How to connect different microphones to the HQ studio inputs using XLR cables.
All sound sources must be connected or converted to a balanced input (XLR) before being routed to the control room for recording. Sources can be directly connected via XLR input boxes or DI units in both the vocal booth and control room.
Vocal Booth XLR Inputs
An 8 channel input box is located on the floor in the vocal booth, suitable for connecting microphone or other balanced signals to the control room. The vocal booth floor box is routed to the TT patchbay in the control room, labed “BOOTH OUT” with corresponding patch points for outputs 1-8.
An 8 channel XLR rack mount patchbay is located in the control room, suitable for connecting microphone or other balanced signals to the Apollo or other equipment. The XLR Passthrough is routed to the TT patchbay, labed “DESK XLR OUT” and “DESK XLR IN” with corresponding patch points for inputs and outputs 1-8.
connecting a balanced xlr input (e.g., microphone)
Microphone signals must be connected to the control room with an XLR cable via either the vocal booth floor box (1) or desk XLR Passthrough (2). Some microphones contain active circuitry and additionally require either phantom power or an external power supply to operate.
Do not attempt to supply power to a microphone until all cables and patches are connected. Do not unplug any cable while power is being supplied to a microphone.
Dynamic Microphones (SM7B, MD 421-II)
Dynamic microphones are the simplest microphones in the studio, and only require an XLR connection to function.
How to connect a dynamic mic
- Connect the microphone to an XLR input using an XLR cable
- Complete necessary input routing
Condenser microphones (WA-87, Blue Baby Bottle)
Condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. A switch for +48v phantom power is located on each of the microphone preamps. After everything is connected and the speakers are muted, turn on the phantom power switch on the chosen preamp.
How to connect a normal condenser mic
- Connect the microphone to an XLR input using an XLR cable
- Complete necessary input routing
- Turn on +48v phantom power on the connected preamp
Examples of where to find the phantom power (48v) on Apollo, WA preamp, and UA preamp.
Tube condenser microphones (WA-47):
An external power supply is required to operate tube condenser microphones. A power switch is located on the rear side of the tube condenser microphone’s power supply. After everything is connected and the speakers are muted, turn on the power supply.
How to connect a tube condenser mic
- Connect the microphone to the power supply mic input using a 7-pin cable
- Connect the power supply output to an XLR input using an XLR cable
- Complete necessary input routing
- Turn on the external power supply