Is anyone going to try...

  • Thread starter Thread starter MadAudio
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so... what exactly does the transformer do??? this is prolly a really simple question... and also, i guess i'm a little confused... you take the mics capsule off, and it's still attached to the diaphragm part by the wiring... how do you boil this without getting this wet??? you actually boil the capsule???

Jacob
 
I break things when I try and fix em. I best leave this alone... :eek:
 
Jacobi1211 said:
so... what exactly does the transformer do??? this is prolly a really simple question... and also, i guess i'm a little confused... you take the mics capsule off, and it's still attached to the diaphragm part by the wiring... how do you boil this without getting this wet??? you actually boil the capsule???
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry about wires getting wet as long as you let them dry first. I assume the idea is to dip the thing in hot water to soften the glue or whatever holds the transformer in place. I'd use tongs; steam hurts like hell. :D

As for the transformer, it does the following:

A. Probably steps up the output level.
B. Protects the capsule from malfunctioning phantom power.
C. Somewhat changes the character of the sound.

In spite of the third point, the second point is reason enough not to do a mod that removes the transformer, IMHO. Replace it with a better one, sure, but I wouldn't recommend removing it....

If a phantom power source delivers DC down only one wire, assuming there's a transformer, the transformer heats up a little and dumps the DC voltage down the other signal line. No harm done, as transformers don't pass DC.

By contrast, if you apply 48V directly to one side of a dynamic mic element, you'd be dumping 48VDC across the element, as the moderately low input impedance of your preamp is effectively a ground by comparison. When this occurs, the microphone element will basically act like a speaker. The diaphragm will be kicked all the way to maximum inwards or outwards excursion, depending on polarity, and will just stick there like that. Either way, the element is likely to shoot parts across the room.... :D
 
Minion said:
Here is the artical you were looking for:

http://www.prosoundweb.com/recording/tapeop/buildmic/buildmic_16_1.shtml


I have just started Makeing a Bunch of these Mics and they work really well accept I have it slightly Modified from what is on the Tape-Op Site which Cuts down on Self Noise and Eliminates any RF or EM Interferance and since these Mics only need about 3v and not 9v I changed it to useing 2 Small watch batteries so I can Fit the Batteries in with the Mic as opposed to have an external Power supply....

Cheers
Click to expand...

Kick ass! Now, it says to order the mic cartridge from digi-key. Can the capacitors and resistors be found at Home Depot? Where do you get yours from?
 
lucky13 said:
Kick ass! Now, it says to order the mic cartridge from digi-key. Can the capacitors and resistors be found at Home Depot? Where do you get yours from?
Click to expand...

That particular capsule isn't made anymore. (old article) There is a suitable replacement, but I don't remember which part # off the top of my head.

No, Home Depot doesn't carry capacitors and resistors. Go to an electronics parts store or get the same parts from Digikey or Mouser.
 
So if I call and ask for a capsule similar to that one they should be able to point me in the right direction?
 
Dogman said:
I break things when I try and fix em. I best leave this alone... :eek:
Click to expand...

My dad was ALWAYS saying, "You don't have to break it just cuz you know how." I was never quite sure what he meant and I still take everything apart as soon as it arrives.











PS I have a garage full of stuff that doesn't work. :D
 
dgatwood said:
A. Probably steps up the output level.
B. Protects the capsule from malfunctioning phantom power.
C. Somewhat changes the character of the sound.

In spite of the third point, the second point is reason enough not to do a mod that removes the transformer, IMHO. Replace it with a better one, sure, but I wouldn't recommend removing it....
:D
Click to expand...

I have VERY little elctronics experience. Some soldering but almost no expertise as t what does what. What would be an example of a better transformer? I assume you can't just mix and match willy-nilly. Or can you??? :confused:
 
could'nt a switch be used to remove/add the transformer from/to the mic? referring to the 57 mod...........and damnit, i have'nt got my tapeop. bummer.
 
PhilGood said:
That particular capsule isn't made anymore. (old article) There is a suitable replacement, but I don't remember which part # off the top of my head.
Click to expand...

I checked it out and the replacement is part no. 359-1011-ND in case anybody is interested in making one of these mics. (or a stereo pair for that matter)
 
I am ready to try this on one of my 57s but in the article about it it mentions the A and B- post on the diaphram but when I took my mic apart i didnt see anything like that. My mic is one of the Hispanic models.
So i guess what I am asking is has anyone around here done this yet and could you tell me which wires are which and what goes where?
Thank you for your help.

Soldering iron in hand :confused:
 
lucky13 said:
I checked it out and the replacement is part no. 359-1011-ND in case anybody is interested in making one of these mics. (or a stereo pair for that matter)
Click to expand...

Or if you want a Panasonic part, I believe people have used P9925-ND (Pana #WM-61A). It is spec'ed with high sensitivity and better S/N ratio than WM-60AY.
 
lucky13 said:
Kick ass! Now, it says to order the mic cartridge from digi-key. Can the capacitors and resistors be found at Home Depot? Where do you get yours from?
Click to expand...


Digikey doesn"t sell that Model of Condenser Element anymore as Panasonic Has Discontinued that Model but you can get Elements with just as Good Or better frequency Responce at :

http://www.jlielectronics.com/spec.htm

I just ordered 20 Condenser elements from there, I got 10 of one Kind and an assortment of others so I can try to find the Best ones for certain uses.....

I actually might put some of the parts Together as Kits and sell them on e-bay....

You can get the Capacitors and Resostors at any electronix Supply store Like Radio Shack, I got all of the Caps and Resistors too make 2 Mics for under $2 but I am going to Make some Basic Circuit Boards to wire them together as it will be neater and Smaller and less problematic....

You can get the Male XLR Connectors at Most Music Stores or even on e-bay..
I think I am going to just use metal Tubes for the Body of my Mics and Put mesh over the end you sing into , also you don"t need to use a 9v Battery either as the Element only needs about 3v-5v to Run so I use 2 or 3 small watch Batteries that I get for 0.25c each at the Dollar Store....

They are Pretty easy to make but if you need any help just let me know....

Cheers
 
Minion said:
Digikey doesn"t sell that Model of Condenser Element anymore as Panasonic Has Discontinued that Model but you can get Elements with just as Good Or better frequency Responce at :

http://www.jlielectronics.com/spec.htm

I just ordered 20 Condenser elements from there, I got 10 of one Kind and an assortment of others so I can try to find the Best ones for certain uses.....

I actually might put some of the parts Together as Kits and sell them on e-bay....

You can get the Capacitors and Resostors at any electronix Supply store Like Radio Shack, I got all of the Caps and Resistors too make 2 Mics for under $2 but I am going to Make some Basic Circuit Boards to wire them together as it will be neater and Smaller and less problematic....

You can get the Male XLR Connectors at Most Music Stores or even on e-bay..
I think I am going to just use metal Tubes for the Body of my Mics and Put mesh over the end you sing into , also you don"t need to use a 9v Battery either as the Element only needs about 3v-5v to Run so I use 2 or 3 small watch Batteries that I get for 0.25c each at the Dollar Store....

They are Pretty easy to make but if you need any help just let me know....

Cheers
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I'm currently gathering all of the parts. If I have any questions I'll definitely hit you up.
 
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