Become a Site Supporter and Never see Ads again!

Author Topic: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications  (Read 49568 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline illconditioned

  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2995
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #60 on: February 02, 2019, 06:57:02 PM »
Wow.  Great hacking there.
Now we finally see what is inside.
These look like they would be great for outdoor festival recording.  All those times you get caught in the rain.  Worry no more, your microphones are still safe :)
Please DO NOT mail me with tech questions.  I will try to answer in the forums when I get a chance.  Thanks.

Sample recordings at: http://www.soundmann.com.

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #61 on: February 02, 2019, 07:06:17 PM »
Thanks Richard.

Do you have any idea what SPL's these can handle? There are three wires, but two are tied to each other, so basically two wire mics.

That's all I'm worried about is that they'll overload.
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

Offline illconditioned

  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2995
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #62 on: February 02, 2019, 07:43:56 PM »
Plug in power, mic sens LO, level #2 on Sony PCM-M10.124dBrms @ 250Hz calibrator is just under maximum level.A pure sine wave, no distortion.
These things are not going to distort is my guess.
Perfect for plug in power.
Please DO NOT mail me with tech questions.  I will try to answer in the forums when I get a chance.  Thanks.

Sample recordings at: http://www.soundmann.com.

Offline heathen

  • Trade Count: (23)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3528
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #63 on: February 02, 2019, 08:06:19 PM »
Those look slick!  Team MKE2 is really taking shape.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #64 on: February 02, 2019, 08:13:58 PM »
Plug in power, mic sens LO, level #2 on Sony PCM-M10.124dBrms @ 250Hz calibrator is just under maximum level.A pure sine wave, no distortion.
These things are not going to distort is my guess.
Perfect for plug in power.

Great news. Thanks Richard!
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

mfrench

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #65 on: February 02, 2019, 09:22:13 PM »
I do like the RCA notion.  I think you did well in the mini-xlr end cap, rather than trying to build them into the rca connector.

On the wire, I practiced on the cut-off cable, and found that my fingernails did a decent job of stripping. I was able to get the wire exposed. In tinning them, I noticed that the solder just sort of pushed the insulation aside as it wicked into the wire strands.
I also used a razor blade and pushed my finger lightly against it with the wire trapped in between.  It took a portion of the insulation off, as it sort of pigtailed; but also appeared to take some wire with it.

Speculation:
Maybe not totally necessary to strip the insulation?

I also found a pair of nail clippers helped in removing the kevlar thread.

Offline jbell

  • TDS
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4567
  • Gender: Male
  • Spreadicated
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #66 on: February 03, 2019, 08:39:02 AM »
Nice work Chuck!!  Those look awesome.

One more image with the RCA jack.
Mics: DPA ST4011ER & 4018ER
Preamps: DPA MMA 6000 | Audioroot Femto
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-10 II | Sony PCM A10

-20        -12         -6        TDS   (32/48)     
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][}   
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][} 
__________________________
|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #67 on: February 04, 2019, 01:05:39 PM »
I had a chance to test the Sennheiser MKE 2's against my favorite omnis, the Audix CPS-MICRO-O.

The MKE 2's where punchier and less open sounding. They had better bass response that the Audix mics and on some material sounded truer to the source. Not as hyped as the CPS-MICRO-O's.

I ran them into a Core Sound battery box, which does not supply gain.

I noticed a few interesting things while testing.

They didn't need a mic pre-amp at loud, but still home listening levels. I just ran them straight from the battery box into my Mixpre 6 XLR inputs set to line in.

The phase was reversed compared to the Audix mics and my Microtech Gefell M300's.

They were very well matched in frequency response , but ~2db off in output.

I think the Sennheiser MKE2's  are going to be an excellent addition to my microphone arsenal.


Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

Offline heathen

  • Trade Count: (23)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3528
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #68 on: February 04, 2019, 01:17:01 PM »
I had a chance to test the Sennheiser MKE 2's against my favorite omnis, the Audix CPS-MICRO-O.

