Ham Radio Basics--Connecting An XLR Microphone To An Icom 7300. You May Need A Capacitor

[@Nobody-ld7mk]

The "PROTECTION WARNING" on an Icom in using a de-coupling 1uf cap is worth the watch. You may just have saved a few Amateurs major headaches and financial loss. Good Advice.

[@richardt9092]

Heard you on 20mtrs today round about 16:15 . I was in my cousins playing with his radio . . Really thrilled to actually hear you on the radio Jim. anyway made my day. 2W0RTJ. 73s .

[@aerialheights5680]

How about that, exactly what I was looking for; *How to wire my BM-800 to my 7300!* - Absolutely the world's best sounding combination without EQ or any outboard processing, but sounds so good it sounds like there are *several* processors inline. Amazing how a cheap Chinkaneeze condenser element can sound so perfect! *Bass +1 Treble +4 Compressor Compressor level Mic gain TBW *

[@ouijim]

I purchased the BM-800 Kit from Ebay ($25.99) which includes MIC, Boom, screen, Phantom Power supply and cabling. Currently BM-800 mics are used on IC-751 and Yaesu HRI-200 another ordered for my IC-7300. Also I documented my Yaesu HRI-200 wiring process on QRZ - Jim AC3CZ ; )

[@radiotvgod]

Standard 48 V definitely minimizes that “running water hiss“ self noise it is easily 20% of the audio.

[@ouijim]

@@radiotvgod no hiss for me but bm800 power did fail. Since using Shure sm58 on c4fm and heil icm or icom microphones on icom radios

[@gregp74]

My shack now has my IC7300 and an FT991a that had been at the cabin. I'm trying to simplify things by just getting one good mic to share between the two but it seems that's going to be more complicated (and expensive) than I had anticipated. I'm not even sure where to begin!

[@1AAudits]

Use a mixer

[@radiotvgod]

Since there’s no disclosure about this in the manual, and since by this info, it could be presumed that ICOM now has knowledge, and still having done anything about it, I would be willing to bet that because of that possible liability, if you ask, “nicely“, they just might repair any damage done to their rigs by the great unwashed that didn’t know the problem!

[@aerialheights5680]

Jim, this video is a bit confusing in that I have the actual *mic you show* (BM-800 Condenser) but then your video shows how to wire a NON-Condenser from XLR to 8-Pin. - I believe you should've provided a 2nd diagram showing no cap between 1------------- 2 and no need to show anything on Icom Pin2 so it would be less confusing. Also, showing a keying switch between Icom Pins 5 & 6 might've helped a bit, those who are not wanting to be forced to use MOX or VOX but have a pistol grip or foot switch needing to be plugged in 'somewhere'. 73

[@danielstrong87]

I'm wanting to do the same thing but with my 857D using the same mic. Great video too!

[@zevozkifrankooto7338]

Did you made it? I have XLR mic and 857d and not able to figure it out

[@HamRadioWithKE0MAD]

Hi Jim I have the ic7300 and the way you need to hook up that xlr is to convert it to an unbalanced line you need to combine pin 1 and pin 3 on the xlr to shield and pin 2 needs the tantalum capacitor in line and then you only use the shield and audio from the transceiver. 73 ke0mad

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. I have 2 questions. Is there any problem with the way I wired the mic? If I combine pin 1 (ground) and pin 3 (voltage) doesn't that short to ground the Icom's bias voltage on pin 1 by connecting it to ground through pin 3? Thanks for the help. 73, Jim

[@HamRadioWithKE0MAD]

Icom runs its bias voltage on the mic line that’s what the capacitor is for is to block the voltage. An xlr mic/cable is balanced meaning pin one is shield two is audio and three is the negative return path for audio so when using it on a transceiver you simply convert it to an unbalanced mic by combining the shield and audio ground. So yes I would think it would short the 8 volt line coming from the radio. I hope this helps 73

[@bugabootang]

@@HamRadioWithKE0MAD So pin 3 on the XLR needs a cap too when you want to use the IC-7300 phamtom power...

[@HamRadioWithKE0MAD]

Pleun Vermeulen pin 3 is combined with pin 1 they act as ground and shield so no cap needed. You only need cap at audio + unless you are wanting to use the phantom voltage then you wouldn’t want the cap.

[@dan135sor8]

@@HamRadioWithKE0MAD needs the cap on Bm800 mic for icom-7100? And have you a wiring diagram for rj45 modular + XLR connector?

