Mirodot

Peter C.

Peter C.

Veteran
I was thinking of using a MicroDot connector. But my initial research you need an expensive crimping tool and the add on connectors are really expensive making it cost prohibitive. You could buy only the connector you need but then you're better off soldering on that connector in the first place.

Any thoughts? Anyone try messing around with MicroDot?
 
Which Microdot? There are lot's of Microdot applications, not just wireless. Is this wireless unit to lav mic or something else? I suppose some people have a need if they are switching equipment. But extending the connection just that much longer, (a connector connecting to a connector) making it even easier to break the connection (especially 3.5mm), I don't know. It's not attractive to me.
 
I recently decided to upgrade my lav mics and was playing with the idea of converting them to a micro dot so they could be used interchangeably. For example
1. Audio Technica uses a T5a connector,
2. Sony wireless system uses a trs locking,
3. Dr10L uses trs locking but wired differently from Sony
4. DJI mic 2 that uses trs without locking
 
I'm not sure my post here is going to help, but what the heck...

I thought of wiring my lavs with Microdot adapters, but decided not to for these reasons:

1) Kinda tricky to solder, I'm told. I'm fine soldering small connectors (eg, TA5F)...but not Lemo... I might totally have this bit wrong; maybe they're easy to work with. But the other reasons kept me away.

2) Reports of failure from good mixers. Again, that was I was told...could easily have been user error, and heck lav connectors and cables fail in the field when abused & abuse happens. But the longer connector thing, like Paul says, worried me: Microdots, at least the ones I looked at, seemed to provide a longer lever to teach the TX connector.

2) Cost of connectors and crimping too/. The Microdot connectors I was pointed to were like $100/each. I'm TA5 & locking 3.5mm (though I'm looking for new high-end wireless, so something else might be in my future). But I could take the cost and time of going to Microdot and just buy extra/dedicated lavs with the connectors I use. And that's what I did. If I was all DPA, that might be a problem. But these days I mostly use Countryman B3 and Sanken COS-11 (and a couple Deity...not bad for the price), and for 3.5 mostly B3 (and Deity). Or you could apply the money towards other hardware (recorders, tx) that are newer/better/have same connector (OK, that's more of a stretch, but it's a thing).

So I didn't go Microdot...Or at least I haven't yet.

ON THE OTHER HAND!!! Deity sells Microdot adapters that cost $30 to $40. If they (or their competitors) have the adapters you need, the whole cost calculation shifts:
https://www.trewaudio.com/product/deity-microdot-adapter/

And Andrew got all excited about them in this video.

 
For the reasons you listed I came to same conclusion.

1. the end requires an expensive crimping tool.

2. the adapters are expensive.

3. I'm not sure how wiring works with Micro dot because I've read it's just 1 wire with coax ground shield.

4. Another failure point, The connection isn't locked it's screwed in so I could see it unscrewing over time and detach when you least expect it. I do prefer the TA5F because it attaches quickly and clicks into place giving a tactile feedback that it is securely locked. The locking ring TRS can be partially screwed on leading to a bad connection and are more fiddly to work with your fingers.

Audio Technica has discontinued AT899 which normally went for $269, I just picked one up for $100 brand new.
I'll just need to purchase additional mics and have to solder the specific ends and dedicate them to one device. I have soldered connectors before they can be tricky but I have magnifier and small soldering iron now that makes it easier.
 
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