The MKE 2's where punchier and less open sounding. They had better bass response that the Audix mics and on some material sounded truer to the source. Not as hyped as the CPS-MICRO-O's.

I ran them into a Core Sound battery box, which does not supply gain.

I noticed a few interesting things while testing.

They didn't need a mic pre-amp at loud, but still home listening levels. I just ran them straight from the battery box into my Mixpre 6 XLR inputs set to line in.

The phase was reversed compared to the Audix mics and my Microtech Gefell M300's.

They were very well matched in frequency response , but ~2db off in output.

I think the Sennheiser MKE2's  are going to be an excellent addition to my microphone arsenal.

It's good to hear your impressions.  One question I have is whether you were using the Sennheisers stripped from the bodies (like in the picture you recently poster showing the cap without the grid/membrane)?

Also can you expand on what you mean by "punchier?"
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #69 on: February 04, 2019, 01:47:15 PM »
Hi heathen,

I used them with the grill and membrane in place as pictured with the RCA connectors on the ends.

The Audix mics have an airy quality about them. More top end with slightly  scooped mids. The MKE 2's are fuller in the mids and sound more centered and not as airy in the top end.

To get an idea of what the Audix mics sound like:

https://archive.org/details/furthur2012-09-22
https://archive.org/details/er2018-05-20.omni
https://archive.org/details/ttws2018-08-03
https://archive.org/details/moe2018-07-12.omni

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

Offline DavidPuddy

  • Trade Count: (18)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1799
  • If it's too loud, turn it down.
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #70 on: February 04, 2019, 02:10:20 PM »
I'm going to test these on Friday night at the Lil' Smokies show here in Atlanta. I'm really looking forward to seeing how these sound, especially if they work with PIP.
Mics: mk4v/mk41v/mk22 > CMC1L/Nbobs, 4061, MKE2
Preamps: Mixpre-D, Nbox Platinum ABS
Recorders: Mixpre-6 ii, PCM-A10

Offline illconditioned

  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2995
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #71 on: February 05, 2019, 03:42:49 PM »
I just spoke with Sweetwater, there are quite a few left, WS for $10 and mics+WS for $20.
I'm going to build a few pairs of these for outdoor recording/ surveillance type applications.
If anyone wants to dis-assemble them, take off the protective screen, the raw MKE2 capsules might sound a little better without the cover.  I have not experimented with this yet.  Happy to build a few sets of "waterproof"/"windproof" mics for now.
I just bought a few more. Thanks again to members of TS.com for the connection :)

  Richard
Please DO NOT mail me with tech questions.  I will try to answer in the forums when I get a chance.  Thanks.

Sample recordings at: http://www.soundmann.com.

Offline heathen

  • Trade Count: (23)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3528
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #72 on: February 05, 2019, 03:47:54 PM »
I just bought a few more. Thanks again to members of TS.com for the connection :)

I did too last week.  It's just too good of a deal to pass up.  For $20 each I can make several pairs, each purpose-built for a specific function.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline lsd2525

  • Trade Count: (18)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3397
  • Gender: Male
  • Eschew obfuscation
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #73 on: February 05, 2019, 08:53:37 PM »
Richard mentioned the waterproof membrane. Has anyone attempted to remove this yet?

I've got a couple of sets of these and I'm scared to death to deal with these tiny wires. Anyone in the mod market to do up a set for me?

Also, props to Sweetwater. Not the first dealings with them, and their customer service is top notch.
Mics: SKM184's; ADK A51s; AT4041; Superlux S502; CK91 active w/homebrew BB; AT853; Naiant X-X; Nak 300's
Recorders: M10; DR-60D; DR-701D

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Sennheiser MKE2 Waterproof GoPro mic - hacks and modifications
« Reply #74 on: February 06, 2019, 09:40:47 AM »
Hi lsd2525, that membrane is part of the plastic/wire mesh section that can be separated away from the element. I haven't tried to remove it.
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

 

RSS | Mobile
Page created in 0.125 seconds with 44 queries.
© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF