Microphone trouble

Discussion in 'Studio' started by anonymouse, Jun 25, 2021.

  1. anonymouse

    anonymouse Platinum Record

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    So I got this old Oktava MC-012-01 condenser microphone.

    I plug it in, turn on 48v and either two things happen:
    - there's a lot of noise, sounds like blowing in the mic
    - no audio

    This is solved by hitting the mic a few times, after that it works perfect.

    Any idea what could be the culprit?
     
    anonymouse, Jun 25, 2021
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  2. BEAT16

    BEAT16 Audiosexual

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    Best Answer
    There is a small "mini screw" at the bottom of the housing of the MK012. Screw that out a little bit. To do this, you need a very small (watchmaker) screwdriver. And please only screw a little and do not use force or unsuitable screwdrivers .. The screw fixes the electronics in the housing. If it is too deep there are problems.

    No signal available: Check whether the phantom power is switched on and 48V is available. Check the XLR cable and the correct pin assignment. Check The three small screws in the lower part of the microphone. You should see the heads of the three screws on the microphone surface. (In case of doubt, turn the screws anti-clockwise out of the Rotate microphone; do not screw in any further!)

    Sound distortion: capsule was subject to excessive humidity. The can and can only happen with all condenser microphones can be remedied by placing the capsule in a warm, dry place.
     
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    BEAT16, Jun 25, 2021
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  3. Lois Lane

    Lois Lane Audiosexual

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    Also, because of its capacity of interchangeable capsules, unscrew the one that's on there and see if there is any corrosion where there should be none. If not, just screw it back on and see if it clears things up. Contacts can be problematic in "old" microphones. Contact cleaner cleaning is de rigueur in situations such as these...if you please.
     
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    Lois Lane, Jun 25, 2021
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  4. anonymouse

    anonymouse Platinum Record

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    Thanks for the replies. It's been doing the windy noise thing for a few years now, but I haven't been bothered asking for help since it's usually remedied by hitting the mic a couple of times lol. After all these years, could it still be a humidity thing?
     
    anonymouse, Jun 25, 2021
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  5. BEAT16

    BEAT16 Audiosexual

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    I have attached the "Neumann - Some Remarks On Microphone Mainenace" as a PDF. It says exactly there.

    P.S:: Carry out an inspection by a specialist dealer ...!
     

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    BEAT16, Jun 25, 2021
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  6. anonymouse

    anonymouse Platinum Record

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    Since I adjusted the screws I haven't experienced the problem yet! It seems fixed, thanks a bunch!
     
    anonymouse, Jul 21, 2021
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