Graham,

Much of this will depend upon the mic you are using and if the impedance of the input system matches that of the mic. If everything matches up pretty closely, then an impedance matching transformer adapter is not necessary, and it can sometimes cause problems.

If the output of your wireless receiver is going to the keyboard's line in then nothing more is needed. Most of the wireless systems are line out voltage and match up just fine with any line in system.

Hope this helps,

Gary

Well Graham,
I've never had to use a transformer cable since the 80s, but apparently, Korg has designed a mic input that really is quite fussy about impedance.
Here's the simplest way I can describe why you need it:
All mics are either hi or low impedance (That's the resistance that the mic creates in the energy path to the amp), so a low impedance mic will present a very small level of resistance to the input, and a high impedance mic will produce quite a bit more. Makes sense, right?

In the past, I've used a cable that had an XLR at the mic end and a 1/4 at the amp end and it simply connected the pins from the mic to the tip and sleeve of the jack. That used to be enough, but in a more particular setting, like this new Korg ... the built in mic input EXPECTS a high gain signal, and if you don't use a transformer (or transformer cable) the impedance will be mismatched. Like the round peg/square hole analogy.

A simple in-line transformer will raise the impedance of a low-z mic to match the impedance of the Korg input, so there is no signal loss. Signal loos translates into less than beautiful tone and clarity. You can get transformers all over, but they are about 3-4 inceh long and will stick out of your keyboard, just BEGGING to be bumped into and broken, so I recommend a cable with the transformer built right in, IF you're using a Lo-z mic, like a Shure SM57,58 or the EV 767, 757, 747 etc. There are high z mics out there (Radio Shack, Best Buy), but the sound quality is not up to what you're probably used to, so I think the cable is a better solution.
Check this out and call one of our dealer friends:

http://www.rapcohorizon.com/p-62-transformer-microphone-cable.aspx

Good luck!

I got a chance to check out Dave's PA900 this afternoon...and I pretty much agree with Dave's opinion compared to the PA800...without the "fantastic" comment

The keybed is surpizingly way better than any of the PA series (Speaker models)..First thing I did was check under the keys for weights

The larger touch screen is better than previous models..

I still have a problem with the effects set up, and the design of the harmonizer lacks what I am use to..

For a grand less ..street price..why would anyone want a PA800?

Come on, Fran. Everyone knows it has already been decided by the experts that key feel is absolutely unimportant..!

Nice to see you get this worked out, Dave...it seems to be quite an improvement over the PA-800, and, now that you have the microphone issues under control(kudos to Fran for his expert advice), you will be able to fully exploit your cool new arranger.

It's nice when we find an instrument that serves our needs very thoroughly...I feel the same way about my Tyros4.

No more searching...just pure playing/performing enjoyment.

Ian

Wow! This is enough good news for me Thanks. I'll get one on order soon.

Zuki, are you considering a return to gigging in the near future? I have taken some time off (1 year) to rework a few things, and I don't really miss it much yet, but, I'm guessing I'll soon be wanting that nice feeling we get from performing.

Will you do the same type of gigs, or do you have a new plan?

You were a big fan of the PA-800 (and PA3X I believe as well) so I'm guessing you won't take long familiarizing yourself with the PA-900...did you keep your previous performance settings?

Ian

Hi Ian,

Not performed since 3/11. Still have my hands full with a day job, but thought about working on material for a few months to see how I feel then.

Doesn't seem the 900 loads in 800 stuff that easy (yes, kept my sets).

Body is not young and I'd only do 6 - 10 a month.

How about you?

UD ... what Elec piano voice did you use for the first version?
thank you

Thanks Gary and Dave, I understand the theory better now. I have written to Shure support to get their opinion on the cable I should use for my specific wireless system. It does not say whether it's hi-z or lo-z.