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    PZM 11 mics

    Has anybody hooked up just 1 pzm11 mic to there computer with out using a mixer. I have 3 computer running homeseer for different zones and would like to use crown mic. instead of desktop mics for VR.

    #2
    rmuziani,

    You should be able to do this, but it will require some additional gear to make them work properly.

    For starters, the Crown PZM-11 mics require what's called "phantom power". Most mixers provide this, but you can buy a stand alone phantom power supply. I did a quick search and turned up this example that provides power for up to 4 mics, so it would fit your needs with one to spare.

    http://www.zzounds.com/item--AUTCP8506

    The second issue is the impedance of the mics output. The Crown PZM-11 mics have a balanced, low impedance output which isn't a good match for the input on your PC's sound card. The following "impedance matcher" may also be required for each mic to get things working properly:

    http://www.zzounds.com/item--WHRLITTLEIMP


    Wiring would go like this:

    Microphone wired to an XLR connector that goes to the input on the phantom power supply. The output of the phatom power supply would need to go into the impedance matcher, and then you would have to convert from the 1/4" plug on the impedance matcher down to an 1/8" plug to fit into your PC soundcard input.

    Cheers,
    Paul

    Click to visit: www.sbsmarthomes.com
    Santa Barbara Smarthomes

    Authorized Russound Dealer & Installer

    Personal HA Website

    HomeSeer User Profile

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks pkoslow, That look great. Will I need a mixer for each computer.

      Comment


        #4
        What I described avoids the need for a mixer at each PC, but you will have to have the phantom power to use the Crown PZM-11 mics.

        If you use the 4-port device I linked, all the mic wiring would have to meet there and then split back to each room were the PC's are. Maybe not very practical?

        There are single mic phantom power supplies which may increase your overall cost, but simplify wiring as you could place one in each room with the mic & PC.

        http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/185271/

        PK

        Click to visit: www.sbsmarthomes.com
        Santa Barbara Smarthomes

        Authorized Russound Dealer & Installer

        Personal HA Website

        HomeSeer User Profile

        Comment


          #5
          Thanks, I think I understand now how it's works

          Comment


            #6
            Is it normal for the mics, when testing, for the volume to low before they are installed in the wall

            Comment


              #7
              I don't think so... the mics do rely on the surround wall to pick up sound, but the mic sitting on a desk in front of you should still deliver lots of sound.

              Check your wiring and sound card settings (some have a mic boost). If you don't see anything there, it may be an issue with your phantom power or low-z to high-z impedance matcher.

              If nothing else works, it may be possible that a mic preamp will be required to boost the level enough for your sound card to work properly. I should have thought about this yesterday, but a single channel mic pre amp like the examples below also include phantom power and would be a good fit for this application.

              These are essentially "one channel mixers". The first one linked below looks really useful... it has a build in low cut filter which will eliminate some unwanted low freq. background noise (rumble) and also incorporates a limiter & phantom power!

              http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/182491/
              http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/484020/
              http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/428714/

              Paul

              Click to visit: www.sbsmarthomes.com
              Santa Barbara Smarthomes

              Authorized Russound Dealer & Installer

              Personal HA Website

              HomeSeer User Profile

              Comment


                #8
                Thanks Paul that did the trick, this mic sounds crystal clear with very little back round noise. Now on to the insulation

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