Volume Controls, Adapters and Cables
Many available nowhere else!
BlowsMeAway Productions · Geyserville, CA
When it comes to microphones, pedals and amplification systems, just about anything can be connected to anything else. But you may not know how. Sadly in our little corner of the world, just because you can physically connect two things together does not mean it is correct. In some cases it won't work at all. In others, it might work, but work poorly. BlowsMeAway can help. Some of the most widely used adapters are produced in large quantities commercially — I carry those as a convenience to my customers. But many simply aren't available anywhere… except right here.
Many customers aren't sure what they need or want. Don't feel bad! They didn't teach this stuff in High School! I am happy to help you. Just tell me what you want to connect to what as clearly as possible. Model names and photographs can help!
Volume Controls — Made in my shop
Vintage Volume Controls
For high impedance mics with Dynamic, or Shure CM or CR elements and Switchcraft screw-on connectors
For high impedance mics with Dynamic, or Shure CM or CR elements and Switchcraft screw-on connectors
For high impedance mics with Crystal or Ceramic elements and Switchcraft screw-on connectors
Vintage Volume Control Specifications
Electrical:
- Genuine "Switchcraft" microphone connectors — the preferred choice among professional harp players.
- Resistance: standard control 0 – 250K ohm — best for dynamic, controlled magnetic and controlled reluctant elements.
Extra-high impedance control 0 – 1Mohm — best for crystal and ceramic elements
Physical:
- Barrel: black-anodized aluminum
- End Caps: Brushed aluminum
- Length: 2 1/2 inches
- Diameter: 3/4"
- Weight: 1.5 oz.
XLR Controls
For low impedance mics with XLR connectors and dynamic elements. Balanced Mode Output. Must be used with XLR to XLR cable.
For low impedance mics with XLR connectors and dynamic elements. Balanced Mode Output. Must be used with XLR to XLR cable.
For high impedance mics with XLR connectors and dynamic elements.
Important note: MANY players mistakenly connect low impedance mics (like a Shure SM57 or SM58) to their amplifier or pedal by using an XLR to 1/4" cable. This is technically incorrect — it works, but you're only getting half of your mic's signal! And you're getting poor tone due to the impedance mismatch. More importantly, these volume controls will not work properly with that setup. Instead you must use an XLR to XLR cable, and if your goal is to plug into a high impedance (1/4") input like an amp or pedal, an impedance matching transformer at the far end of the cable to provide the 1/4" plug you need.
XLR Control Specifications:
Electrical:
- Genuine "Neutrik" XLR connectors — available in silver or black
- Resistance: Low impedance controls 0 – 10K ohm — For "balanced mode" cable and microphone wiring
- Resistance: High impedance controls 0 – 250K ohm — For "unbalanced mode" cable and microphone wiring
- Resistance: Extra High impedance controls 0 – 1M ohm — For "unbalanced mode" cable and microphone wiring
Physical:
- Barrel: black-anodized aluminum
- Length: 3 3/8 inches (due to connector overlap, adds 2 7/8 inches to system length.)
- Diameter: 3/4"
- Weight: 2 oz.
Important note about knob placement on XLR controls
I normally place the knob in-line with the "latches" for the best appearance, as seen in the photos. This is fine for "stick" mics like the SM58. However if you have a bullet-type shell or other asymmetrical mic you may want the knob oriented differently. Just let me know!
Standard Adapters
(allows use of a 1/4" to 1/4" guitar cable or Samson AG8 wireless transmitter)
Converts a female screw-on connector to 1/4" male
Used with an XLR to XLR cable, allows you to connect a low impedance microphone to a high impedance input
Custom Adapters
I have a system that enables me to make a wide variety of custom adapters:
It consists of:
Connectors
- Switchcraft Screw-on Connectors, male and female
- 1/4" Mono connectors, male and female
- XLR Connectors, male and female, black and silver. Can be wired in balanced (normally for low impedance) or unbalanced mode (normally for high impedance.) Unbalanced XLR can be wired Pin 2 or Pin 3 Hot. Please specify when ordering.
Internal Components
- Potentiometers — 10K, 250K, 1Mohm
- Impedance Matching Transformers
Barrels — 3/4" Aluminum
- Black-anodized aluminum
- Unfinished Aluminum
- Colors available — see below
- Length determined by connectors and internal components chosen
- Holes and/or threads available as required
Custom Adapters are priced as follows:
Example: Screw-on – XLR adapters. (For XLR, specify Pin 2 or Pin 3 Hot)
Example: Screw-on – XLR impedance matching adapters
Example: Screw-on to XLR impedance matching adapter with volume control (top)
Here's a set of custom adapters I made for a customer who wanted to be sure he could use his wireless transmitter with all of his mics.
Volume Control and Adapter Options:
All of my volume controls (and custom adapters with volume controls) come with a black plastic knob as standard equipment (shown for size comparison.) I make these custom knobs from billet aluminum in my shop. (l)Knurled, straight sides; (middle)Polished, tapered sides
Any BlowsMeAway volume control or adapter can be made with these anodized colors.
Cables
My cables are the highest possible quality. I use CBI Ultimate 18ga professional microphone cable for high impedance work. It is well shielded and very soft/easy to coil. I shrinkwrap both connectors to the cable for extra strain relief; on screw-on connectors I go so far as to glue the shrinkwrap to the cable and connector to prevent the cable from spinning within the connector — which is the usual cause of failure.
Other lengths, custom cables available — the formula is $45 plus $1 per foot — any connectors
Whirlwind MK420NP. For connecting low impedance mics (or wireless receivers) to low impedance inputs (like PA's). Extremely flexible, resistant to handling microphonics and reliable under the roughest conditions. Accusonic+2 features finely stranded center conductors and braided shield for superior noise rejection. Add an Impedance Matching Transformer to connect that device to a high impedance input like an amp or effects pedal.
The following "shorty" cables allow you to "remote" a secondary connection by running the cable up and around your neck or over your shoulder.
36" cable, allows connection of a guitar cable or electric guitar type wireless transmitter
36" cable, unbalanced, Pin 2 Hot — allows connection of an XLR to 1/4" cable, or XVive U3, Sennheiser XSW or Samson AX1 wireless transmitters
36" cable, unbalanced, Pin 3 Hot — allows connection of a Pin 3 Hot XLR to 1/4" cable
36" cable, (for connecting to a PA or other low impedance input.)
Note you can also use the screw-on to 1/4" cable above, into a "Direct Box" (aka "DI" or "Direct Input" box) — and from there to the PA. Sound guys always have DI boxes — that's how they connect basses and keyboards to the PA. An XLR to XLR cable runs from the DI box to the PA.
When You Order
When you order I'll need to know:
- Where you live (just state if U.S. or country if not) so I can figure shipping
- What product
- What color scheme if applicable
- Pin 2 Hot or Pin 3 Hot if unbalanced mode, high impedance XLR
Not sure? I can help you! Just email me and tell me as much about what you're trying to connect to what as possible. Pictures help.
Once you know what you want, let me know and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Please tell me where you live so I can provide an accurate shipping quote.
Warranty: BlowsMeAway warranties adapters, volume controls and cables for 1 year from date of purchase.