Line isolators/Mic switchs with pop noise

[Gizmo1977]

Hi there!
There is a bunch of brand new switch dynamic microphones that I have to work with (AKG PS5) that make an audible pop noise when being switched on.

Till now I had been using Sennheiser 835S or similar that made no noise so I guess it's because the AKG has worse design (no surprise as it costs 40£).

I don't know if it comes from worse ground isolation or what but would like to know if a line isolator device good give any benefit or even using cables with chassis tab soldered with pin 1.

I assume a line isolator is meant to be used with line level signals but was wondering if it would bring any benefit.

On the other hand I would like to know if a line isolator typically works both ways meaning you can put it between a source and the mixer inputs and between the mixer outputs and other device's inputs (speakers, splitters, etc.). I was actually going to buy an ART DTI (which I think I've read about it from Hugh) but perhaps there are better and more versatile options.

Thanks in advance.

[Wonks]

The manual indicates 'bursts of noise' when using the switch is normal and advise you to use it before plugging the mic in.

A line isolator won't help, and will probably make matters worse as the mic casing will loose its ground connection.

The Sennheiser may well have a better switch arrangement, but you'll probably need to make any mods within the mic itself. Cheaper to return them and get more E835Ss, or use them where the switch isn't required and the mic stays on.

[Hugh Robjohns]

There is a bunch of brand new switch dynamic microphones that I have to work with (AKG PS5) that make an audible pop noise when being switched on.

Is phantom power switched on? Does it pop if phantom is switched off?

I don't know if it comes from worse ground isolation ...

It depends on how they've implemented the mute switch, but clicks are normally due to capacitive coupling.

...but would like to know if a line isolator device good give any benefit...

It won't harm to try it... it would block phantom power which might help with the click... but it would also disconnect the shield connection to the mic body/grille which might make it hummy.

...or even using cables with chassis tab soldered with pin 1.

That shouldn't make any difference as the shell and pin-1 should be linked immediately inside the mic anyway.

... I would like to know if a line isolator typically works both ways meaning you can put it between a source and the mixer inputs and between the mixer outputs and other device's inputs (speakers, splitters, etc.)

Yes.

I was actually going to buy an ART DTI ... but perhaps there are better and more versatile options.

There are certainly 'better' alternatives — better in terms of higher quality transformers with lower distortion and more headroom. But only at much higher costs.

I dont know of anything with more versatility in terms of connectivity options — or better value for money, which is why I use them so often.

[Gizmo1977]

Unfortunately returning them is not an option at this point. Will see if there is any way to mod the mic and attenuate that

Phantom has always been always off.

I will definitely buy one, no matter it doesn't fix this issue, but as a problem solver.

Thanks Works and Hugh for your comments.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Tricky. If it's not a DC imbalance issue from phantom power then any improvement to the switch noise would require getting inside the mic and modifying it.... which would be difficult at best and potentially impossible.

I think I'd sell the mics on and go back to the Sennheiser's you were previously happy with. Chalk it up to experience.

[Sam Spoons]

I would simply switch the switch on and wrap it in gaffa tape. But, as a (retired) live sound guy I hate switches on mics, they are just one more way for the 'talent' to screw things up...

[Wonks]

Unlike the user manual, the spec sheet says "The D5 S has the same mechanical, electrical, and acoustic characteristics as the D5 and features a noiseless on/off switch".

Based on this, I'd email AKG and say that the switches aren't noiseless and what do they propose to do about it? Can they swap them for versions that are noiseless?

https://uk.akg.com/on/demandware.static ... t_D5_S.pdf

[Wonks]

Ignore my last post, you are talking about the P5S, not the D5S.

[James Perrett]

Unlike the user manual, the spec sheet says "The D5 S has the same mechanical, electrical, and acoustic characteristics as the D5 and features a noiseless on/off switch".

I think we are talking about the P5S - not the D5S

https://uk.akg.com/dynamic-microphones/P5S.html

Have they deliberately nobbled the cheaper mic to give you a reason to buy the expensive one? They don't describe the switch as noiseless in the blurb.

Edit - post crossed with Wonks last one

[Wonks]

The P5S data sheet doesn’t make any claim about the switch being silent, so it’s one of the things that makes the P5S cheaper than the D5S.

[shufflebeat]

Would a switchable XLR be a better option if switches are necessary?

I’m with Spoons on the gaffer tape suggestion, or possibly a well-aimed drop of super glue. The manufacturers can take the blame for a sticky switch.

[ef37a]

Yes, switches on microphones are a PITA. Epoxy it then wrap it in Kevlar tape!

I was going to suggest the Prodipe TT1 as a good alternative but the rotters have near tripled the price since I bought mine! (pre Brexit)

If you just wanted a rake of mics that work for little money the Behringer 8500 is really quite good. No switch and comes in a tough plastic case that shames the cardboard tat some mics ten times the price are supplied in.

Dave.

[adrian_k]

I suppose if you HAVE to have a switched mic, you might as well have one that pops. At least you’ll know when the artiste or someone else being helpful has switched it off.

[Wonks]

I suppose if you HAVE to have a switched mic, you might as well have one that pops. At least you’ll know when the artiste or someone else being helpful has switched it off.

If you've got several of them (as appears to be the case here), then you'd want them all to pop in a unique way or at a unique frequency, so you can tell whose mic has been turned off or on.

[adrian_k]

I suppose if you HAVE to have a switched mic, you might as well have one that pops. At least you’ll know when the artiste or someone else being helpful has switched it off.

If you've got several of them (as appears to be the case here), then you'd want them all to pop in a unique way or at a unique frequency, so you can tell whose mic has been turned off or on.

Ah yes, good point

[Gizmo1977]

In this scenario, a mic with a switch is a must as it is used by a pitch reporter when a comentator mixer isn't available.

[Wonks]

Then spend more on the mics. A D5S is less than double the price.

I never used switch mics myself so have no experience, but AKG say the D5S switch is silent.

[Gizmo1977]

I've reported it but it's not on my hand to buy them.

[James Perrett]

There are external switches which are silent like this one

https://www.showbitz.co.uk/product/orch ... mute-lite/

but if you go for something cheaper then the reviews say that they aren't silent.