|
Post by fred7 on Aug 3, 2022 10:28:54 GMT
Went to do some recording yesterday (first time this year) only to find my AKG C1000S condenser mic was not working. It takes two batteries but it will not unscrew to get at them. It is so tight I had to consult YouTube to make sure it should come apart the way I thought - and it should. The mic is only two years old and has been stored in its' box in a dry drawer. The mic isn't performing properly with phantom power either so I suspect the batteries may have leaked and buggered it up inside.
Anyone had similar problems? Any recommendations for replacement - not sure I want to go with battery powered condenser again.
|
|
|
Post by lavaman on Aug 3, 2022 11:14:38 GMT
The AKG C1000S was the first mic I bought. I normally use it with phantom power but if I have to use the battery I take it out afterwards and keep it in the box. I reckon these mics are more rugged than most so I'd advise you to use more force / torque to separate the two parts and look inside. The batteries may well have leaked onto the on/off switch. If so you might be able to clean or bypass the switch.
Regarding replacement mics, you're spoilt for choice and most budget mics will give very good results. I mostly use Rode and sE mics as they deliver a good sound for the money. For budget LDC mics I'd look at Rode NT1, AT2020, and sE X1. For SDC look Rode NT5, and whatever sE make.
good luck Iain
|
|
|
Post by surfguy13 on Aug 3, 2022 11:49:13 GMT
In terms of freeing up the thread to get the batteries out you clearly can't use anything like WD40 but it might be an idea to squirt a touch of Servisol all around the thread and leave it for a few hours before trying to unscrew? It's not the best option for lubrication but it won't damage any of the delicate electrics or the sleeve of the mic. Otherwise you could try using 2 slightly damp cloths on either side of the thread to get a better purchase?
Wish you the best of luck, these things can be incredibly irritating. One last thing, it doesn't have an extended guarantee by any chance? Some mikes have up to 5 years.
Guy
|
|
|
Post by shufflebeat on Aug 4, 2022 2:52:18 GMT
In terms of freeing up the thread to get the batteries out you clearly can't use anything like WD40... In normal circs I would use Plusgas (much better than wd40) to free a stuck thread, something I did recently with an old Sony ecm50 lavalier inside which the battery had indeed leaked out. Application with a cotton bud can avoid accidental dousing but, to be honest, I think careful aim with the spray will be enough precaution and your only going to use a little - possibly several times.
|
|
|
Post by surfguy13 on Aug 4, 2022 7:07:16 GMT
In terms of freeing up the thread to get the batteries out you clearly can't use anything like WD40... In normal circs I would use Plusgas (much better than wd40) to free a stuck thread, something I did recently with an old Sony ecm50 lavalier inside which the battery had indeed leaked out. Application with a cotton bud can avoid accidental dousing but, to be honest, I think careful aim with the spray will be enough precaution and your only going to use a little - possibly several times. It's weird but I have never heard of Plusgas and have just had a look at it. Amazing stuff and designed specifically to free anything that is seized......I will have to get a can! I mentioned Servisol because it is specifically designed for use around electronic components and therefore would not cause any issues with the electronics inside the mic. However, although it is a lubricant it is not designed to free rusted surfaces so Plusgas may be a better option. Just be very careful when applying it and as shufflebeat wisely says, maybe spray onto a cotton bud and re-apply where necessary. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by fred7 on Aug 4, 2022 23:23:30 GMT
lavamansurfguy13shufflebeatThanks for the advice guys - here's an update. There was no budging the mic - I tried everything and ended up with it clamped in the vice while I attacked it with pipe dogs. Nothing moving so I attacked it (carefully) with the Hacksaw to gain entry to the battery compartment. Sure enough the batteries had leaked and the inside was like a dried out snow globe. Cleaned it up but just crackles when plugged in on both battery and phantom power. The reason I went for a battery powered condenser is due to my acoustic amp not having phantom power. Not wanting battery mic again so I have ordered a budget dynamic mic (which will do as a spare/emergency mic) and take some time to research a decent mic in the meantime.
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 34,106
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Aug 5, 2022 9:06:52 GMT
|
|
|
Post by fred7 on Aug 5, 2022 11:27:25 GMT
Thanks Keith. In seeking a new 'decent' mic, I wouldn't want to discard condensers so that looks like a useful piece of kit - and at a price that won't bother the budget. I think I will totally dismantle the AKG and see if something can be salvaged.
|
|
|
Post by surfguy13 on Aug 5, 2022 14:52:46 GMT
lavaman surfguy13 shufflebeat Thanks for the advice guys - here's an update. There was no budging the mic - I tried everything and ended up with it clamped in the vice while I attacked it with pipe dogs. Nothing moving so I attacked it (carefully) with the Hacksaw to gain entry to the battery compartment. Sure enough the batteries had leaked and the inside was like a dried out snow globe. Cleaned it up but just crackles when plugged in on both battery and phantom power. The reason I went for a battery powered condenser is due to my acoustic amp not having phantom power. Not wanting battery mic again so I have ordered a budget dynamic mic (which will do as a spare/emergency mic) and take some time to research a decent mic in the meantime. At least you know now and regardless of what you tried nothing was going to work. Yes, I nearly bought an acoustic amp a few months ago that didn't have phantom power and at the last minute realised so went for the next model up and I am so pleased I did so. My mic preamp has phantom power but sometimes you just want to plug in and play without the faff. Good luck with the new mic!
|
|