Quote:
Originally Posted by tadmania
The difference seems to be the operating voltage of the Meridian mic. It is 5V DC, which is different than the 9V or 18V current supplied by most preamps. It might be simple to alter or convert the voltage supplied to the proper levels when using the Meridian mic with non-K&K units. A 'step down' transformer seems the right term.
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No it is not the right term. Transformers are for AC. Using a transformer for DC voltage will not work. It will be an open circuit. Running direct current 9 volts across the primary winding will give you 0 VDC on the secondary.
You need a DC voltage divider. Simple to build. Two resistors in series, size depends on how much current the mic draws. Let's simplify and say it is 1 A. Wire a 5 ohm and 4 ohm resistor in series. Connect the 9 VDC input across the series pair. Tap your output across the 5 ohm resistor. If the load is pulling 1 A, then the 5 ohm resistor is dropping 5 volts. Note you can use a 50 ohm and a 40 ohm, 500 ohm and 400 ohm, etc. so long as the ratio remains the same. But you do need to know how much current the mic draws, because you also need to size the resistors for power (1/8 watt, 1/4 W, etc.). This stuff is pretty easy for a guy with many years of training and experience as an electronics tech for the USN. But if this is not understandable to the reader I would not recommend trying to build and use your own power supply. Its impossible to put the smoke back into these components after you let it out.