I need a cheap XLR mute button

[digitalfrost]

I stream online and also play with my friends, and I recently switched to a new condenser microphone that does not have a hardware mute button. I'm looking for something that allows me to temporarily mute myself, for example if I have to cough or clear my throat. It must support 48V for the mic.

I found this https://www.thomann.de/de/rolls_ms_111.htm

But man is it expensive. Any alternatives?

 

[kemmler3D]

This isn't what you asked, but I think the easier path would probably be to set up a hotkey / macro in your OS for muting the input, rather than finding a hardware solution. For example, Windows has a first-party tool with a mic-mute keyboard command: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/video-conference-mute

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Amazon.com

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[restorer-john]

Amazon.com

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

If that is "power" (48V), it will make a thump in the input circuitry every time it's operated.

A mute switch would entail shorting/low value resistor across the mic itself or the actual hot and cold to gnd.

 

[unpluggged]

This isn't what you asked, but I think the easier path would probably be to set up a hotkey / macro in your OS for muting the input, rather than finding a hardware solution. For example, Windows has a first-party tool with a mic-mute keyboard command: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/video-conference-mute

This.

Any alternatives?

Which interface do you use to connect the mic?

 

[chelgrian]

If that is "power" (48V), it will make a thump in the input circuitry every time it's operated.

A mute switch would entail shorting/low value resistor across the mic itself or the actual hot and cold to gnd.

The correct thing to buy if you want it prebuilt is

K&M 29375

Desktop Microphone Station Variant with switch, Beautifully designed, compact zinc die-cast base, 3-pin XLR connectors (male / female), Completely wired, Crackle-free switching, With phantom power 48 V, With switch, 2 LED's indicate the operating...

www.thomann.co.uk

Which will switch the mic on and off without causing a thump and pass through phantom. I’m sure they are available from local retailers in many places.

Because this kind of thing is not a mass market product they will cost I’m afraid.

 

[digitalfrost]

Just to give an update, I appreciate all the suggestions. I configured a system wide keycombo to mute the Mic via keyboard, and it works well enough. If it ever fails me I might be going the K&M route, I have some of their mic stands and I really like their quality.

This.


Which interface do you use to connect the mic?

I use IMG Stageline MX-1O. It has a 20dB pad switch but it's hard to reach and I don't really want to adjust the volume knob since I have some VSTs running for noisgate and compression, so if I change the input volume it will affect all these.