Found an antique mic (RCA 50-A). Looking for parts/repair tips!

[FocalSpot]

I came across an RCA type 50-A microphone today. So far, I've been able to download a .pdf of the instruction manual, and would like to try my hand at restoring it.
I understand "Google is free," but I've hit some dead ends, particularly in finding parts, like a mic cord connector that would fit it (Cannon type 0-3-11).
Does anyone have recommendations for a parts site?
BONUS: if you've restored pieces like this before, am I - a humble weekend tinkerer - already in way over my head?
Thanks in advance!

 

[andYz00m]

Hey there! Welcome to the forum. Lots of very helpful, knowledgeable and wise folks.

Send pics of the mic!
What does it have connected now?
Is it working?
Where did you get it?
When you say "restore", do you mean service it to be usable and sound proper, or do you want to restore it aesthetically as well?
Period correct connectors and cable?

 

[FocalSpot]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

1. Pics (and manual .pdf) attached!
2. Nothing connected at present. However, both the schematic *and* the connector indicate the pins.
3. No idea if it [was] working (a few wires just snapped off @ the solder joint when I opened the casing).
4. Found in upstate NY (flea market that deals in estate sales).
5. Primary goal: I'd love to get it working properly again. It looks like the thin plastic (forgive my lack of lingo) "diaphragm"(?) that I *assume* houses the wire is still intact. I'm hoping it's just a few wire replacements away from being back up and running.

I do voiceover, and while I doubt this will outperform the ol' SM7B, I'd feel quite accomplished if I could bring this beauty back from just being a nostalgic paperweight.

6. If I could find a period-correct cable, that'd be fantastic. If, however, I have to disassemble a standard XLR and slip the female ends over the pins manually, so be it.

 

[andYz00m]

Awesome!! Super simple thing. Its such a funny design of the diaphram with the corrugations like that.

I say connect it to a preamp with some alligator cables and see if it works! In the schematic it shows the proper connections: (Pin 2 has ALWAYS been hot...) haha. So connect your pins to an xlr cable as shown below and then plug it into a pre amp (NO PHANTOM POWER) and see what happens.

If it doesnt work, we can troubleshoot from there.

 

[FocalSpot]

I'll keep you posted! BTW, are there any additional precautions you'd recommend re: working with the old solder? I'm guessing it's the standard lead/tin variety, so... lower melting point than lead-free?

 

[emrr]

Is that the same connector used on some WE mics? Probably close to unobtainium.

 

[andYz00m]

I'll keep you posted! BTW, are there any additional precautions you'd recommend re: working with the old solder? I'm guessing it's the standard lead/tin variety, so... lower melting point than lead-free?

I dont think you need to solder anything at this point. EDIT: I see that you mentioned wired snapped off. Would be a good idea to carefully resolder. Then test the mic with alligator clips or some other method.

Is that the same connector used on some WE mics? Probably close to unobtainium.

Youre probably right.. Ive never seen that connector before. If YOU dont even know where to get one... fugettaboutit.

From the photos, it looks like there is a back panel to the connector housing that has screws, so you could probably just connect a mic cable directly to the output leads or put a pig tail on there.

 

[FocalSpot]

Success! Now to find a yoke mount. From what I've seen so far, I might have to have someone handy w/ metal just fabricate one.