Topic: Teac ME-80 (Nak clones)

[jagraham]

Anyone have good info on these mics? Looks like I have some on the way and I want to be prepared. General info would be appreciated, it looks like it's pretty hard to find anything relevant. Where can I find batteries? Looks like there are some options out there but I want to know what others on here use.

What are my mounting options? I have a sound pros mount but I don't know if that will work.

[Gil]

You should be able to order the batteries through Radioshack. The last two times I've bought them, I ordered them in store and had them shipped to my house without charge. They ran about nine bucks a piece, but can last for years depending on how often you use them.

I'm currently using SD mic clips of unknown origin, but have used the Superlux(?) shocks, which weren't quite sturdy enough and the big-ass AT shocks, which were better than the Superlux ones, but not quite ideal given their size and cost. With the batteries, these are fairly heavy mics, so you might be best served using some sort of snug clips/mounts*.

I don't think the -10db pad (in the FET) is necessary, and be sure the on switch is set to music not vocal.

* After my last show in which my stand was kicked no fewer than 17 times, I really don't think shock mounts are all that necessary. There, I said it

[F.O.Bean]

I would get ahold of Busman, and get them modded so theyre almost the size of actives. He cuts the body WAY DOWN, and puts a mini xlr on the end, and you can use them like lemo connectors

[trustthex]

So, I've located a pair of minty TE-50's that I've been meaning to photog & start a thread on.  They appear to be nearly the same mics as the ME-80s, but w/ TRS cables hardwired.  I need to get these mics out and give them a spin... I don't get out enough as it is.  Almost done w/ my stint on 3rd shift though.  :-)

[runonce]

So, I've located a pair of minty TE-50's that I've been meaning to photog & start a thread on.  They appear to be nearly the same mics as the ME-80s, but w/ TRS cables hardwired.  I need to get these mics out and give them a spin... I don't get out enough as it is.  Almost done w/ my stint on 3rd shift though.  :-)

Not really the same - plastic bodies, fixed caps, runs on 1.5VAA - perhaps still a primo cap.

[runonce]

I would get ahold of Busman, and get them modded so theyre almost the size of actives. He cuts the body WAY DOWN, and puts a mini xlr on the end, and you can use them like lemo connectors

How about he just get some batteries and run them stock? - and get a feel for the sound - AND THEN think about the various mods. (I think the mods for this mic are a bit overrated! - or at least a bit nuanced)

I never understand why people get new gear and immediately send it to the modder - before they even learn the stock sound. (which, in this case is one the more time-proven sounds in taping!)

NOS was always my favorite pattern with these...

[Hypnocracy]

Yes they are Teac's but check into Team Nakamichi for all battery and Mod madness on teh Teac.

You can purchase batteries at the local drug store for these...4LR44 6v two stacked...or go eBay for 10.5V Duracell PC177...I used the Duracell 10.5v for years

The Mod I really like is Walstib's Chop to 4'' and adding a 6 db preamp Phantom Power board...Stock Nak's like a nice clean pre as the output vs other microphones is less...the 6 db Phantom mod addresses this issue and the battery if you have a Pre/All in one with phantom power...that combo put to shame a $1000 set of hypers on the same stand this night...still regret letting them go when I listen to this recording...

http://archive.org/details/dngmf2012-08-24.local506_JBModTeac80

[trustthex]

So, I've located a pair of minty TE-50's that I've been meaning to photog & start a thread on.  They appear to be nearly the same mics as the ME-80s, but w/ TRS cables hardwired.  I need to get these mics out and give them a spin... I don't get out enough as it is.  Almost done w/ my stint on 3rd shift though.  :-)

Not really the same - plastic bodies, fixed caps, runs on 1.5VAA - perhaps still a primo cap.

I think it's the same cap, just in a fixed card.  I'll have to dig up and scan the datasheet that came w/ each mic tonight (again).  I scanned it for Jon when he built my TB cables.  I'll try to bring the mics to work & photog them too, they are still in stealth mode from the wife.

[Gil]

I would get ahold of Busman, and get them modded so theyre almost the size of actives. He cuts the body WAY DOWN, and puts a mini xlr on the end, and you can use them like lemo connectors

How about he just get some batteries and run them stock? - and get a feel for the sound - AND THEN think about the various mods. (I think the mods for this mic are a bit overrated! - or at least a bit nuanced)

I never understand why people get new gear and immediately send it to the modder - before they even learn the stock sound. (which, in this case is one the more time-proven sounds in taping!)

NOS was always my favorite pattern with these...

Agreed on the mods. Keep 'em stock, I say. I remember our very own Steve T. having issues with his modded ones while right beside him my stock Teacs brought home the goods without issue.

Agreed on NOS as well. It was my go-to configuration for some time before I started futzing with them depending on the venue. I'll just say that I'm back to running them NOS or NOSish regardless of the situation.

[jagraham]

Agreed on the mods, I think I'll just try them out first. And that's happening very soon, finally trying these out after 4 months of them sitting around.

I got some UltraLast A544 6v batteries at a local battery shop and rigged two pairs together so I have a total of 12v per mic. Thanks tonedeaf for the suggestion. From what I've gathered, 12v should not be too much power should it?

I'm running the two mics > DR-2d. Is mic in or line in preferable? I typically run CA-14s/Cards > STC-9200 preamp(+10-15db gain) > DR-2d(Line In) and CA-11s/Omnis > UBB Batt Box > DR-2d(Mic In). I guess my questions are 1-What should I expect in terms of sensitivity and 2-Line in or mic in?

Based on suggestions I may run NOS. I usually run CA-14s ORTF but NOS might add more separation especially running FOB.

There really aren't many recordings with these mics posted...

[runonce]

These mics have relatively low output - so I'd think you'd be safe running mic in...

Here's some TEAC NOS heat

https://archive.org/details/qst2005-02-04

vs. ORTF

https://archive.org/details/qst2005-06-24

[jagraham]

These mics have relatively low output - so I'd think you'd be safe running mic in...

Here's some TEAC NOS heat

https://archive.org/details/qst2005-02-04

vs. ORTF

https://archive.org/details/qst2005-06-24

Thanks! I'll be checking out those samples on headphones and speakers before taping. Maybe I'll be going with Mic instead of Line. I don't have any gain or a pre that would work with XLR mics. Also with the DR-2d the mic in can be adjusted while rolling so that would be available if the levels looked dangerously low.

[runonce]

Worth noting - the stock cables that came with those mics are terminated for unbalanced use...1/4 TS.

So, with the right cables/adapters, you could use your 1/8 inch mic input also - or use the line-in setting there...and still have your XLRs free.

[jagraham]

I don't have the stock cables. I've got them set up like - ME-80s > XLRs terminated to male RCA > RCA > 1/8" adapter.

[runonce]

I don't have the stock cables. I've got them set up like - ME-80s > XLRs terminated to male RCA > RCA > 1/8" adapter.

Should be fine - just high-lighting that there is no sin running these mics unbalanced.
(sorry - I see that tascam is one of the smaller ones with no XLRs)