"loose" MIC

[Claude G]

Hi all: I just bought a great mic for trumpet that Harvey and others recommended - Beyer M260 ribbon. I am real happy with it and it seems to go real well with my Grace Design 101 pre. Here is the question though: I bought is used and when you handle it (lightly) it seems to have something loose inside...?? is this normal or is something really loose?

The sound is great so I don't think it could be something serious...??? Should I try opening it up? Thanks for any input.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

It's been a few years since I had mine open but as I recall:

The M260 has an internal shock mount to reduce handling noise. This shock mount lets the entire capsule float and is held in place by a soft rubber ring. If the ring deteriorates or breaks, the capsule will rattle around in there. If that's what happened to your 260, you might want to carefully remove the cover and at least get the loose rubber parts out of there.

It won't hurt anything to not have the rubber ring in there, except you will get more handling noise and shock problems (if someone is bouncing around in front of the mic). Beyer can repair it, but their repair prices are outrageous. You might be able to buy the part separately and repair it yourself.

 

[Claude G]

Harvey: Thank you for the info. I will get in it tonight, but do I just twist off the wire mesh protector, or is there a screw somewhere? As you can tell, I'm not very mechanically minded...

 

[Sennheiser]

If that's the problem and you can't get the part, wrap the capsule in a thin strip of foam rubber and reinsert into the mic body. It should work.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Going from memory (since I'm not in the studio right now), but I think the ball end is held on by 3 VERY TINY Phillip's head screws.