I'v got a surround sound with 3 inputs->TV/VCR/AUX my question is can i fit a normal microphone to it...? tnx

Question

I'v got a surround sound with 3 inputs->TV/VCR/AUX my question is can i fit a normal microphone to it...? tnx

Answer 1

yes plug it into your aux input, you may need to buy a convertor lead as they might not have the same conectors

Answer 2

Absolutely NOT !

A microphone has a very low level output and an impedance of anywhere between 600 and 47,000 ohms.

The line level inputs (which is what all the ones you have described) are expecting to see a typical audio voltage of 0.6V peak to peak (which equates to around -4dBm using the Japanese JIS-A method of measuring).

A microphone puts out nowhere near this amount of signal.

The only way you can get a mic to work with those inputs, is by purchasing a small pre-amp, or mic mixer from Maplin. This will accept a mic input (high or low impedance) and convert it to a line level output.

Couple the output from the mixer, or pre-amp, to the surround amp using a phono lead, and it will definately work.

Maplin do a basic pre-amp for a rather expensive £24.99 under part number QS41U, or a small mixer from CPC in Preston under part number DP29302 for £37 (this does more than you really need it to, but its a handy piece of kit).

www.maplin.co.uk

www.cpc.co.uk

If you check around on Ebay, you'll no doubt find something similar for less. You're looking for a microphone pre-amp with LINE level output (and not a mic mixer, which has a MIC level output).