Hardware discussion: Fixing mics that cut out?

[Paulie]

Hardware repair question:

When a mic cuts out when you jiggle the XLR input (and you know the cable is good), is the fix an easy one? Is this a common microphone problem similar to power supply connectors on PC laptops? Is this a simple soldering iron fix or is it more complicated than that?

Paulie, the electronic repair n00b

[Paulie]

This thread was almost titled "Help me Mojobone, you're my only hope."

[jamesnorth]

It could be the XLR port on the mic itself, or it could be a join (cable/wire?) that goes to that XLR port from the PCB (if that's how the mic is built).

Either way, re-flowing the solder on the port that mounts it to the PCB (or contacts it to wires) is a good start - then check continuity with a multimeter if you can to confirm that the output from the PCB does in fact make it to the end of the output of the XLR pins.

[Len911]

When a mic cuts out when you jiggle the XLR input (and you know the cable is good), is the fix an easy one? Is this a common microphone problem similar to power supply connectors on PC laptops? Is this a simple soldering iron fix or is it more complicated than that?

You could solder a new XLR plug and screw together, on the mic cable. It's very unlikely that the mic xlr jack is the problem because it is stationary and doesn't move when you "jiggle". It may or may not solve the problem. When you jiggle you could be causing one of the pins to short to the ground.

It's not natural for the XLR plug to be twisting, however, mics do get twisted and jiggled around, or unnatural position. The best solution might be to stiffen the plug and cable, oodles of electrical or duct tape, encapsulate, or put through a small pipe? Encapsulate with a glue gun if you have one handy. Not pretty.

If it's a mic that is used upside down like a condenser, anchor the mic cable for straighter higher.
Not as much a problem for a mic which has the cable hanging down from the bottom by gravity.

I've got a Telefunken mic with 7-pin xlr that I've used that solution on. It works. Heck I thought the tube was going out.

[MJRivard]

Hi,
Do you have the same problem with other mike cables on the mic that cuts out?
I was running sound for a local play, and had a simular problem with a Telex bodypack. It was the female XLR connector pins that had gotten wider over time. I used a small screw driver to push the outside edges of the pins to the center to make the connection with the male pin tighter. I had tried a few cables, that tested good, before finding the pin problem.

Since male connectors on microphones are male, check the female connectors on your cables. Then you can replace the bad female ends.

- Myran

[Paulie]

The cables are good, it's the mic itself. a Rode NT-1-A

Upon closer inspection, when you look at the three pins in the jack, if you orient the Mic so that the pins form a pyramid, the bottom right pin sticks out higher than the other two by a couple of mm.

I tried to remove the two screws at the bottom to open up the mic, but they are made of a very soft metal. One I got out, the other is stripped, and I stabbed my hand pretty deeply with the screwdriver. So, we'll see if I regain complete use of my left hand tomorrow so I can continue this project. :/

[Len911]

all Rode NT1As and NT2As have pins like that (one longer than the others, it is normal). Just checked both my Rode mics, they look exactly like your pic. I remember some time back querying Rode about this because I too thought it looked like one of the pins was loose - they said that is standard for the Rode mics with one pin longer.

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/low-end ... oblem.html

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much ... oblem.html

https://youtu.be/pyHqB4b8PyE

It seems the capsules are very sensitive to moisture, also.

[mojobone]

This thread was almost titled "Help me Mojobone, you're my only hope."

Hm. Usually, I get compared to Alec Baldwin, not Alec Guinness. The former is a bit redder in the face and slightly less reasonable, whether sober or drunk. Baldwins do pianos, Guinness does beer, so it's all good, cuz I like and use both. If you have a mic that's cutting out, I'd look to the cable, first; cables are cheaper than mics and are more easily replaced. I hope your hand heals.

That said, I think you're asked and answered. This is definitely a Rode Mics 'thing'.

[mojobone]

One other thought; if you're using cables with Neutrik XLR connectors, there's a rubber grommet at the mic end that some mics just 'don't like'. Personally, I'm a fan of that grommet, cuz it seals out moisture, which can be important on the occasional outdoor gig.

[Paulie]

FWIW I still haven't fixed the mic. Can't get the second of the two tiny screws to come out. Stripped it, stabbed myself, wound has healed, Might need to just drill it out.