[@brianarbery3783]

Thank you Jim, your video helped me wire my mic to radio and it works great. I really enjoy your videos. Brian VE2 BRN 73

[@ham-radio]

Glad to help. Thank Brian. 73, Jim

[@WILLIAMPERRELLI]

Hi What millisecond delay shld I select when connected to my HK sb1000 tube amp? Thanku Billy

[@quailstudios]

It would be nice to be able to connect an XLR mic up to a radio. I’m a musician and have a bunch of XLR mics. Sure sm57s, diaphragm mics of different sorts, a usb mic, etc. I was hoping to find someone that knew something about mics to see if I could use one of these for ham Radio. KJ7BHU

[@samgrieg2542]

Hi, I did exactly that. I use SM58 with icom 735 via the little Art MP tube mic amp. Works perfectly. Jim's pinout is correct. Thanks

[@k7ilo_Las_Vegas]

These mics that everyone stating they require 5vdc must have a voltage regulator in them to be able to be used in a studio. Typically, studio microphones (Condenser) that require power use the 48Vdc phantom powering from either pre-amp's or mixing consoles with XLR capability. Are you finding this information in the docs that come with the mic or on the circuit board after dismantling the mic? Thanks

[@radiotvgod]

The cross pollination here isn’t working. Studio audio experts trying to work with “hams”.

[@rcteal1229]

Why didn't you show a picture of the capacitor and how you connected it?

[@beekeeper8474]

Love to see someone did a video on ic-7100. I've order supplies.

[@Larry-AK0Z]

This is a little late, but I read where you had surgery. I hope you are doing okay.

[@KO4VNX]

Jim, great video, as usual, and glad I went back in time to dig this one up! I have an IC-756 Pro iii, and it has an 8-pin ICOM mic connector. I'm guessing and hoping that my rig has the same pinout as the IC-7300. Now I won't blame you if I let the happy smoke out of the rig, or any of my mics, but.... do you think it is the same?

[@OregonDX]

So this may sound silly.. But I just picked up a non amplified D104. And just for the fun of it. I was wanting to rewire it to use on my 7300.. I’ve done this as a kid back in the day with CB radios. But I’ve never wired a mic for a Icom radio before. This whole capacitor thing has me a bit scared to do the operation lol. Do I need to worry about this cap if I want to wire this G D104 to the 7300? Thank you!

[@franklogalbo3488]

How would your wiring solution work with an audio mixer and Direct Injection Box, or Direct Box?

[@Flip2Flower1]

Finally, the video I’ve been searching for

[@2SD251Jim]

Great talking to you the other day...hope all is well...keep the vids coming...73's KB8YBG JIM

[@ham-radio]

I heard that big pileup of EU guys calling you. I listened for a while. Some of the guys you gave 5 by 9 reports were barely readable! 73, Jim W6LG

[@2SD251Jim]

Maybe prop will change where you can hear them as good as I do...hope to hear from you soon...73's my friend. KB8YBG JIM

[@philthompson3499]

Thanks Jim for the video and for doing MY mic...

[@k2icc]

Do the Heil adapter and ptt cable for Icom has the capacitor on it?

[@KA4UPW]

I you want to block DC wouldn't you put that capacitor in series on pin-1, putting it across pin-1 to pin-2 will short AC (audio) to ground..

[@stanleylett6649]

Great video Jim. I purchased a SF920 XLR mic and had it wired for my Alinco SR8T. Can I create an adapter and wire the SF920 like you did the BM800 for my Icom IC7100 using the IC7100 pinout?

[@Tom_2E1FUE]

Confused here, so I need a Capacitor 1uF, if I'm running a Samson C1 Microphone on Phantom power or do I just wire the mic from the Phantom power output then to my IC - 7300 any help would be brilliant thanks. De 2E1FUE.

[@erniemcgee]

Hi Jim, I didn't see the cap in your xlr connector. Did you actually need one for your model of microphone? I'm looking at buying the same model

[@ham-radio]

No I did not. Thanks Johnnie. 73, Jim

[@atticman2011]

Hi Jim, my Gold BM800 Mic uses a 48v Phantom PSU, can itake away this PSU and use this mic as described and just 5v from my IC-7610 ? Thank you.

[@Billkwando]

You can but it will sound like crap and will be noisy.

[@RickRose]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Question: How much different is a vintage dynamic microphone from one of these modern ones in terms of making the adaptation for Ham use? I've got a Shure 55SW that I'd love to try out.

[@ham-radio]

Good question! Shure Mics are generally very good. I have used a few of the 444 and I still have one. So give it a try with the ALC on the meter no more than about half of the ALC scale which is shorter than the other scales. 73, Jim W6LG....recovering from surgery a week ago.

