TOPIC:

I want to use the ears for the purpose of recording only. I took mine apart and remove the internal USB board. I rewired the microphone capsules to TRS connections as shown in the picture. When trying to connect to my zoom F8N, it’s not working at all and I’m not sure why. I am confident that the wiring is correct so I’m a little confused as to why it’s not working at all. Strangely enough when I connect with a XLR to TS cable, it works but the sound is terrible. It sounds very bright without any midrange or bass.

At a guess, the capsules need power of some kind...

john.reekie wrote:

At a guess, the capsules need power of some kind...

Hi John. The Zoom F8N offers phantom power, both 24-48V.

Oo, that F8n sure looks the business. I didn't know they made larger units.

Anyway, I am under the impression that TRS jacks don't usually have phantom power on them. I'm fairly sure my fireface didn't. The F8n manual isn't really specific but does imply it on page 8. So that might explain why you get something with the adapter and not with a regular TRS cable.

If it were me I'd measure the voltage on the EARS board, and do the same with a breakout lead on the F8n before connecting again.

Re the thin sound, I think some mics basically need to drive into an integrator... but I'm getting out of my depth here.

john.reekie wrote:

Oo, that F8n sure looks the business. I didn't know they made larger units.

Anyway, I am under the impression that TRS jacks don't usually have phantom power on them. I'm fairly sure my fireface didn't. The F8n manual isn't really specific but does imply it on page 8. So that might explain why you get something with the adapter and not with a regular TRS cable.

If it were me I'd measure the voltage on the EARS board, and do the same with a breakout lead on the F8n before connecting again.

Re the thin sound, I think some mics basically need to drive into an integrator... but I'm getting out of my depth here.

Thanks John, love where your head is at! However, here is the monkey wrench. I am using TRS out from the minidsp to XLR input to the Zoom. So unless the Zoom somehow knows there is an TRS on the other side, I dont think this would be the issue.

@Vedder323

you're quite a lot knee dip in DIY territory with this major modification which I'm sure you're aware when you started the project..
Electret capsule will most likely get damaged if you apply 48V. These are not condenser mics with a buffer circuit. Apply 48V and I'd imagine that you'd have damaged the FET... My 2cts

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