RE-20 possible short at roll off switch

[FZfile]

I just got an RE-20 (used) recently and thought it was defective because on the first session I tried to use it on (which was the day I bought it) it had week output and then no output.

when I got it home I fiddled with it and after flipping the roll off switch back and forth a couple of times, it worked fine.
Output was good (lower than my sm57 by quite a bit) and the sound was very much to my liking on my bass amp.

I haven't had any further problems but I am a little concerned about the initial problem.

Should something in the roll off connection cause a complete lack of output?

How do I get into the mic to check the connections???...........this thing is a freakin tank.
I see there is a very little screw at the bottom of the casing at the XLR housing..........but I'm not seeing any other screws and I tried to unscrew the top (gently) and it does not appear to come appart like that.

any thoughts would be appreciated.

-mike

 

[FZfile]

I guess since this isnt a Berry or SP question no one wants to touch it....

....but might anyone have any insight on this "classic" microphone ????

I mean come on, it the Howard Stern mic for cpripes sake.

Seriously, I know some of you guys know mics inside and out doing mic mods and so forth......does anyone have any thoughts on this?????

......please.........

-mike

 

[DJL]

I've never had a need to open my RE20 and if I did I'd send it to EV to fix because I'd most likely just screw it up if I tried to fix it myself. Send Harvey a PM and ask him... I bet he can tell you how to open it up and etc.

PS, this thread is another example of why we need Harvey back in the active mode.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

I sent FZ a detailed explanation on how to open and fix his RE20. It sounds like a dirty contact, easy to clean, once the mic is apart. It's a simple on/off switch that just shunts an inductor across the output, rolling off the bottom end. Easy to find - it's got two yellow wires connected to it.

 

[DJL]

Thank you Harvey.

 

[FZfile]

Ditto....thanks Harvey very much.

Good to see your still around.....although I have no idea about whatever controversey it was that caused you to leave.

For some reason your PM to me has dissapeared into the ether but I think I remember.......the steps you laid out.

I'll give it a shot and let you know.

Thanks again.

-mike

.....oh and thanks again for the big thread.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Here ya go:

Disassembing an RE20

First, use a small slotted screwdriver to remove the XLR plug, by inserting it in the small hole, and turn it counter-clockwise till the screw goes all the way in. Remove the XLR plug. This will reveal a small hex head screw which needs to be unscrewed.

You can then remove the back end of the mic, exposing the impedance switching connectors. The two yellow wires connected to the roll off switch simply add an inductor when those wires are shorted together.

When reassembing the unit, note the locating pin hole on themetal "Y" piece. The back end of the mic has to line up with this hole. Put it together like you took it apart.

 

[DJL]

Then use a little contact cleanner and work the switch back and forth until you work the dirt out of it, wipe it down and put the mic back together and thats all there is to it.