Opinions on a Neumann M8 capsule

[beatnik]

Hi, I am thinking to buy this M8 capsule. It is the bayonet type for older bottle mics

I have attached a picture here.

Does this capsule look good to you ? I see that the membranes have something like scratches, is that normal ?

 

[gyraf]

Why is gold missing below the center contact terminal? Or is it perhaps just a photographic artifact?

If gold really is missing under there, it could be an uninformed re-gold-operation. Leaf gold, anyone?  ;D

Jakob E.

 

[ln76d]

I think that there's a little black spot under connector, which is common in gefell capsules and i think it arises with too high voltage or even short in the circuit. On some of my capsules are scratches but they're really minor.
M8 from the photo looks like someone could try to clean it.
Those capsules are ****** up too clean, almost impossible with a large layer of dirt.
So "kids, don't try it at home"

If you have possibility, check the second side of the capsule.
On one of my M7, second side diaphragm was peeled off...

 

[beatnik]

i think that those lighter spot in the golden foil are no photographic effect at all, seems like the gold is less shiny there

after you said the thing about cleaning I have made more research and seen the color of the material surrounding the capsule is normally different. is not so dark. so i think you might be right, the capsule was quite dirt and someone who didn't know what was doing tried cleaning it

in any event, how would you clean those kind of capsules ?

 

[ln76d]

i think that those lighter spot in the golden foil are no photographic effect at all, seems like the gold is less shiny there

after you said the thing about cleaning I have made more research and seen the color of the material surrounding the capsule is normally different. is not so dark. so i think you might be right, the capsule was quite dirt and someone who didn't know what was doing tried cleaning it

in any event, how would you clean those kind of capsules ?

I see there also a little black spot in the center, it doesn't look like a shadow.
With gefell capsules is hard to tell anything, because the quality varied widely.
If it's truly dirt (not only by saliva) probably you will need send it to reskin - Thiersch is good choice i think.
You can always try to clean it, if you will be decided for reskinning first.
I've tried several different brushes for various purposes and the best which i've found is...
Makeup beveled brush!
Small and softest as possible (it can't be cheapest) + distilled water.

 

[bernbrue]

Be careful when turning the screw for the centre contact terminal. On the backside there is another terminal that tends to turn with the screw. It will ruin the backside of the capsule. I learnt it the hard way.
Best
Bernd

 

[beatnik]

guys, thanks for sharing your tricks and your experience, it's priceless

i think i will pass on this one, but as a matter of information, about how much usually costed in your experience to reskin capsules like this ?

 

[Sredna]

You can  contact Thiersch elektroakustik  about prices for reskinnig: http://www.thiersch-mic.de

I had several capsules (LD and SD) reskinned by him and Im very pleased by the result, prices are good too.

I think I paid about 130€ some years ago for a reskin of an M7 capsule, could have changed though....