My valve mic broken?

  • Thread starter Thread starter scifilibrary
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scifilibrary

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Hey everybody.
Was recording with my SE Electronics Z5600a valve mic when catastrophe struck - the mic started to crackle, and then the sound completely faded after about 10 seconds. :eek:
When i record with it I can still hear the mic movement and if you amplify the source by about 50 dB you can faguely hear it.
I think the power supply and leads are OK, so I think it must be the mic.

Does anyone else have a valve mic that's done this in the past? Is it something to do with the valve like heating or bias? As the sound actually faded like the mic was powered down, I'm thinking it's the valve.

Any reply is greatly appreciated,

Pete :)
 
Maybe you had the valve off and there was still water in the pipe. There might have been enough pressure left to get wet and soap up, but not rinse off! Is this a left-handed thread? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

badump ching!!
 
But seriously folks!!

No, it sounds to me like the tube may have developed a leak. Look inside. If the 'getter' (silver coating at the top of the tube) has turned white or has a white-ish tint, the tube probably has a leak. The heater filament also may have burned out.
 
Do you feel comfortable opening your mic and replacing the tube. If you do, then try pulling the tube out and reinserting the tube to clean the contacts of the tube socket. I had an MXLV69 and this fixed mine twice.

Good luck, and remember ----High Voltage---- remove power before attempting this repair or any repair.

Rob
 
Contact the dealer or the manufacturer and have the mic serviced....
 
alanhyatt said:
Contact the dealer or the manufacturer and have the mic serviced....
Click to expand...


Ditto. It could be the power supply, a wet capsule, a bad tube, etc., etc. etc.
 
alanhyatt said:
Contact the dealer or the manufacturer and have the mic serviced....
Click to expand...

Why? Does changing the tube void the warranty? If so, I'm in big trouble, 'cause I've changed the tubes in all my tube mics for better ones.
 
Thanks v much for advice everyone. Contacted dealer and they are repairing (and if not, replacing) it for free. Sweet.

Pete :)
 
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