I think I bought one for around $60 from Markertek. It is basically a short tube with XLR connectors at both end. I think it is just a balanced isolation transformer inside. I also got a ground-lifter that is two XLR's connected by a plastic tube. I think both were under $100 total.

I could be wrong but I think they are what are needed to fight hum with interconnected equipment. At least I have not had an opportunity to use them yet. But if one breaks the ground loop, the hum should stop.

The Hum Stoppers you are looking at are meant for musical instrument use. Usually electric stringed instruments. IIRC, they don't handle balanced inputs. At least I could never find one. I do believe they are the wrong tool for the job.

Dear Mike,

Thank you for the information about hum stopper. that was so helpful... I am waiting for PC150 to arrive to my home and I now looking for the Century wide angle conversion lens you mentioned, but I'll be so helpful if you could tell me exact model number so I won't buy the wrong thing. I hope it's allright for me to ask nit picking detail info.

I am really thankful that you are here :o)

ragadyanne
can i ask what band you will be recording? are they a signed act or an up and coming group? just curious . i understand if you dont want to give out this info.thanks
matt

It's the Century .65 wide angle. They only have one for the PD-150 even though ther wide lens for the VX-1000 will fit the 58mm front thread of the 150. The proper .65 lens has a bayonette mount and the Century Web site lists it as such.

You can also pick up a B&W UV filter from these guys if you want. They are about as good as they get. But you can get by with somewhat lesser filters.

Don't buy directly from Century unless you like paying list price. B&H will beat their price by a nice amount.

BTW, at the risk of upsetting your microphone choice. If you can get by with a large microphone installation, have you considered a pair of large diaphram studio micrphones? The AT-4033 SE that I have is great for vocals and said to be perfect for guitar (I think the B&H guy was speaking of acoustic guitar). But it is also supposed to handle high SPLs. But it is big when you get it suspended in the shock mount.

Audio Technica would be the people to ask about its applicability.

Dear Mike,

Thank you for your input. I'll order one from B&H tomorrow. I think I found the right lens now. I'm wondering if you could tell me what B&W UV filter is for? Does it makes picture I take all Black & White?

B&W is the brand of filter. Probably one of the best manufacturers around for this type of thing.

UV is a colorless filter that you place on the lens to protect the front lens element from damage due to dirt, dust and the occasional contact with some hard object. It really has no effect on the image (as long as you keep it relatively clean.)

The filter is a sacraficial item in this case.