VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Rob Ellis]

....this time regarding mic cables

....right now I only have room in the WhisperRoom cable pass-thrus for one mic cable....(there are two pass thrus which in my experience accomodate only one mic cable each even though there are two "slots" in each pass thru..... the other pass thru is taken up by the light's electrical cord)

I alternate it between the Senn 416 and TLM 103.

So here's the question:
Is it bad for the mics to keep connecting and disconnecting the cable when I switch (maybe once or twice a day)? I'm wondering if it would be better to run another mic cable into the booth. Thus, make the mic switch at the pre-amp and not at the mic itself (pre-amp sits outside the booth).

I could run another cable through the soundproof vent housing but that apparently(according to Lou Zucaro) is more of a cluster**** than it would appear to be....

I kind of wonder sometimes if I'm going to jar something loose in one or both of the mics with the constant connecting and disconnecting of the mic cable.....

[Edo]

Rob,

Looking at the reputation of both mics you mentioned, I think it would be safe to say the stuff must be able to handle the (un-)plugging. I wouldn't worry too much if I were you.

[Rob Ellis]

Thanks Edo

I'm not significantly concerned about it. But I tend tend to think about little things like that. Mainly just wanted to put it out there in case anyone had any relevant experience on this topic

[Jowillie]

Or you could build or have built a little 2 from one switch box in your booth.
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[Edo]

Yeah, the switchbox is also an option, as long as you'll be careful when switching pantom power from one mic to another. The peaks can hurt the mic, see? You might want to power down your pre first before you switch between mics.

[bobsouer]

I will say that, just to be on the safe side, I always power down my phantom power before plugging or unplugging any condenser microphone.
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[Lance Blair]

If you're switching everyday, I'd avoid it. Over the long haul it will put wear and tear on your mic xlr pins and your cable. Might not be a big deal in every case, but why risk it?

I run a separate line from my two main mics (TLM 103 and Pr40) and then plug in and out on the preamp side, and make sure phantom power is off, etc.
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[Rob Ellis]

[Eddie Eagle]

One way to avoid having to turn the phantom on and off is to leave it on and record in stereo. Then decide which track you like best! Or maybe use them both in a mixed track.