Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? at DVinfo.net

Alex Chamberlain · April 18th, 2012, 04:21 PM

I have an Audio Technica U100 system (consisting of an ATW-R100 Receiver and an ATW-T101 Transmitter) with a Shure WL93 Microphone utilizing a TA5F (5-pin) connector.

I've reached a point in my business where I need to get another wireless lav set, and I'd like to get an identical system to avoid having vastly different sounding mics in post. However, the Shure Mic that I have seems to only be available with a TA4F (4-pin) connector. So, here's my question:

If I purchase a TA5F connector, and get really friendly with my soldering iron, how do I convert from one to the other? I haven't been able to find any tutorials or even pin diagrams.

I'd love to hear a solution here. I've weighed my options and determined that I'm not going to buy into a newer, flashier system. I have no idea how I ended up with a Shure mic with a connector they don't offer, but there you have it. Please help, and thanks in advance!

Brian P. Reynolds · April 18th, 2012, 05:42 PM

Here is a link that might help with pin connections....
Wireless Transmitter Wiring - Countryman Associates, Inc.

Alex Chamberlain · April 18th, 2012, 06:58 PM

Hey, now that's helpful. Thanks!

Pete Cofrancesco · April 18th, 2012, 09:01 PM

I had a similar question I wanted to connect a standard mic to my Audio Technica wireless lav body pack transmitter.

Need TA5F -> XLR

I saw this on B&H I assume even though it says Letrosonics it would still work with Audio Technica?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/288057-REG/Remote_Audio_CALECXL3_5M_XLR_F_to_TA5_F_18.html
Btw, my wireless kit came with a transmitter designed to plug into base of mic but it has never worked properly, I'm not keen on putting much money repairing an old wireless system.

Rick Reineke · April 19th, 2012, 09:07 AM

As I recall, the AT U100 used the same wiring scheme as the Lectro 185/87 and 195 transmitters, at least for bias powered mics.
See page 5 of the manual:
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/re...u100ser_om.pdf

PS-- As I further recall, many of the U100 systems were in the (now illegal) 700MHz frequency block. But I don't think the FCC is gonna come looking for you unless you show up with it at a major broadcast event.

Alex Chamberlain · April 26th, 2012, 04:24 PM

Well, it worked. In case anyone else needs to attempt what I've done, here's the formula for putting a 5-pin TA5F connector onto a Shure WL93 in a manner that will be compatible with an Audio Technica T101 transmitter from a U100 system:

Pin 5: Open
Pin 4: Ground/Shield (short to pin 1)
Pin 3: Red
Pin 2: Black
Pin 1: Ground/Shield (short to pin 4)

This coincides perfectly with the condenser mic info. listed on the link above from Rick. Just thought I'd report back and say it worked. Thanks everyone!

Alex Chamberlain · May 2nd, 2012, 10:14 AM

Update:
After working flawlessly once, I haven't been able to get any sound out of the mic ever again. I even cut the wires fresh and re-soldered the whole thing. No dice. The transmitter is definitely not the problem. It works fine with my other, identical mic.

April 18th, 2012, 04:21 PM	#1
Alex Chamberlain Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hurricane, UT Posts: 186	Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? I have an Audio Technica U100 system (consisting of an ATW-R100 Receiver and an ATW-T101 Transmitter) with a Shure WL93 Microphone utilizing a TA5F (5-pin) connector. I've reached a point in my business where I need to get another wireless lav set, and I'd like to get an identical system to avoid having vastly different sounding mics in post. However, the Shure Mic that I have seems to only be available with a TA4F (4-pin) connector. So, here's my question: If I purchase a TA5F connector, and get really friendly with my soldering iron, how do I convert from one to the other? I haven't been able to find any tutorials or even pin diagrams. I'd love to hear a solution here. I've weighed my options and determined that I'm not going to buy into a newer, flashier system. I have no idea how I ended up with a Shure mic with a connector they don't offer, but there you have it. Please help, and thanks in advance! __________________ Get rid of the "Aspiring" in "Aspiring Filmmaker." Shoot it; you're a filmmaker. After that you're just negotiating your budget. (James Cameron paraphrased)

April 18th, 2012, 05:42 PM	#2
Brian P. Reynolds Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 466	Re: Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? Here is a link that might help with pin connections.... Wireless Transmitter Wiring - Countryman Associates, Inc.

April 18th, 2012, 06:58 PM	#3
Alex Chamberlain Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hurricane, UT Posts: 186	Re: Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? Hey, now that's helpful. Thanks! __________________ Get rid of the "Aspiring" in "Aspiring Filmmaker." Shoot it; you're a filmmaker. After that you're just negotiating your budget. (James Cameron paraphrased)

April 18th, 2012, 09:01 PM	#4
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	Re: Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? I had a similar question I wanted to connect a standard mic to my Audio Technica wireless lav body pack transmitter. Need TA5F -> XLR I saw this on B&H I assume even though it says Letrosonics it would still work with Audio Technica? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/288057-REG/Remote_Audio_CALECXL3_5M_XLR_F_to_TA5_F_18.html Btw, my wireless kit came with a transmitter designed to plug into base of mic but it has never worked properly, I'm not keen on putting much money repairing an old wireless system.

April 19th, 2012, 09:07 AM	#5
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? As I recall, the AT U100 used the same wiring scheme as the Lectro 185/87 and 195 transmitters, at least for bias powered mics. See page 5 of the manual: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/re...u100ser_om.pdf PS-- As I further recall, many of the U100 systems were in the (now illegal) 700MHz frequency block. But I don't think the FCC is gonna come looking for you unless you show up with it at a major broadcast event. Attached Thumbnails

April 26th, 2012, 04:24 PM	#6
Alex Chamberlain Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hurricane, UT Posts: 186	Re: Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? Well, it worked. In case anyone else needs to attempt what I've done, here's the formula for putting a 5-pin TA5F connector onto a Shure WL93 in a manner that will be compatible with an Audio Technica T101 transmitter from a U100 system: Pin 5: Open Pin 4: Ground/Shield (short to pin 1) Pin 3: Red Pin 2: Black Pin 1: Ground/Shield (short to pin 4) This coincides perfectly with the condenser mic info. listed on the link above from Rick. Just thought I'd report back and say it worked. Thanks everyone! __________________ Get rid of the "Aspiring" in "Aspiring Filmmaker." Shoot it; you're a filmmaker. After that you're just negotiating your budget. (James Cameron paraphrased)

May 2nd, 2012, 10:14 AM	#7
Alex Chamberlain Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Hurricane, UT Posts: 186	Re: Convert from TA4F to TA5F Mini XLR? Update: After working flawlessly once, I haven't been able to get any sound out of the mic ever again. I even cut the wires fresh and re-soldered the whole thing. No dice. The transmitter is definitely not the problem. It works fine with my other, identical mic. __________________ Get rid of the "Aspiring" in "Aspiring Filmmaker." Shoot it; you're a filmmaker. After that you're just negotiating your budget. (James Cameron paraphrased)