Topic: Microphone cable / connection repair

[robgronotte]

I have a set of Sennheiser ME-104 mics that got heavy use for maybe a year and a half, then one channel started occasionally cutting in and out, with some static noise.   I'm pretty sure the mic itself is ok but either a cable went bad, or more likely there's a loose connection to either the mic or the 1/8" output jack. I might be able to figure out what it is, but I wouldn't trust myself to try to fix it anyway.

Is anyone (in the US) good with this kind of thing and could try to fix it for me? I would pay a reasonable fee for your time, but I'm hoping this would be an easy fix for someone with the right equipment who knows what he's doing.

I wasn't sure of the best place to post this; if I missed a better place, could a mod please move it? Thanks!

[beatkilla]

Are you sure it’s not the capsule being loose?

They screw on and off.


If had an issue with those before and that was the problem with mine.

[robgronotte]

Are you sure it’s not the capsule being loose?

They screw on and off.


If had an issue with those before and that was the problem with mine.

Did the loose capsule cause the problem I described?

I didn't even think about that and wouldn't have remembered, but now that you mention it, I think once when I was removing the windscreen I accidentally loosened it and then tightened it again.  I'll definitely check that soon, but if anyone would be interested in fixing (if it's not that), please still let me know.

[robgronotte]

I tested the mics, which I hadn't used in quite awhile.  The capsules didn't seem to be loose, but just in case, I screwed each one off and back on, and got no signal at all in the right channel.

I also tried swapping the capsules. After the swap I still got no signal in the right channel, but the left was fine.  So the problem is definitely not in the capsule, but either in the mic base (which seems unlikely), or more likely in the cable or connections.

So let me know if anyone reading does this kind of repair or has a recommendation for someone who does. If this works be better placed in a different subforum,  please tell me where would be best. Thanks!

[beatkilla]

I have an extra single complete cable you can have if it will help but it’s terminated in a mini lemo  or something.

[robgronotte]

I have an extra single complete cable you can have if it will help but it’s terminated in a mini lemo  or something.

What does "mini lemo" mean?

[andyjah]

I tested the mics, which I hadn't used in quite awhile.  The capsules didn't seem to be loose, but just in case, I screwed each one off and back on, and got no signal at all in the right channel.

I also tried swapping the capsules. After the swap I still got no signal in the right channel, but the left was fine.  So the problem is definitely not in the capsule, but either in the mic base (which seems unlikely), or more likely in the cable or connections.

So let me know if anyone reading does this kind of repair or has a recommendation for someone who does. If this works be better placed in a different subforum,  please tell me where would be best. Thanks!

Did you try switching the cables with the capsules and bodies left alone?

[robgronotte]

I tested the mics, which I hadn't used in quite awhile.  The capsules didn't seem to be loose, but just in case, I screwed each one off and back on, and got no signal at all in the right channel.

I also tried swapping the capsules. After the swap I still got no signal in the right channel, but the left was fine.  So the problem is definitely not in the capsule, but either in the mic base (which seems unlikely), or more likely in the cable or connections.

So let me know if anyone reading does this kind of repair or has a recommendation for someone who does. If this works be better placed in a different subforum,  please tell me where would be best. Thanks!

Did you try switching the cables with the capsules and bodies left alone?

The mic bases seem to be permanently built into the cables.

But I posted on a local Facebook group and found someone nearby who fixed it for free!  Inside the plug assembly there was a wire that had come disconnected from the metal tab. He stripped the wire a bit and then soldered it back where it belongs. Now it works fine.

[rocksuitcase]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^   EXCELLENT!

[Gutbucket]

Right on. While you have things broken down, consider cleaning all contacts with isopropyl alcohol or the like.  Although not the source of the problem this time, grime on mini TRS plugs is a common ailment that tends to go unnoticed until cropping up at an inopportune moment.

[robgronotte]

Right on. While you have things broken down, consider cleaning all contacts with isopropyl alcohol or the like.  Although not the source of the problem this time, grime on mini TRS plugs is a common ailment that tends to go unnoticed until cropping up at an inopportune moment.

I think he did clean it up a bit before soldering.  Then after putting it back together, he put on a new shrink tube.

How would you clean the recorder input jack? I saw you recommended that in another thread.

[grawk]

Right on. While you have things broken down, consider cleaning all contacts with isopropyl alcohol or the like.  Although not the source of the problem this time, grime on mini TRS plugs is a common ailment that tends to go unnoticed until cropping up at an inopportune moment.

I think he did clean it up a bit before soldering.  Then after putting it back together, he put on a new shrink tube.

How would you clean the recorder input jack? I saw you recommended that in another thread.

I'd personally use "DeOxIt" spray

[Gutbucket]

^ Or a contact cleaner / lubricant such as that.

How would you clean the recorder input jack? I saw you recommended that in another thread.

Clean the plug first, then re-wet the plug again with whatever cleaning agent you are using and work it around in the jack, doing a bunch of plug/unplug cycles while simultaneously spinning it around.

[Melanie]

^ Or a contact cleaner / lubricant such as that.

How would you clean the recorder input jack? I saw you recommended that in another thread.

Clean the plug first, then re-wet the plug again with whatever cleaning agent you are using and work it around in the jack, doing a bunch of plug/unplug cycles while simultaneously spinning it around.

This IS the way to clean the jack, spraying directly into unit is a bad thing. Bob

[grawk]

maybe so but I've been doing it for 20 years without issues.