TA3 to XLR Adaptor Question

[Lucian]

So I thought I had this great idea to use my wireless AT lav mic as a wirED mic. Went to audio shop to buy TA3 (mini XLR) to XLR adaptor. Sales man says "No problema!" brings out a little adaptor, it works, but...its $120! STICKER SHOCK!!!

My camera and Zoom h4n both provide 48v phantom power but salesman said gives wrong voltage and his adaptor has the required voltage built in to it.

So, is this true? These adaptors aren't just mechanical adapters but mini power suppliers too?

What does it take to adapt a TA3 lav to wired XLR?

This was Location Sound, a reputable sound house.

Will these work too? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293002-REG/Sound_Devices_XL2_XL2_TA3_F_to_XLR.html

 

[Steve House]

So I thought I had this great idea to use my wireless AT lav mic as a wirED mic. Went to audio shop to buy TA3 (mini XLR) to XLR adaptor. Sales man says "No problema!" brings out a little adaptor, it works, but...its $120! STICKER SHOCK!!!

My camera and Zoom h4n both provide 48v phantom power but salesman said gives wrong voltage and his adaptor has the required voltage built in to it.

So, is this true? These adaptors aren't just mechanical adapters but mini power suppliers too?

What does it take to adapt a TA3 lav to wired XLR?

This was Location Sound, a reputable sound house.

Will these work too? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293002-REG/Sound_Devices_XL2_XL2_TA3_F_to_XLR.html

He was absolutely correct. Lav mic capsules typically require 3 to 5 volts. The "adapter" is actually a power supply that drops the 48v phantom supplied to it down to the low regulated voltage the mic requires. in addition, some of the mics capsules are unbalanced and the adapter takes care of the balancing. Hitting the mic with full 48v through a simple mechanical adapter could actually damage it.

 

[Lucian]

He was absolutely correct. Lav mic capsules typically require 3 to 5 volts. The "adapter" is actually a power supply that drops the 48v phantom supplied to it down to the low regulated voltage the mic requires. in addition, some of them are unbalanced. Hitting the mic with full 48v through a simple mechanical adapter could actually damage it.

Okay so it's actually a mechanical adaptor + transformer?

That link in my previous post appears to be merely mechanical.

That's good to know, thought he was bs'ing me.