Mini-XLR microphone to XLR (for Zoom H4)?

[garychanshow]

I have a Zoom h4. I would like to connect this to it:

Shure PG185 Condenser Lav Microphone
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001123EC2 (mini-xlr microphone)

The goal is to hide a body-pack on the actor, then sync sound later. Since I already have an H4, the mini-xlr mic would only cost me an additional $40 for the quality of XLR!

Is there a way to do it? Maybe cut the mini-xlr, and resplice to the xlr?

Thank you for the help, in advance.

 

[Steve House]

Save your money. That mic is specific to the PG wireless system. Adapting it to the H4 would involve more thatn simply cutting off the mini TA$F plug and replacing it with a full-sized XLR. The ~5v power supply required by that mic would NOT be the same as the phantom power that the Zoom recorder provides on its XLR inputs so you'll either have to build a 48v>5v power supply into the cable or purchase one - another $100 or so right there. And the result will still be a mediocre mic at best.

There is no such thing as "XLR quality." XLR is not better sounding than unbalanced. What it does is give better immunity to electrical noise interference with long cable runs, for something as short as from a lav to a bodypack, unless you're in a very unusual environment, it will make no diffrence at all.

Decent mics are an investment that hold their value. Bite the bullet, spend a couple of hundred bucks, and get something worth having. One option to consider is the Rode Lav with the Micon->XLR connector. Run you about $275.