Topic: AKG 460 Body (stock) - Static - UPDATE - Repaired!

[tbrown4]

I recently made a recording and was getting static out of one channel. I went through and independently tested every piece of the chain....caps, bodies, cables, power supply, ADC and the deck. I narrowed it down to one of the mic bodies. I'm getting very little response out of the mic and constant level of static. My mic bodies are un-modded 460s.

So...my questions:

Is this a problem that anyone here has run into whether with one of these bodies or another?

What are the potential causes?

Is this something that can be fixed/repaired? If so, where/how would I go about doing this.

[easy jim]

How were the environmental conditions in the field?  Hot?  Humid?

I've run into this in hot/humid conditions with one of my 452 bodies a couple summers ago, but it stopped after I returned to dry SoCal from the hot/humid midwest.

[tbrown4]

It was an indoor venue...rather mild, no noticeable humidty issue. I know of the dangers of humidity...but I doubt this was the case. Towards the beginning of this recording....everything was perfect.

I store the mics in a padded case with silica gel packets to keep everything dry.

This recording was three days ago and I tested everything this evening. So - something happened and it stuck through to today. Nothing in particular changed during the recording process other than typical volume level adjustments.

I guess its more of a constant 'fuzz' rather than static. Does that make sense?

[datbrad]

Did you check the screw on the top? Sometimes that can back out, and make the XLR connection loose.

[tbrown4]

Did you check the screw on the top? Sometimes that can back out, and make the XLR connection loose.

I did not check that, but I will. Makes sense.

[datbrad]

Did you check the screw on the top? Sometimes that can back out, and make the XLR connection loose.

I did not check that, but I will. Makes sense.

If you are still having that issue on Sunday before D&T, Lynnzz, cbd, and I are all going to be running, so you can take a patch or just bring a CF card to pop in.

Good luck!!

[Javier Cinakowski]

I store the mics in a padded case with silica gel packets to keep everything dry.

Silica Gel packs do not last for more than a day if they are not inside of an airtight container.  I use indicating (color changing) silica packs so I know when they are saturated. 

[jnorman34]

it is most likely the set screw that holds the mic card in the body and provides grounding of the card to the body - this is a common problome with 460/480 bodies, and is easily fixed.  screw the set screw out and gently rotate the mic card, back and forth a few times, or slide it in and out a bit to help it reseat, and then re-tighten the set screw.

[JiB97]

it is most likely the set screw that holds the mic card in the body and provides grounding of the card to the body - this is a common problome with 460/480 bodies, and is easily fixed.  screw the set screw out and gently rotate the mic card, back and forth a few times, or slide it in and out a bit to help it reseat, and then re-tighten the set screw.

yep, i've done this too and haven't had any issues since then w/one of my 460 bodies

[tbrown4]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Ok...so I just lowered the screw and pulled the card in and out a few times very carefully. I then put everything back in place and raised the screw back up to secure the body. Plugged it in and powered up, same issue.

Here is a screen shot of the stereo wave form. Right channel is from the offending body.



Here is a 20 second WAV sample so you can hear it:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/2t70yr

Again, thanks so much for the suggestion thus far. I'm hoping to get to the bottom of this.

[datbrad]

I hate to say it, but I think you need to send it to Richard Land for evaluation and repair. Might was well send both bodies in at the same time to have him spec the good one as well.

Offer for a patch still open for you at T & D.

[tbrown4]

I hate to say it, but I think you need to send it to Richard Land for evaluation and repair. Might was well send both bodies in at the same time to have him spec the good one as well.

Offer for a patch still open for you at T & D.

Ok...sounds like that needs to happen. I'm not famailiar with him at all. AKG specialist?  What's his contact info? PM me if you can.

Again, thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone.

It looks like I've secured some mics for Sunday, thanks for the patch offer!

[datbrad]

Richard Land 615-338-4443 Land Audio Services

Courtesy of NOLAfishwater

[tbrown4]

Just to give you guys an update.....

...last month I finally got around to sending Richard my mics and caps. Turns out the the card on this inside of the offending body was completely fried....he rebuilt it. Also....the transformer unit in the other body needed replacement. All in all the job totaled about $330.

He also tested my caps and recommenced a retune/rebuild of those at $160/ea, as the high end was not as clear as a new set would be. What are thoughts on this?

I am pleased with his work and his promptness. The mics are much more evenly matched in output now. I'm looking to keep these for a long while and would eventually like to get all the caps and accessories.