36 AM

I have had this problem in the past with 3.5mm mini-jacks. I tracked it down to ones of a particular brand. They were simply not the specified shape! I have no idea what brand they were, but they are widely available here in the UK. The stereo design was the worst.

A change to a higher quality, inevitably more expensive, plug solved the problem for me.

Douglas Spotted Eagle · August 2nd, 2004, 05:27 AM

First off, your tip is a good one. I use a small pocket metronome which is essentially the same thing. Very handy for working in the studio alone when I can't get anyone to test mic's for me...
Regarding the plug, since they're molded ends, sometimes they are shorter or longer. I've also seen them where they don't quite go all the way in due to the molded header. Better quality plugs are made to better tolerances, but as Alan said, they also cost more. Neutrik and Switchcraft make great plugs, but at a cost of about 18.00 US.

Jay Massengill · August 2nd, 2004, 11:33 AM

A small clock radio, cassette recorder or mini-boombox can also be used for this purpose. At least this can play back a speaking human voice, even though most of them aren't as small and handy as the timer and metronome.

August 1st, 2004, 06:20 PM	#1
Steven Davis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,065	Simple Tip Well, this is probably not ground breaking, but I found a neat little idea helpful in testing my audio mix. I needed to distance test my wirless microphone, and I didn't have anyone to say test test test test test test. So I took my wife's kitchen timer and set it off. It's a consistant bleep at one level and found it good to test all kinds of things, distance, sound angles and such. So while it's not weapons of mass destruction being found, but I figured it might help someone. I also have a question. I have a wireless mic mounted to my Gl2 and a Beachtek Dxa-4p. When I first plugged my auxilary in, I noticed that I had to pull the mini male out a tad for to get sound. The guy at Beachtek told me to use a mono wire, which I don't have a the moment, or use a mini to xlr. I ordered the mini to xlr cable, and that solved the Beachtek auxilary issue, but with this new wire, I have to pull the male plug out of the mic receiver just a little to get sound. So in both instances, if I push the mini plug all the way in, i get no sound. I know that there is a stereo and mono issue, but the receiver came with a stereo mini plug, so not sure what is causing the 'short out' when I push the mini all the way flush. Any advice would be helpful. __________________ What happens if I push the 'Red' button?

August 2nd, 2004, 05:27 AM	#3
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	First off, your tip is a good one. I use a small pocket metronome which is essentially the same thing. Very handy for working in the studio alone when I can't get anyone to test mic's for me... Regarding the plug, since they're molded ends, sometimes they are shorter or longer. I've also seen them where they don't quite go all the way in due to the molded header. Better quality plugs are made to better tolerances, but as Alan said, they also cost more. Neutrik and Switchcraft make great plugs, but at a cost of about 18.00 US. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

August 2nd, 2004, 12:36 AM	#2
Alan Craven Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: York, England Posts: 518	I have had this problem in the past with 3.5mm mini-jacks. I tracked it down to ones of a particular brand. They were simply not the specified shape! I have no idea what brand they were, but they are widely available here in the UK. The stereo design was the worst. A change to a higher quality, inevitably more expensive, plug solved the problem for me.

August 2nd, 2004, 11:33 AM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	A small clock radio, cassette recorder or mini-boombox can also be used for this purpose. At least this can play back a speaking human voice, even though most of them aren't as small and handy as the timer and metronome.