Top+Bottom Tom Recording Y-Cable
Dual Mic Tom Recording Cable (5ft)
Famed engineer/producer Brendan O’Brien is known to record toms using a Sennheiser MD 421 on the top and a Shure SM57 on the bottom, connected to a single preamp using a Y-cable with the bottom connector out of phase. I built a set of these cables for myself out of curiosity and I was instantly hooked. Connecting two microphones to a single preamp is generally not a great idea since the impedance mis-match between mics and the unexpected impedance load on the preamp could cause problems. However, with a 421 and 57, by total chance, it happens to work really well and and totally safely. Because of the difference impedance and output levels of the mics, the blend ends up being about 60% 421 (top) and 40% 57 (bottom). This results in a nice, big, resonant tom sound. As an added bonus, the cymbal bleed will be more controlled since the bottom mic picks up less cymbals (granted it’s positioned correctly, centered underneath the drum, about 2-3” off the head). Experimenting with different mics is entirely at your own risk. You should definitely not use this Y-cable with condenser mics!
The total length of the cable is 5ft. The usable fan-out length is about 9ft.
Here’s a little test video:
High Quality Components - High Quality Sound - Lifetime Warranty
I use only the highest quality components for these cables. Mogami cable and a Neutrik XX series gold connector, as well as high quality solder.
I offer a lifetime warranty. In the extremely unlikely event your cable stops working (under normal use) within one year, I will repair it and pay for shipping. If it stops working after one year, I will be happy to repair it for free. You just pay shipping and replacement parts (if needed).