[@radiotvgod]

@@ham-radio this was not a level problem it’s a wiring problem… How in the world did we get these two things confused?

[@richardhartman9418]

I bought a Neewer 800 studio xlr studio mic also. It calls for 5v but you say to use the line volt from the 7300. Do you think the 8v will be ok? KC8DVE 73

[@steveevansphotography4138]

what value is the cap between pin 1-2 pls using the icom 7300 with the heil 781 just wondered if the cap is necessary ? FROM Steve 2EODAM

[@fredmillard5018]

Jim, will the IC7300 price 48v phantom power? I have an Audio Technical AT4050 sitting around in it case gathering dust. Thought I’d set it up with my 7300 if possible. Do you think it’ll work? Thanks. Fred N4cyf

[@ham-radio]

The Icom does not have 48 volts. A separate power supply with XLR connectors is what I bought from Amazon for about $15. It is a bargain. I bought a second power supply for another system. Works fine. 73, Jim

[@bradcfi2]

Hi Jim, I have a Sennheiser headset I could like to use with my IC-7610. I called Sennheiser support to verify the headset XLR pinout and was told pin 1 is the shield and pins 2 and 3 are MIC high and low. The MIC is dynamic. They could not offer any more information about the "high low" pins as I was not sure what to do with these two pins. Any suggestions? Brad-N6GR

[@ham-radio]

Hi, They don't speak plain language. Pin 2 is the mic's output. Pin 3 is the mic's ground. Pin 1 is chassis ground. Keep pins 3 and 1 separate. Does that help? 73, Jim

[@bradcfi2]

@@ham-radio Thanks!

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg I like your utube videos you have instresing topics

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg me and my cousin are going to a Swap meet in September 11 Sunday morning at 8 am in Milwaukee 2022

[@1AAudits]

1. Don’t you guys using a condenser mic find the fact that they are notorious for picking up every little chirp chirp, cheep cheep, burp, etc. I.e. background noise vs. dynamic mics that don’t? 2. Doesn’t someone sell a connector/pigtail already made up or is every application/ radio/shack/setup/studio configuration so different that a prefab cable would be impossible to make?

[@radiotvgod]

Hey, it’s ham radio, you’re not recording a concert. Regarding the background sound. How far away are you sitting from that mic that it’s picking up that much noise? You can drop the gain and snuggie up to it a little bit closer and you will almost eliminate the problem without spending any money. At least to the point of acceptability. No one is going to complain about your parakeet.

[@Bernard-John]

Hi Jim good video well explained as usual, got myself the Heil PR 40 microphone for the Icom ic-7300, just get the correct cable and you can't go wrong 👍thanks from Rotterdam..

[@ham-radio]

Thanks for sharing from Rotterdam! 73, Jim

[@radiotvgod]

Bob Heil makes a reliable cable to solve this problem. End of story. 73

[@Bernard-John]

Hi, good interesting video, i found the Heil pr range, are way to quite, a pre amp is needed, even mic gain 100-percent, not enough volume, Heil pr range are fantastic but not for the Icom ic 7300,thanks from Rotterdam 73.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks for the info! Icom's are set up for electrets. They are inexpensive and sound great provided the mic gain is kept in the lower part of the ALC scale and compression is 5 dB and not the 30 dB in the instructions. 73, Jim

[@Bernard-John]

@@ham-radio Hi,thanks for your reply, the Rode studio microphone M3 for 80 euros, seems to go perfectly well with the Icom ic 7300,he owner of the Amateur radio shop,said exactly the same about the microphone settings as you,thanks good advice 😊 Tomorrow is my second Amateur radio class,so maybe we speak on the Amateur band's, in the future. Stay healthy, 73 from Rotterdam.

[@louisray8666]

Hi Jim. Really enjoy your videos. I use to own a wedding Dj company and have a few Shure mics laying around. Would you mind sharing what capacitor is needed? Don’t want to destroy my Icom 756Pro. Thanks! KM6WSP.

[@noth606]

Louis Ray in the video he said one micro farad roughly. I would think it's not that precise but it should be in that range.

[@radiotvgod]

@@noth606 Plus side toward the rig

[@xristoskontogiannis6629]

What capacitor i need?

[@sonnyjobe9352]

Where can I order a foot switch from. I ordered a Mic kit and adjustable arm. Thanks.

[@verystupidhandle]

Hey Jim Nice looking Mic! Might try on my FT 450 or Icom 765 hmmm...

