34mm condensor mic capsule replacement good ones ?

[funkgod]

34mm condensor mic capsule replacement

has anyone done one ?

iv been using mine for 30ish  years now and i think the capsules need replacing

mainly cutting out while singing with anything breathy, even though there is a pop filter

so to my question which ones are good ones ?

there are loads on ebay all about 20 to 30 quid, but are they any good ?

has anyone done one ? if so which one ?

and was there any difference in sound from the original ( when it was working )

cheers all

[funkgod]

just in case anyone is interested, i found this...

warning,,, this is real cork sniffing stuff !

 

 

[Dad3353]

What mic is it..? With the quality of many current new mic's being so good, is the replacement justified..? If it's a quality mic from a Big Name, a replacement from the factory might be the best bet, but a new Superlux starts at £30. Not an option..?  

[80Hz]

Your mic might just need servicing, and the symptoms you describe could also be a preamp issue (i.e. the preamp board in the mic, not an external preamp).

 

Capsules don't really wear out unless they've been physically damaged or anything strange has happened like being stored in a damp environment. Dust and grime can build up eventually if they've had a long service life. Capsule cleaning is a specialist job best carried out by the original manufacturer or a professional.

 

With those caveats - I've built a couple of microphone kits from the same guy who makes Roswell mics, and I'd have no issues using his replacement capsules. All good quality stuff.

 

I'd have a go if it was an inexpensive and replaceable mic, but I'm not about to fiddle with any Neumanns 🙂

[chris667]

14 minutes ago, Dad3353 said:

What mic is it..? With the quality of many current new mic's being so good, is the replacement justified..? If it's a quality mic from a Big Name, a replacement from the factory might be the best bet, but a new Superlux starts at £30. Not an option..?  

I agree with this.

 

I play ukulele acoustically (pickups on ukes should be illegal). I played with a little Behringer at a gig for a friend and it was amazing! Way better than my SM57 and about 1/5 of the price.

 

I know this is not what you asked but if it's something valuable you could probably sell it and buy a complete mic that might even be better.

 

[chris667]

And there's even DIY! I quite fancy making one of these - it wouldn't have to be a usb mic.

 

 

[80Hz]

1 minute ago, chris667 said:

And there's even DIY! I quite fancy making one of these - it wouldn't have to be a usb mic.

 

 

Go for it - it's rewarding and educational, I learned a lot about microphone design and functionality from the MicParts kits I built (your video there is even-more-DIY!)

 

Also I wasn't trying to discourage the OP from doing a capsule replacement, just that a) it might not be necessary, and b) it's not something I'd attempt on a valuable mic.

 

</derail>

[Matt P]

i'm watching this, I got a dead condenser mic in a deal a while back (as an addition to a working one) as the housing is in nice shape i'm tempted to build something from it. 

 

I've looked at the capsules that Thomann sells as replacements for the T-bone mics, they have good reviews but that's often not a true representation of how good they truly are.

 

is there a good way to test the capsule? i don't know if it's the capsule or the circuit that is dead in mine so it would be good to determine either way.

 

Matt

[Dad3353]

4 minutes ago, Matt P said:

... i don't know if it's the capsule or the circuit that is dead in mine so it would be good to determine either way ...

 

Some courage needed, but you could swap the 'duff' capsule for a working one from a similar mic; that'll show up which part isn't working. As has been stated, it's less often the capsule than the pre-amp, but that's the simple test, if you have an equivalent working mic. Worth a try..? 

Edited 5 hours ago by Dad3353

[Matt P]

35 minutes ago, Dad3353 said:

 

Some courage needed, but you could swap the 'duff' capsule for a working one from a similar mic; that'll show up which part isn't working. As has been stated, it's less often the capsule than the pre-amp, but that's the simple test, if you have an equivalent working mic. Worth a try..? 

 

I actually own 3 more of the same mic (Red5Audio RV8) all of them working, i'll have to have a look and see how easy swapping the capsule is, i've been meaning to inspect the circuit as well, my guess is either a bad solder joint or maybe a blown capacitor, i've got a feeling it's all surface mount though so beyond my soldering skills. maybe this is a good opportunity to build a replacement circuit for it.

 

Matt

[Dad3353]

1 hour ago, Matt P said:

 

I actually own 3 more of the same mic (Red5Audio RV8) all of them working, i'll have to have a look and see how easy swapping the capsule is, i've been meaning to inspect the circuit as well, my guess is either a bad solder joint or maybe a blown capacitor, i've got a feeling it's all surface mount though so beyond my soldering skills. maybe this is a good opportunity to build a replacement circuit for it ...

 

Of interest, maybe...

 

GearSpace : Red5 RV8 Recap..?

 

Try contacting Red5 Audio, perhaps..? They could advise, or even repair it for you..? Their contact is ...

 

Contact for Red5 Audio...

Edited 2 hours ago by Dad3353