Sony C800 "Just doesn't sound right"

[outoftune]

Have a Sony C800G here in the shop. It's functioning and doesn't have any major issues, but the client tells me that it "just doesn't sound right." We've compared it to another C800G and it's clear this one sounds different from the other one.

Is it possible that this is an issue with the tube? Any other suggestions of things to check for? Thanks!

 

[bruno2000]

Suggestion:  DON'T send it back to Sony!  They'll make it worse!
Best,
Bruno2000

 

[sodderboy]

Bill Bradley at The Mic Shop does all my mic work.  Two clients were very pleased with his work, his charge, and turnaround time on their C800s.  He does vintage and current, sells refurbs, and makes his own mics.
I agree with not sending it to Sony. 
Mike

 

[nielsk]

A common thing that happens to these is someone putting in a regular grade tube in the mic. It MUST have the Sony tube to sound right.
I have also seen the capsules get tired, try switching front & back leads and listen to the back side, if it sounds better you can turn the capsule around (tricky but possible)... I have been able to get more life of of them this way, the capsules seem to degrade from spittle. On one the front side was so bad I had to disconnect it (after turning it around), but the mic still works great in cardioid (the only way it gets used) ;D

 

[outoftune]

hey, thanks for the input.

this mic is only a few months old, hasn't had any service done to it. it's a customer of the store where i work. i was hesitant to send it to Sony because no one who worked there seemed to have any idea that this mic even existed - "is that the mic for a mini disc player?"

 

[emrr]

A mic like that of such young age should qualify for instant warranty replacement.  Tis bull for manufacturers or service centers to even suggest 'repair' on items of such value.  I've been down that maddening road several times, and not had useable equipment for many months on end, while out thou$ands. 

 

[MHanson]

+1(and as many zeros as you can handle) to what Doug just said!

Michael

 

[Gus]

What is wrong with the sound?
'just doesn't sound right." means nothing

Describe what is different.  Is this the C800G with the heatpipe? 

 

[outoftune]

it's the one with the big heatsink.

i'm not very familiar with the sound of the c800, i've tested this mic and it works properly, but the customer is saying that it doesn't have the same sound as all the other C800's, the "bad" one has reduced HF response and a little less bass.

do these mics vary a great deal from mic to mic? or are they pretty consistent?

 

[JessJackson]

they are usually consistant...

they sound much better with the long russian 6au6a tubes than the military spec short rca tubes etc...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6AU6-EF94-Tubes-6J4P-Lot-4-/200650490666?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb7b3832a#ht_2029wt_1144

i recently just ordered a new MA-55 populated board for my mic from sony pro parts due to a cap somewhere not releasing charge.

i have a few spare russian tubes if your in LA