[@NGinuity]

Hey Jim, I have an odd issue that yours seems to be the closest to explaining. I'm connecting an Alesis Multimix 8 mixer to an IC-7300. The mixer uses a separate TR connector for each channel of the output. I have the TR connector plugged into left channel output and connected to the 8 pin Foster as follows: pin 1 audio to tip and pin 7 shield to ring. PTT pin 5 and 6 are wired out of a separate pigtail going to a foot switch. When I record an audio file to the 7300 from the mixer, the audio is perfect and legible. When I attempt to activate the PTT and transmit, the receive station cannot hear me. Any idea what might be going on here? My next step is to stick an o-scope on the mixer lines in between but if the fix is also to introduce a blocking cap here then I'm happy to circumvent needing to test that out. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[@ham-radio]

That will work. But, what I did not read was, does the 7300 switch from receive to transmit. You also did not mention the most important thing that all hams should always be watching; the ALC meter. Does the ALC meter show audio? You always must set the mic gain with the ALC meter. 73, Jim

[@NGinuity]

@@ham-radio Yes, the radio properly kicks over to transmit. The display indicates it's in transmit and I hear the relays kick over. Nothing on the ALC and I also turned the audio scope on to observe the waveform on transmit. It didn't move either. I'll give the capacitor a try and try not to overthink it. I'm sure it's simple. Thank you!

[@radiotvgod]

@@ham-radio It wouldn’t hurt to monitor it either. Lol

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

I fried my Icom 7300 that 8Volt part. How easy of a fix is that ?

[@marioazzolini4113]

Hi Jim, I am considering using an Excelvan BM800 microphone with my IC7300 in a similar way as you presented in the video; however, this microphone has a phantom power supply with 48vdc output. Would the connections that you indicated still apply in this case but going to the power supply instead? Could the phantom power supply be eliminated and the microphone connected directly to the radio? Thanks !

[@ham-radio]

Only needs 5 volts. That's what I use. 73, Jim W6LG

[@marioazzolini4113]

Thanks fr the quick answer Jim. Do you use VOX ? It would be great to see a video about it. Regards.

[@ham-radio]

PTT only 73 Jim

[@mi0lpo]

@@ham-radio from what i understand although it will work with 5v or even 8v supply from the radio you will not get the full range of audio spectrum that the bm800 mic is capable off unless powered with 48v phantom power , i may be wrong..................i actually think there are two types of the bm800 mics which is possibly where the confusion is

[@d.e.1908]

Thanks for this Jim, can you post a link to the mic's you bought? Some I see on amazon require 48v FP.

[@rheltyr]

48 volt phantom power is the standard for pro audio and is found on most mixing boards and mic preamps. It's usually switched on or off depending on the type of microphone used.

[@johngercken7128]

Jim, I saw your video on using the Icom 7300 with the BM-800 microphone. I had just bought the BM-800 2 days ago. I made up a cable using shielded 3-conductor audio cable. I used a 35mm film container to hold a small piece of perf board. I soldered a 1 uF @50 v capacitor onto the board. After I got it all wired up, I was fairly confident that it would work, but I was sorely disappointed When I plugged it into the radio and tuned up on 20 meters, the radio's RX LED went to half brightness and the rig made this strange little buzzing noise. The rig did not emit any RF and the microphone did nothing to excite the radio. I did everything possible to keep the wiring from becoming shorted out against the housings and I did continuity checks of everything. It all checked out. So, WHAT NOW?.

[@fernanduo79]

What mic is? Bm800 ?

[@chrisdelacruz4947]

Jim; Thank you so much for the info you provided. I m in need of some assistance. I just recently purchased an ICOM 7300 and new to radio. I have some items laying around the house during my karaoke days. I have an SM58 and a Behringer audio mixer that I want to use. My plan is to use the SM58 using XLR input to the mixer and out by 1/4 headphone jack to be connected to the 7300. I have an 8 pin prewired; with a XLR female and a PTT switch. I went to a music store near our house; there is a adapter (male XLR to 1/4 headphone) but they have to choice balanced and un-balanced. I hope you can clarify this and what connections do I have to do. At the end of it all I don't want my new 7300 get broken. Kind regards 73 KU7LAS

[@ham-radio]

Hi Chris, Sorry for the delay. I have been ill and laid up for a few days. I was even unable to read the screen and make coherent answers. The SM58 is a very good mic although its output is very low. Icom like high output mics like electrets. I don't know the answer to your question. Maybe someone else does. For my station, I used an extension cable and cut off one end. I wired as shown in my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaPRZKehaLx9mc0 I think something like a .1 or greater should work fine. Remember to keep the ALC level way below the max. Never modulate to levels at the peak indication on the ALC meter position. Also, you don't need to do any external equalization. A good natural sounding voice is good enough. Highly process audio is not good and sounds like a beginner who does not know what he is doing. Thanks for watching Chris. You bought a great transceiver that will give to you years of wonderful performance. 73, Jim in CA

