Panasonic WM-61A Mic Capsule going obsolete

[benb]

Hi folks, this is Ben Bradley, I've lurked on and off for many years (I recall over a decade ago this group was hosted on/part of  a more general recording site), been meaning to get back here, post, and make (more) recording equipment projects. But for now I have news (not sure if this thread goes here, but the subject line should get people's attention):

The Panasonic capsule mentioned is being discontinued. I looked around, Digikey is the only site (other than a few ebay (re)sellers) I found that has it in stock:
http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?x=0&y=0&lang=en&site=us&KeyWords=wm-61A
"Limited quantity available, not recommended for new design." The page shows stock of 12,514, and I've ordered 100 for my personal use (or sale, depending on how prices change).

Here's the famous Linkwitz mod (among perhaps thousands of web pages that mention this part):
http://www.linkwitzlab.com/sys_test.htm#Mic

It appears that ALL of Panasonic's mic elements (all the ones I saw that Digikey carries) are being discontinued. The email I received from Digikey (I just happened to have ordered a couple of WM-61A's in the last two years) with this news gave this part as a possible replacement. It's an electret capsule in the same price range by another manufacturer:
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/POM-3535L-3-R/668-1391-ND/3830232
There's no telling if the "Linkwitz Mod" will work on it, but I've ordered a couple to compare.

 

[PRR]

Low-spec electret capsules are old-hat and low-margin. "Panasonic stands for quality, value and innovation. Bringing the benefits of advanced digital technology to everyone.  At Panasonic, we’re driven to make what matters most, better. Just another way we’re engineering a better world for you." Any back-alley can make low-spec electret capsules cheaper than P-Sonic. And the major markets (after answering machines, are there any left?) just don't care to pay P-Sonic's price. P-Sonic wisely choose to get out of that racket and put the space and capital into something that P-Sonic thinks needs their fine attention and forward design more.

 

[benb]

Someone wants these, Digikey stock went from 12,000 to zero in the last day. There's still some at reasonable prices on ebay, but no doubt that will change soon.

 

[geoff004]

There are alternatives available.  Just do a little research.
Mouser sells a capsule (at least 1) with basically the same specs as the Panasonic - can't recall the brand off the top of my head.