Superlux S502 MK2 test, teardown and improvements

[Emmathom]

As for the coupling ring, I was already thinking that this would be a best solution.
I wouldn't fix it with expoxy though. Conductivity again
Either make it a touch oversized on one end and screw in the body while frozen or just use a tiny dab of a thread locking compound - Loctite or similar.

Yep a ring... or cut the "head" and adapt it to a body. But I'll be able to see more clearly when I get my mic MkII...

 

[Emmathom]

I'm asking again :

Did one of you already try a Superlux MkII capsule on a Schoeps pré ?

 

[pmfalcman]

it's not conductive and "inert" because of adonization ?

Yes.
The process forms a hard, very resistant oxide(Al2O3) layer. Much more resistant that forms naturally. Which is also electrically non-conductive.

 

[Emmathom]

Yes.
The process forms a hard, very resistant oxide(Al2O3) layer. Much more resistant that forms naturally. Which is also electrically non-conductive.

So... (it's not clear) do you NOT recommand adonized aluminium ? prefer brass ? (over other metals)

Do you mean that because of the 3 wires of the MkII capsule (plus / minus / ground) conductivity has to be from capsule to XLR thru whole body ?

These completly different techonlogies from 1rst to MkII version is getting me a bit headache (why did they change everything damn !)

 

[micro1_de]

Hi,

I have screwed Superlux MK II capsules on a Schoeps pre. No problem. And I use Schoeps MK4 capsules on the S502 II.

 

[Emmathom]

Hi,

I have screwed Superlux MK II capsules on a Schoeps pre. No problem. And I use Schoeps MK4 capsules on the S502 II.

that's a great news, thank you ! so how's the MkII sound on the Schoeps pré compared to MK4 caps ?

 

[pmfalcman]

Hmmm... I used to vape. Before the bases became ridiculously overpowered electronic laden devices.
Just a tube for a 18650 akku (or two) with a mechanical momentary switch.
I just went and dug out what is left of my stuff.

A brass tube 22 mm diameter, 2,5 mm wall thickness, threaded inside at both ends (regular thread), 19,5 mm inside.
Rings a bell?
Ready made and cheap (10 bucks or so).

The one I have left (photos) is too short but I had longer bodies.
I'd have to search my aging memory for the site net address and check if these are still aviailable.

Of course it'd need a screw-in XLR adapter/holder made. Which could make this whole exercise too expensive versus a body made from scratch.

Needs investigating.

 

[Emmathom]

Yep a brass tube like 22mm outside and 18mm inside to be machined correctly (not an issue). But the diameter of the capsule thread (19,2mm) and the diameter of the interface (18,8mm) leaves only 0,4mm of materiel which is thin (too much I guess). So back to a "kunction rig" maybe... So yes it needs reflexion and more investigations

(XLR can be held by a screw like most of the SDC and a dedicated hole in the body)

 

[pmfalcman]

So... (it's not clear) do you NOT recommand adonized aluminium ? prefer brass ? (over other metals)

I do not recommend

Laiss tombe l'idee de alu. Trop de problemes potentiales.

 

[ubxf]

that's a great news, thank you ! so how's the MkII sound on the Schoeps pré compared to MK4 caps ?

Post #7-#22 in this thread might be a good read

 

[Emmathom]

Post #7-#22 in this thread might be a good read

Yes I've read all the thread and thanks to @micro1_de for all measurements... but I like also to get "feelings" from users, like "it's very close to the same sound but a bit too much high-ends" (for ex.)

 

[bremusound]

It has a bit more high end compared to the MK4, which is not necessarily a bad thing when used as an ORTF mic at a distance.

 

[Emmathom]

It has a bit more high end compared to the MK4, which is not necessarily a bad thing when used as an ORTF mic at a distance.

Thank you ! It pushes us to go further

 

[jp8]

Every aluminium part in open air will oxidize. Well known. But that does not mean it is totally unusable, though I guess brass is better. Isn't the MXL603 made of aluminum? OK, I cut my finger on a burr on the threads and capsule does screw on smoothly. But electrical contact is sufficient if there is enough contact pressure which pierces the oxide layer and the pressure seals the contact against new corrosion. Aluminimun is even used for high-tension, high-current wiring. Even nickel has an oxide layer that has to be pierced for proper contact.

Jan

 

[k brown]

I think very few mic capsules/body threads are aluminum; if not brass they are usually nickle or in cheap mics, so-called pot-metal.

I've had all kinds, and the only issues I've ever experienced is easy cross-threading, or binding - but never electrical contact so poor that caused any audible problems. The act of screwing/unscrewing clears any tiny amount of oxidation.

 

[Emmathom]

I think very few mic capsules/body threads are aluminum; if not brass they are usually nickle or in cheap mics, so-called pot-metal.

I've had all kinds, and the only issues I've ever experienced is easy cross-threading, or binding - but never electrical contact so poor that caused any audible problems.

I think Oktava's body is "pot-metal" (very thin) but the thread is different. More strong, It shines and looks like stainless steel (but it ain't steel). Maybe brass ? Its color is silver xith a tiny amount of gold coloration.

About the body project we stand on brass until further information. No more aluminium considered. We thought (not for long) about carbon pipe (very light & strong) but carbon is way too much sound conductive ! Metal seems to be unavoidable...