[@GregoryFenton_UK]

Thanks for this, I have been thinking about doing this with a studio microphone. 73 de 2E0HIS

[@jrryan2643]

Great video. Alright I want want to install one of these mikes on my Icom 7300. from what I am reading I need to install a cap in the audio line of about 1uf. Does this cap have to be a non polarized or can a ceramic cap be used in this application? Thanks for any replies Jim / N3KBF

[@ham-radio]

Icom is designed for electrets. So no cap is needed. Just connect the mic in the same way the stock mic is connected and as is shown in the instructions. 73, Jim W6LG ...sorry about the delay I have had some connection issues with the desktop computers.

[@jrryan2643]

@@ham-radio Thanks again Jim 👍

[@ralph9987]

and has the dynamic mic got enough drive to drive the rig's input?

[@ham-radio]

Absolutely with Icom....thanks for the reminder. They design around electrets and not dynamics. Excellent Ralph! 73, Jim

[@Proc3000]

I'm so happy to see you use monoprice. I buy all my cables from them. Inexpensive but high quality in all their products. I live near them so I pick them up. Monoprice.com to buy direct. I'm not affiliated with theme. I just love them.

[@morejelloplease]

what a cluster. this will not work with a heil icom 8 pin to xlr cable, it has a blocking cap in the xlr part and will NOT send power to the bm800.

[@morejelloplease]

furthermore, the Heil cable is wired completely different than this. this is now the 3rd different way i've seen to wire these bm800's to an icom. YMMV

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg I need help in studying for my ham license I have a learning disabilty in math

[@cacciskagrana6603]

From kenwood?

[@1fanger]

Hi Jim. great videos.

[@boopymd]

Do enjoy your videos, Jim K4JUO Jim

[@dheller777]

Thanks for sharing. Does anyone make a good after market desk Mike for the 7300 that is prewired for those of us that are not so talented as you with soldering?

[@rjpmcmillan]

Bob Heil makes a great one, but if that is a little too expensive, MFJ also make a number of mics that will work with the IC-7300.

[@louisray8666]

Robert McMillan does the one that Heil makes have the capacitor needed?

[@rjpmcmillan]

Yes it does, all Heil mics that for use with any Icom radio have that Cap.

[@HamRadioWithKE0MAD]

Also if you buy a heil mic cord it will also have the capacitor

[@blakeahenry]

Thanks. I think that’s the problem I have.

[@frankgaravito1671]

What do i need to do for a yaesu757?

[@creationrebel100]

Hallo Jim can i use the same idea for the yaesu radio? best regards PD1KA

[@zevozkifrankooto7338]

Did it work with you?

[@greggaieck4808]

Jim w6lg my hobbys are painting pictures and lisining to shortwave and ssb iam thinking about getting my ham license

[@ronaldbogard3358]

How to hook to yaesu 450D?????

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

I WAS TOLD BY ICOM YOU MIGHT NEED RESISTOR BUT I COULD OF BEEN WRONG JIM

[@ham-radio]

I am connecting one now. I turned off the bias for the dynamic mic. I put the white and blue wires at the XLR together. I did not need a capacitor. 73, Jim

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

@@ham-radio ok well there is some icoms i got one sitting on my desk that needs a resistor which is not cap at all jim need to get your facts straight

[@DavidVine-DOCVIDPRO]

Great info but why must we suffer through the jazzy intro/out?

[@ham-radio]

From what I know, KZbin wants an introduction with a title at the beginning for about 15/20 seconds. Thanks for asking & 73, Jim

[@radiotvgod]

He sounds great and professional. Back off, boogaloo! Fast Forward. F in problem solving. Life can be easy if you let it.

[@peterlosangelos4108]

Suggestion: add front/rear male/female next time in a diagram.

[@ham-radio]

You are right! Thanks, Jim W6LG

[@ta5fa]

What is Cap value ? Because not everyone knows english !!! please

[@hankosaurus]

He said to try 0.1 microfarad or greater (like 0.2 or 0.5). Lower values will limit the base component more... sound more tinny, but less muddy.

[@pu2xbt74]

Please tell me if HEIL 781 is compatible for use on Icom ic 7300 or IC 9700 ?? What would be the best microphone option, using the Heil 781 or Icom SM 50 to contest? 73