Unmarked Microphone bodies and parts (SYT-5, CU-49, HT-11A, GT-2B, and U47)

[jandoste]

Any news?
Thanks

Thanks Chunger,
How long time It'll take? if it's next month it's ok for me...
Thanks

 

[chunger]

Any news?
Thanks

Thanks Chunger,
How long time It'll take? if it's next month it's ok for me...
Thanks

Hi Jandoste,

No shipments went out today because I was sorting electronics parts kits for 30 more units last night.  Likely 10 orders will ship on tomorrow.  Currently shipping orders placed 9/6/2013.  That is the best information I have.

 

[gary o]

Hi chunger, Im interested interested in A HT 11A doner mic a board & parts to come to UK ......I guess the mic PSU will be 110V ..... so I will need to get a 240V to 200V transformer ?

Also are there tax fees on top of postage to UK, if so anyone have a rough idea how much extra to pay ...

Many thanks, all the best.

 

[chunger]

Hi chunger, Im interested interested in A HT 11A doner mic a board & parts to come to UK ......I guess the mic PSU will be 110V ..... so I will need to get a 240V to 200V transformer ?

Also are there tax fees on top of postage to UK, if so anyone have a rough idea how much extra to pay ...

Many thanks, all the best.

The psu is set up with a switch to change between 110 and 220.  We retain the factory power transformer and mains wiring in the kit so you will not have any difficulties.  I do not charge any extra fees beyond shipping but taxes and tarrifs may be imposed upon import to some countries.

 

[chunger]

Looked into ribbon microphones from Alctron because it looks like I will need to make a follow-up order very soon.  They say they no longer make the RM-21 or the SRM-100 microphones and only offer the RM-10.  It looks like an interesting microphone.  I know a ribbon has been requested by a few people for modding and I think I can sell these for ~$100 USD.  Minimum quantity is 50 so I'd have to jump in with both feet.

I can check with other OEM's to see if anyone else offers a near-identical version.

 

[kvothe]

regarding the RM-10 or similar, I would be in for at least 1.

 

[sr1200]

If it includes the motor, i'd be in to that.

 

[Matador]

According to the web site, the ribbon motor in the RM-10 and RM-21 is the same:

Ribbon type & Dimensions:Pure aluminum,2.5 microns thick,35mm x 5 mm you(L x W)

Hey Chunger, what about the RM-15?  That looks suspiciously close to a Cascade Fathead.

 

[kidvybes]

Looked into ribbon microphones from Alctron because it looks like I will need to make a follow-up order very soon.  They say they no longer make the RM-21 or the SRM-100 microphones and only offer the RM-10.  It looks like an interesting microphone.  I know a ribbon has been requested by a few people for modding and I think I can sell these for ~$100 USD.  Minimum quantity is 50 so I'd have to jump in with both feet.

I can check with other OEM's to see if anyone else offers a near-identical version.

...just as a point of reference, it's critical that you verify the actual ribbon thickness that will be supplied...many of the OEM chinese ribbon mics claim 2.5 micron ribbon thickness but actually deliver 5-6 micron aluminum ribbon foil (not good)...it's much easier to work with the thicker foil from the manufacturer's standpoint (less delicate = less waste in the manufacturing process)...

...second, keep in mind that while “Medium Ribbon / Long Path” mics like the RM-10 and Fathead are excellent for some instrument/guitar cab micing duties, they don't excel on vocals...the “Long Ribbon / Short Path” types, like the Alctron RM-21 and RM-8B, exhibit extended top-end response and work well on vocals as well as piano, string, reed and brass instruments...I am currently tracking female vocals with a Cascade Victor (long-ribbon mic) with wonderful results (I can post clips if requested)...

...Chunger, the other concern I have for you as the vendor/supplier is that these mics (from a very reliable and familiar OEM manufacturer) are already available here in the states for under $80, and that price "includes one FREE no-hassle re-ribboning service and a lifetime guarantee on none-ribbon components"...is it worthwhile for you to compete with that?...might your investment be better placed elsewhere?...I say this as a friend...I can post a link to these $79 ribbon mics (both a “Medium Ribbon / Long Path” Fathead-style and “Long Ribbon / Short Path” Apex 205-style) if requested...

...if you haven't read this explanation of different chinese ribbon mic categories, it's very beneficial:
http://recordinghacks.com/2008/11/01/chinese-ribbon-microphone-designs/

 

[chunger]

Hey Kidvybes,

Thanks for the heads up.  I am just following up on customer interest here and do not have extensive knowledge of ribbon mics or the mod process.  My assumption was that any serious DIY would replace the ribbon or modify the motor with known premium components.

If other vendors are selling mics WITH servicing at $80, and the medium length ribbon is not a desirable configuration, I should at minimum be looking elsewhere besides Alctron as a source but more likely not jump into a head-to-head competition with large volume distributors.  My guess is that Alctron is maintaining their "non-problematic" products from a manufacturing standpoint. 

More research!

 

[kidvybes]

Hey Kidvybes,

Thanks for the heads up.  I am just following up on customer interest here and do not have extensive knowledge of ribbon mics or the mod process.  My assumption was that any serious DIY would replace the ribbon or modify the motor with known premium components.

If other vendors are selling mics WITH servicing at $80, and the medium length ribbon is not a desirable configuration, I should at minimum be looking elsewhere besides Alctron as a source but more likely not jump into a head-to-head competition with large volume distributors.  My guess is that Alctron is maintaining their "non-problematic" products from a manufacturing standpoint. 

More research!

...it may be more beneficial for you to look into the empty body/headbaskets without the pre-assembled ribbon motor and chinese transformer, and offer the components (ribbon foil, un-assembled motor w/magnets, and premium transformers) individually for the DIY crew...more like your other products (but you already know this  )...while I've seen vendors for foil, gears for crimping foil, pre-assembled ribbon motors, and transformers, I have yet to see any ribbon-mic bodies being offered by anybody...I wish you continued success!

BTW, the bulk of ribbon mics being marketed here in the US are originating from the vendor that originally supplied your SYT-5B bodies...

 

[analogtodd]

Maybe I'm less "in the know" than others here, but I'd like to know where I can get $79 re-ribboned fat-head like mics. 
You could link me via PM or the thread.

In ON TOPIC news, I've built both mics and power supplies that I ordered from chunger.  I'm awaiting Cinemag transformers (which are out of stock and look like a 3week lead time) and I'm also waiting on a pair of Tim Cambell capsules. 

Everything went together perfectly first time, and the voltages look good on first power up!!!

I was really afraid of the .1 cap being to big for the sleeve after reading through chungers fantastic step by step documentation, but after roughing it in, there is actually quite a bit of room in there!!! 

I'm already excited about doing a U47 pair next!!!!

 

[kidvybes]

Maybe I'm less "in the know" than others here, but I'd like to know where I can get $79 re-ribboned fat-head like mics. 

Fathead style (medium ribbon/long path): http://www.jrrshop.com/nos-r5-lollipop-ribbon-bass-microphone
Apex 205 style (long ribbon/short path): http://www.jrrshop.com/nos-r2-blue-ribbon-guitar-microphone

From the product descriptions:
"Each & every R2/R5 Ribbon is hand-picked & -tested in the USA. NOS backs the R2 with a lifetime warranty for all non-ribbon components, with a one-time, no-questions-asked replacement warranty for the ribbon element itself. The R2/R5 ships in a durable aluminum travel case."

...there's even a pop-up "Take $5 off any purchase of $75 or more" coupon, bringing the price down to $74 before shipping...

...I only offered up this info with the best intentions of alerting Chunger to what he might be competing with prior to making decisions to invest in new product inventory...I appreciate his (and Matador's) hard work and dedication, not to mention financial commitments, to making these DIY products available...

 

[poctop]

Hi Chung ,

Just wandered if you had heard from any progress conerning the SYT-5 and GT-2B style mic body.

Let me know,

Best,
DAn,

 

[chunger]

Hi Chung ,

Just wandered if you had heard from any progress conerning the SYT-5 and GT-2B style mic body.

Let me know,

Best,
DAn,

Hi DAn,

I am VERY close to seeing the "hopefully" final prototype for both GT-2B and SYT-5 microphones.  The last interactions I had with the metal factory were discussing the nickel plating.  They were supposed to have completed the samples last week, but there was a Chinese holiday with 3 vacation days, so hopefully they will be sending the sample to my associate soon who will  take a few pictures for me to verify that the changes I requested have been executed properly.

So, we are still in a holding pattern, but I'm hoping to have good news in the next few days.  Monitor this thread for the latest updates.

If the requested specifications are all met in the prototypes, we will immediately move forward to a production run that should not sell out for quite a few months.  Even if only one of the microphones is correct, i will move forward with production and import of the single "good" model right away.  The SYT-5 was almost perfect in the previous sample, so i am confident these will at least be good as the requested changes were very slight.

 

[Phrazemaster]

Hi Chunger,

I'm just wondering how far off the rev 2 with ELA M251 version of the PCB is? I know you mentioned we could hack the current PCB but I'd rather wait until you guys have vetted it and have the PCB updated.

I understand you've been swamped so I take that into consideration. But then again, in the big picture that's a good thing right! Mo' sales is good!

Thanks,

Mike

 

[chunger]

UPDATE:

We are now on revision 1.2 of the C12 pcb set.  Only the slightest of changes was implemented on the revision.  The board was lengthened by .060" to give slightly more length to the output capacitor slot.  The V-cap 250V 1uF OIMP type capacitor now fits without mods.  Since the kit-supplied Erse units have been working superbly in stock .56uF and 1uF options, I have not had a chance to test these super-expensive caps that are likely more snake-oil than actual "sonic gold" in our application.  There was discussion about extending the PCB length all the way down to the base of the mic to facilitate easier mounting of the AMI or Cinemag transformer, but recent tests of the clone against vintage original early type C12 leave the question open about whether the larger core early-style transformer may be a better performing setup overall.  Inquiries to Oliver at AMI about possible development of such a reproduction transformer have gone unanswered so far, but I can try Cinemag and other capable transformer specialists to see.  Anyways, the short story is I would like to leave enough space at the bottom of the mic for the larger core transformer should that ever become available.

There was also discussion about printing a dedicated ELA M251 board, but after some thought, Matador figured the changes necessary to the build are trivial enough that we really don't need a new board. . . as originally stated. . . even though he did lay out a board.  So, we will most likely proceed with a detailed build guide on the current PCB for the ELA preamp circuit.  Note:  9 position pattern switching of the C12 will be retained in our build so this will be a hybrid setup.  Sonically, in theory, it should not make a difference how the capsule is polarized.  Benefits are obviously more pattern options, easier build as we retain OEM physical configuration, and the ability to use capsules that do not have isolated backplates (most available options do not have this!).

Prototypes of the 2nd Generation GT-2B and SYT-5 bodies are moving forward.  The latest word is that the factory has completed "some" samples for me.  I presume this is at least the final revision SYT-5 prototype but could very well be both SYT-5 and GT-2B prototypes along with 2nd revision HT-11A headbaskets to incorporate a slight bend in the hoop base for cleaner lines (as originally spec'd but not executed correctly by the first-run factory).  I am again, cautiously optimistic.  A few photos will confirm if we are on-track or stalled again.  There is a Chinese holiday until the 7th (that would be today) so I would think I should hear something around the 10th.  Stay tuned here for updates.

New products are in the pipeline:

1.  "prototyping" pcb set for the HT-11A microphone.  This board is similar to the C12 PCB set but has no traces except for the tube heater supply voltage.  Teflon standoffs in press-fit configuration at the top of the mic will allow for traditional turret-board style wiring of C12, ELA M251, or any number of other mic configurations desired.  For those who would like to experiment with a point-to-point type tube mic build, this is a clean platform to do so in the HT-11A body with minimal fabrication and fitting of parts.

2.  Fully regulated psu board. . . most build problems we have encountered revolve around the passive B+ voltage supply of the current psu design.  The fully regulated design will allow for larger range of voltage adjustment and easier build.  With Matador's attention to the technical details, I am confident this will be clean and noise-free option.  We will of course test it head to head against the existing passive B+ type psu to confirm that it runs without issue.  Wider adjustment range should allow this psu to be used for more microphone types without adjusting passive components.

3.  Switch mode power supply adjunct pcb for U87 AI type circuit to use in conjunction with poctop's DU87 PCB's.

 

[bruno2000]

Payment sent, and picking up chocolates and wine for my wife on the way home.
Thanks!

My order arrived last week.  Everything looks great!  Thanks so much for the service.
Chocolates and wine went over well.
Now all I need is more time.
Best,
Bruno2000

 

[chunger]

UPDATE:


Prototypes are finished. . . but, we have a typhoon that has stopped transportation.  More information after the Typhoon clears.  My associate in China will send pictures ASAP and we will see where we are at.

 

[Melodeath00]

UPDATE:

We are now on revision 1.2 of the C12 pcb set.  Only the slightest of changes was implemented on the revision.  The board was lengthened by .060" to give slightly more length to the output capacitor slot.  The V-cap 250V 1uF OIMP type capacitor now fits without mods.  Since the kit-supplied Erse units have been working superbly in stock .56uF and 1uF options, I have not had a chance to test these super-expensive caps that are likely more snake-oil than actual "sonic gold" in our application.  There was discussion about extending the PCB length all the way down to the base of the mic to facilitate easier mounting of the AMI or Cinemag transformer, but recent tests of the clone against vintage original early type C12 leave the question open about whether the larger core early-style transformer may be a better performing setup overall.  Inquiries to Oliver at AMI about possible development of such a reproduction transformer have gone unanswered so far, but I can try Cinemag and other capable transformer specialists to see.  Anyways, the short story is I would like to leave enough space at the bottom of the mic for the larger core transformer should that ever become available.

There was also discussion about printing a dedicated ELA M251 board, but after some thought, Matador figured the changes necessary to the build are trivial enough that we really don't need a new board. . . as originally stated. . . even though he did lay out a board.  So, we will most likely proceed with a detailed build guide on the current PCB for the ELA preamp circuit.  Note:  9 position pattern switching of the C12 will be retained in our build so this will be a hybrid setup.  Sonically, in theory, it should not make a difference how the capsule is polarized.  Benefits are obviously more pattern options, easier build as we retain OEM physical configuration, and the ability to use capsules that do not have isolated backplates (most available options do not have this!).

Prototypes of the 2nd Generation GT-2B and SYT-5 bodies are moving forward.  The latest word is that the factory has completed "some" samples for me.  I presume this is at least the final revision SYT-5 prototype but could very well be both SYT-5 and GT-2B prototypes along with 2nd revision HT-11A headbaskets to incorporate a slight bend in the hoop base for cleaner lines (as originally spec'd but not executed correctly by the first-run factory).  I am again, cautiously optimistic.  A few photos will confirm if we are on-track or stalled again.  There is a Chinese holiday until the 7th (that would be today) so I would think I should hear something around the 10th.  Stay tuned here for updates.

New products are in the pipeline:

1.  "prototyping" pcb set for the HT-11A microphone.  This board is similar to the C12 PCB set but has no traces except for the tube heater supply voltage.  Teflon standoffs in press-fit configuration at the top of the mic will allow for traditional turret-board style wiring of C12, ELA M251, or any number of other mic configurations desired.  For those who would like to experiment with a point-to-point type tube mic build, this is a clean platform to do so in the HT-11A body with minimal fabrication and fitting of parts.

2.  Fully regulated psu board. . . most build problems we have encountered revolve around the passive B+ voltage supply of the current psu design.  The fully regulated design will allow for larger range of voltage adjustment and easier build.  With Matador's attention to the technical details, I am confident this will be clean and noise-free option.  We will of course test it head to head against the existing passive B+ type psu to confirm that it runs without issue.  Wider adjustment range should allow this psu to be used for more microphone types without adjusting passive components.

3.  Switch mode power supply adjunct pcb for U87 AI type circuit to use in conjunction with poctop's DU87 PCB's.

Can you elaborate on the big core transformer? It sounds like you're saying the larger core original C12 sounded better. What was better? Bigger bass?

HT-11A revision - will this include a dampened headbasket to get rid of ring? You said cautiously optimistic, but since I am still waiting on my CT12, I could stand to wait for the revision headbasket, possibly.

C12 point-to-point board - Any timeframe at all, or potential price?

Will it still be possible to get the older C12 PSU board? I just want the closest to original c12 as possible.

Thanks!