Convert Speaker to Microphone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you need a microphone but only have a speaker handy? Converting a speaker into a microphone might seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite straightforward! In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of turning your speaker into a makeshift microphone, whether you're working with passive or active speakers.

Understanding the Basics

To begin with, it's important to understand that speakers and microphones share a lot in common, especially in terms of their basic mechanics. Both convert electrical signals into sound, and vice versa. However, the connectors and the way they're set up typically differ. Speakers usually use a standard 3.5mm jack, while professional microphones often use XLR connectors.

Materials Needed

Soldering iron Solder Regular or speaker wire Wire stripping tool (or knife) Screwdriver Electrical tape Male connector for the microphone port you want to use (e.g., Neutrik NC3MXX 3-pin XLRM Cable from Spend less. Smile more.)

Procedure

Step 1: Prepare Everything You Need

The first thing we need to do is determine which connector we need to use to turn our speaker into a microphone. Most speakers use a 3.5mm jack, while professional microphones typically use XLR connectors. For simplicity, we'll assume you want to connect your speaker to a standard 3-pin XLR port.

Step 2: Remove the Speaker from the Speaker Assembly

To perform the conversion, we need to separate the speaker from the preamp assembly. Unscrew any screws holding the speaker in place and cut the wires attached to it, ensuring you leave enough wire to use comfortably.

Step 3: Strip the Speaker Wires

Stripping wires is crucial. Use a wire stripper or a knife to expose about half an inch of the wire. This will allow you to solder it to the connector. Ensure you strip the plastic insulation to expose only the metal part.

Step 4: Solder the Ground Wire to the Speaker and the Connector

Begin by preparing your soldering iron. Check the XLR connector to identify the ground pin (usually labeled as pin 1). Solder the ground wire to this pin, ensuring a secure connection. Then, solder the same wire to any metal part of the speaker's body to establish the ground connection.

Step 5: Solder the Positive and Negative Speaker Wires

Next, solder the positive and negative wires to the corresponding pins on the connector. Typically, pin 2 is positive and pin 3 is negative. Use the color code standard to match the wires (red is positive, black is negative).

Step 6: Insulate the Speaker Wires

Once you've soldered the wires, it's essential to insulate them. This prevents any short circuits or electrical hazards. Use electrical tape to cover the wires, ensuring they can't come into contact with each other.

Step 7: Plug the Speaker into the Microphone Port

Finally, test your conversion by plugging the speaker into the XLR port of your audio interface or preamplifier. The speaker should function as a microphone, though the sound quality may not be studio-level. Inspect all solder joints for any issues and be aware that the sound quality is likely to be adequate at best.

Note: If you encounter issues, such as buzzing, double-check the soldering and wiring. Remember, this is a DIY project, so don't hesitate to seek help if needed.

Video Tutorial

For a more visual guide, check out the video tutorial below: