Volume Controls, Adapters and Cables by BlowsMeAway Productions

Volume Controls, Adapters and Cables

Many available nowhere else!

When it comes to microphones, pedals and amplification systems, just about anything can be connected to anything else. But you may not know how. Sadly in our little corner of the world, just because you can physically connect two things together physically does not mean it is correct. In some cases it won't work at all. In others, it might work, but work poorly. BlowsMeAway can help. Some of the most widely used adapters are produced in large quantities commercially — I carry those as a convenience to my customers. But many simply aren't available anywhere… except right here.

Many customers aren't sure what they need or want. Don't feel bad! They didn't teach this stuff in High School! I am happy to help you. Just tell me what you want to connect to what as clearly as possible. Model names and photographs can help!

Volume Controls - Made in my shop

Vintage Volume Controls

Vintage Volume Contol - Standard $69.95
For high impedance mics with Dynamic, or Shure CM or CR elements and Switchcraft screw-on connectors
Vintage Volume Contol - Unfinished Aluminum $69.95
For high impedance mics with Dynamic, or Shure CM or CR elements and Switchcraft screw-on connectors
Vintage Volume Contol - Extra High Impedance $69.95
For high impedance mics with Crystal or Ceramic elements and Switchcraft screw-on connectors

Vintage Volume Control Specifications

Electrical:
  • Genuine "Switchcraft" microphone connectors - the preferred choice among professional harp players.
  • Resistance: standard control 0 - 250K ohm -- best for dynamic, controlled magnetic and controlled reluctant elements.
    Extra-high impedance control 0- 1Mohm - best for crystal and ceramic elements
Physical:
  • Barrel: black-anodized aluminum
  • End Caps: Brushed aluminum
  • Length: 2 1/2 inches
  • Diameter: 3/4"
  • Weight: 1.5 oz.

XLR Controls

Important note: MANY players mistakenly connect low impedance mics (like a Shure SM57 or SM58) to their amplifier or pedal by using an XLR to 1/4" cable. This is technically incorrect - it works, but you're only getting half of your mic's signal! And you're getting poor tone due to the impedance mismatch. More importantly, these volume controls will not work properly with that setup. Instead you must use an XLR to XLR cable, and if your goal is to plug into a high impedance (1/4") input like an amp pr pedal, an impedance matching transformer at the far end of the cable to provide the 1/4" plug you need.
Low Impedance / XLR Volume Control - Standard $69.95
For low impedance mics with XLR connectors and dynamic elements. Balanced Mode Output. Must be used with XLR to XLR cable.
Low Impedance / XLR Volume Control - Black $69.95
For low impedance mics with XLR connectors and dynamic elements. Balanced Mode Output. Must be used with XLR to XLR cable.
High Impedance / XLR Volume Control $74.95
For high impedance mics with XLR connectors and dynamic elements.

XLR Control Specifications:

Electrical:
Physical:

Important note about knob placement on XLR controls

I normally place the knob in-line with the "latches" for the best appearance, as seen in the photos. This is fine for "stick" mics like the SM58. However if you have a bullet-type shell or other assymetrical mic you may want the knob oriented differently. Just let me know!

Standard Adapters

Switchcraft 332 adapter $16.95

(allows use of a 1/4" to 1/4" guitar cable or Samson AG8 wireless transmitter)

Switchcraft 332A Adapter
Switchcraft Type 44 $14.95

Converts a female screw-on connector to 1/4" male

Whirlwind Little IMP Impedance Matching Transformer $23.95

Used with an XLR to XLR cable, allows you to conenct a low impedance microphone to a high impedance input

Custom Adapters

I have a system that enables me to make a wide variety of custom adapters:
It consists of:

Connectors

Internal Components

Barrels - 3/4" Aluminum

Custom Adapters are priced as follows:

Any 2 connectors, no internal components (For XLR, specify Pin 2 or Pin 3 Hot) $39

Example: Screw-on - XLR adapters

Any 2 connectors, one internal component $79.95

Example: Screw-on - XLR impedance matching adapters

Any 2 connectors, two internal components $94.95

Example: Screw-on to XLR impedance matching adapter with volume control (top)

The Sky is the limit

Here's a set of custom adapters I made for a customer who wanted to be sure he could use his wireless trasmitter with all of his mics.

Volume Control and Adapter Options:

Knobs +$19

All of my volume controls (and custom adapters with volume controls) come with a black plastic knob as standard equipment (shown for size comparison.) I make these custom knobs from billet aluminum in my shop. (l)Knurled, straight sides; (middle)Polished, tapered sides

Colors +$15

Any BlowsMeAway volume control or adapter can be made with these anodized colors.

Cables

My cables are the highest possible quality. I use CBI Ultimate 18ga professional microphone cable for high imedpance work. It is well shielded and very soft/easy to coil. I shrinkwrap both connectors to the cable for extra strain relief; on screw-on connectors I go so far as to glue the shrinkwrap to the cable and connector to prevent the cable from spinning within the connector - which is the usual cause of failure.

Standard High Impedance Screw-on to 1/4" Mic Cable - 20' $65

Other lengths, custom cables available - the formula is $45 plus $1 per foot - any connectors

Standard Low Impedance Mic Cable - 18' $24.95

For connecting low impedance mics (or wireless receivers) to low impedance inputs (like PA's). Add an Impedance Matching Transformer to connect that device to a high impedance input like an amp or effects pedal.

The following "shorty" cables allow you to "remote" a secondary connection by running the cable up and around your neck or over your shoulder.

Screw-on to 1/4" jumper cable $39

24" cable, allows connection of a guitar cable or Samson AG8 wireless transmitter)

Shorty Cable
Screw-on to XLR jumper cable $39

24" cable, unbalanced, Pin 2 Hot - allows connection of an XLR to 1/4" cable, or XVive U3, Sennhieser XSW or Samson AX1 wireless transmitters

Shorty Cable
Screw-on to XLR jumper cable $39

24" cable, unbalanced, Pin 3 Hot - allows connection of an XLR to 1/4" cable

Shorty Cable
Screw-on to XLR, impedance matching, balanced output jumper cable $79

24" cable, (for connecting to a PA or other low impedance input.)

Note you can also use the screw-on to 1/4" cable above, into a "Direct Box" (aka "DI" or "Direct Input" box) - and from there to the PA. Sound guys always have DI boxes - that's how they connect basses and keyboards to the PA. An XLR to XLR cable runs from the DI box to the PA.

Shorty XLR Cable

When You Order

When you order I'll need to know:

Not sure? I can help you! Just email me and tell me as much about what you're trying to connect to what as possible. Pictures help.

Once you know what you want, let me know and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Please tell me where you live so I can provide an accurate shipping quote.