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Message: <blockquote data-quote="iveljay" data-source="post: 3613986" data-attributes="member: 37260">Well done, its great when a plan comes together, but remember success can lead to addiction!##############################################More random thoughts on replacing the Zoom:Generally, to get the microphone output up to the line input levels that powered computer speakers etc., need is just a simple microphone pre-amp. PIP (1.5 v plug in power) on its own doesn't really add anything unless the microphone needs it to work properly, the output will still need amplifying either way. However devices that offer PIP usually have the amplification we need.Looking at Amazon.Com for a few ideas - the following came up, but most do far more than you need and you are paying for features that you don't want and may get in the way.The trouble is that the mic pre-amps available are overkill and most expect an XLR connection, a convertor is cheap, but unnecessary hassle and you definitely don't want anything that gives you non-optional 24v phantom power.There are a few cheap solder it yourself kits around, but I have no idea of the quality, but they give an idea of the basic cost of the components we need on their own - mildly depressing. Most are a bit crude without additional parts as well.Another obvious option are powered speaker systems ( low powered portable pa systems, low powered instrument amps with a mic input or karaoke amps). Most are a bit overkill and may need adaptors etc similar to the pre-amps above.Typically:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-AT108-BEHRINGER-ULTRACOUSTIC/dp/B000MVYOZY/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504948651&sr=8-2&keywords=behringer+108" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-AT108-BEHRINGER-ULTRACOUSTIC/dp/B000MVYOZY/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504948651&sr=8-2&keywords=behringer+108</a>This, with the right adaptor could work well, but at a price.A cheapish option is something like:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Headset-Microphone-Amplification-Speaker/dp/B01EWQYMLK/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504947975&sr=1-4&keywords=pa+speaker+with+mic+input" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Headset-Microphone-Amplification-Speaker/dp/B01EWQYMLK/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504947975&sr=1-4&keywords=pa+speaker+with+mic+input</a>But the quality might be somewhat iffy, but there may well be something similar that could do the job.The final obvious option is an inexpensive mixer with a microphone input, such as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Q502USB-Xenyx/dp/B00CTKI10A/ref=sr_1_14?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504948832&sr=1-14&keywords=behringer+mixer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Q502USB-Xenyx/dp/B00CTKI10A/ref=sr_1_14?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1504948832&sr=1-14&keywords=behringer+mixer</a>Again you may need an inexpensive jack to XLR adaptor for connecting. It isn't clear whether the jack input on Channel 1 actually goes through the pre-amp. The cheaper BEHRINGER XENYX 502 version of this pumps 48v phantom power at your mic with no option for disabling it, so is a non-runner.These are purely examples culled from looking at one well known retailer (they aren't meant to be the best of whats out there, just typical examples) - in the old days you could trot round to your Local Radio Shack and they would have an answer, these days it isn't as simple.One thing to be aware of is that the better your amplification and sound system the sooner you will be aware of noise from your long cable and mic, it can be filtered but that is another story.Anyway you seem to be getting on well on your own.The final point of course is that for some of the above you would end up spending a fair proportion of the cost of your Zoom H1 with a power adaptor. A second hand Zoom H1 might be an option?######################################################There isn't a lot you can do with your hissy amplified speakers I am afraid, removing noise from live audio systems usually involves replacing things with better quality components (costs) only to discover that the new clarity shows up problems elsewhere to take a slightly pessimistic view.#####################################################Anyway carry on the good work, I enjoyed your recordings and I am sure that others are interested in what you are doing and with any luck someone will try out different things and come up with a few options.J</blockquote>

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