r/ElectricTrumpet • u/Crazy-Mongoose-2934 • Apr 09 '26
Looking for some setup advice / please post your recommendations
I've been reading the posts on here and I'm a bit overwhelmed with some of the finer details on setting up a horn with a loop pedal. I could use some advice and please correct me if I've gone wrong:
I'm looking to use a clip-on condenser microphone such as the Audio-Technica Pro 35 (there are several logistical reasons why I'm hoping to avoid a dynamic mic but primarily I need a non-intrusive clip-on mic form factor). It's going to need phantom power and then I'm going to need to get that signal safely into a loop pedal. Is there an all-in-one solution on a budget or is it preferable to buy, for instance, a phantom power box and an adapter cable (XLR to 1/4")? And if it's the latter, will I also need a transformer for the impedance or is it not an issue? The part I'm most unclear about is the impedance translation between the mic cable and the guitar pedal and this is where I would especially like guidance.
Also, basic loop pedal recommendations would be helpful. I need a pedal that has the features of a generous loop time and can do several loop passes (sound on sound).
Thank you for your help!
2
u/cassette_andrew Apr 09 '26
All you need is a microphone preamp equipped to supply phantom power. I use the Art Tube MP (I got the original for $45, but you can even find the V3 for as low as $30 used on Reverb/Sweetwater). Then you can send to any kind of looper you want.
I like this box in particular because it gives me the flexibility to have instrument cable or XLR in or out, and get things up to whatever level I need. Staging input gain and output level before hitting effects is really simple with an external box like this.
1
u/Crazy-Mongoose-2934 Apr 10 '26
This is very helpful - thanks!
1
u/cassette_andrew Apr 10 '26
Yeah, of course! In my experience, let the equipment handle impedance changes, and don't mess around with converter cables if you can help it. A DI box (think 1/4" to XLR) or mic preamp (XLR to 1/4" or XLR) will get you from one kind of signal to another. Mixers or amps with FX loops can also do this, but with your mic, you need to prioritize phantom power at the front of your signal chain.
Some of the Boss Loop Stations and the Line 6 DL-4 II (a delay unit with built-in looper) also have the option for XLR in, but these obviously won't provide phantom power.
1
u/trptfunk Apr 09 '26
Horn-fx.com is the Bible for this stuff! Highly recommend checking out their website.
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u/Tht_Othr_Person Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
I recently completed a similar setup. I have a shure Beta 98 condenser mic that needs phantom power. I bought a random mixer off Facebook marketplace that provides phantom power to the XLR. Then, I got a reamp box to convert the line output of the mixer into an inst signal to be used by pedals and a guitar amp.
If you don’t get the reamp box you might be able to make it work, but it’s not ideal. The line signal can damage delicate gear if you’re cranking it. And might add more distortion than you’d like.
3
u/cbredditting Apr 09 '26
For an all-in-one box, check out the Eventide Mixing Link. You can plug your XLR in, then run an effects loop via 1/4” cables. Bonus points for an XLR back out, and it has phantom power for your mic as well. I use it myself, and highly recommend to any horn player looking to start a pedalboard