US Voltage mics in UK.

[shindigger]

Hi
Does anyone have experience of using a US supplied condenser mic, with US voltage PSU, in the UK?
I'm looking at a stepdown box to run the US mic PSU at 240 volts in the UK.
I used one similar to this to run a Presonus Firebox without issue a while back, but wondered if there was likely to be any heightened risk of hum issues, given that it would be powering a mic.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/us-to-uk-step-down-voltage-converter-from-240-volts-to-120-volts-Brand-New-/200959739723?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item2eca22474b

Spiffing day isn't it? I should be outside really...
Cheers

[Hugh Robjohns]

Does anyone have experience of using a US supplied condenser mic, with US voltage PSU, in the UK?

If a mic has a PSU it must be a valve mic. The vast majority of valve mic PSU's are still linear supplies, rather than 'universal' switched mode designs. Linear supplies can often be reconfigured for different mains voltages, either by the user via a panel switch or a multi-mode fuse holder in the IEC socket, or by a technician altering the internal wiring of the transformer.

If that's not possible, then a step-down transformer to convert our 230VAC to the US 115VAC is the way to go, and there are plenty of those around from the usual equipment suppliers. Just make sure that the unit you choose is rated appropriately for the power consumption of the mic's PSU.

...wondered if there was likely to be any heightened risk of hum issues, given that it would be powering a mic.

Not likely, but do make sure you keep the step-down transformer well away from the mic itself.

H

[shindigger]

Thanks Hugh.
The PSU is a Groove Tubes PSM1 115 Volt.
So are you saying this can be modded easily?
Thanks again.

[DGL.]

Thanks Hugh.
The PSU is a Groove Tubes PSM1 115 Volt.
So are you saying this can be modded easily?
Thanks again.

see
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/1...

[shindigger]

Thanks.

[ef37a]

A one amp T fuse is shown on the front panel of that PSU.
I don't know if it is in UK or US trim but note that mains input fuses should be around half the US rating for 230volts.

This is probably academic/pedantic for such a low power device (won't pull anything like 230watts!) but it is as well to remember the principle.

Dave.