The 5 foot cord that comes with the OST-801 is perfect for most of my uses. However for interviews I may need it to be longer. I can pay OscarsoundTech for additional feet but it will be just taking up extra space when I dont need it most of the time. Is there any other ways to extend the reach of the 3.5mm cord? 3.55mm to 3.55mm perhaps? Would that work?
Extend the length of cord on an OST-801?
- Thread starter beanthere
- Start date
Richard Crowley
Veteran
You could probably use a connector like a 3.5mm to extend that cable.
Note, however, that the cable itself is very small and difficult to work with unless you have the necessary experience and patience.
Note, however, that the cable itself is very small and difficult to work with unless you have the necessary experience and patience.
Richard Crowley
Veteran
You run the risk of introducing noise into the signal by hacking the cable and using low-quality connectors.
It is not clear why you need a longer head-to-connector length for "interviews"?
The OST mics I bought came with around 4~5 foot cables and they seem TOO LONG for most of the interview situations I encounter.
Extending that delicate part of the audio chain is just asking for trouble IMHO. I much prefer to get the XLR conector in the interviewee's pocket so the delicate cable vulnerability is limited.
Unless you are using something like the Rode lav/headset/pin microphones, that delicate cable is vulnerable and not repairable in the field.
It is not clear why you need a longer head-to-connector length for "interviews"?
The OST mics I bought came with around 4~5 foot cables and they seem TOO LONG for most of the interview situations I encounter.
Extending that delicate part of the audio chain is just asking for trouble IMHO. I much prefer to get the XLR conector in the interviewee's pocket so the delicate cable vulnerability is limited.
Unless you are using something like the Rode lav/headset/pin microphones, that delicate cable is vulnerable and not repairable in the field.
Rick R
Veteran
If your recording device has XLR connectors (w/Phantom Pwr), the OST power supply (XLR Phantom Pwr. adapter) would be the logical choice and would allow very long cable runs without noise. (at least 100 feet) The OST XLR power supply is $70 plus $15 for the female TRS locking jack. A good deal IMO... Tram wants $180 for their TR79 power supply.
Aside from that, a 3.5 extension cable could work, however I would not recommend it. If you do decide to go that route, confirm the cable and connectors are shielded, many HP extension cables are not. Even with shielded cable, runs longer than 10 feet could produce noise.
Aside from that, a 3.5 extension cable could work, however I would not recommend it. If you do decide to go that route, confirm the cable and connectors are shielded, many HP extension cables are not. Even with shielded cable, runs longer than 10 feet could produce noise.
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Both of the XLR inputs will be used. Two interviewies will be hooked up to two at803's and the third using the OST-801 to 3.55 plug in power on the H4N.
I'm not sure the 5 feet of cord that comes with the OST is long enough to get from my interviewe to the H4N.
However the length is great for doing street interviews lapeled to me running to an H1 in my pocket.
I'm not sure the 5 feet of cord that comes with the OST is long enough to get from my interviewe to the H4N.
However the length is great for doing street interviews lapeled to me running to an H1 in my pocket.
John Willett
Veteran
Yes - I would never extend an unbalanced cable - you run the risk of increased noise and RF interference.
The way to extend the cable of these unbalance dmicrophones designed to be plugged into a radio transmitter is to use the XLR adaptor that balances the microphone and allows it to be powered via phantom power.
You then use standard balanced XLR cables to extend the cable to as long as you want.