Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: willndmb on October 30, 2007, 03:05:41 PM
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part 2
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,80861.0.html
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you should lock part 2.
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checking in
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welll hello all again. fires here in san diego messed things up good. anyway, i have 4 mule shows to do then i will get back on track with this project. talking to board designer tonite. ordering parts tomorrow.
talk to you all soon
neil
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thanks neil
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thank you eyestes
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you guys get by ok in San Marcos Neil?
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yeah we were in the evacuation zone, but never had to go. i was pretty sure we would be ok as my oldest's high school was an evac center and it is only 10 blocks away... then my buddy who lives in del mar had to evacuate... this from a fire that started 70+ miles away and then burned across san diego to the sea.
back in town after 4 mule shows. ran 460's + ck61/ck63's > Shure FP33 > korg mr1k to reacquaint myself with their sound.
saw another post today about LEMO connector for the CKxX caps. brings to mind that i should make an adapter for those who own a MK46 and want to run CK6x caps.
board designer is in, going to the machinist thursday to start making some pieces. need to do some head scratching tomorrow and lay out the plan.
thanx all for your support
neil
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if you need a so-cal guinea pig.
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ok, back from a week of thanxgiving fun with family. need a day or two to get stuff moved around in the house as i am setting up a seperate workstation for this project away from the dogs and cats and kids. will go see machinist later in the week and see if he has done the first runs.
back to you all soon.
neil
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:realhappy:
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ok, back from a week of thanxgiving fun with family. need a day or two to get stuff moved around in the house as i am setting up a seperate workstation for this project away from the dogs and cats and kids. will go see machinist later in the week and see if he has done the first runs.
back to you all soon.
neil
fantastic. thanks again.
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well i never thought it would take this long to get back into the swing of things. got hit by a virus that crushes the network here at the house, plus i got suckered into building a whole bunch of stuff for my son's elementary school Halloween carnival that got rescheduled to last weekend due to the fires. THAT took 2 weeks to finish up - plus i have been the guy in charge of the haunted house for the last 10 years as my kids have moved thru the school. this was my last year so i could not ditch out.
anyway, heading to the machinist tomorrow to see where we are on the metal. will post an update tomorrow
neil in san marcos.-
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Neil you are the man for taking charge of this project.
Plus T
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sorry, not much action lately. had to go into roof and replace all heating ducts due to cats, yes the 4 legged ones. long story. not worth telling. then found some VERY bad framing from previous alcoholic owner - i ended up falling 16 feet thru music room roof onto 40" big screen and one of my Mirage M1's. xmas is over now. will be going back to work on project
many apologies for delays
neil in san marcos
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+t for your trouble. Bad luck comes in threes...so you're all set now.
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Sorry to hear of the bad luck Neil. Happy holidays and hopes for the better things coming... :cheers:
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2008 check in and back to the 1st page.... :)
Todd
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this has noy died - just overwhelmed with house repair projects. first parts order going in on monday. will post again soon.
nism
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Right on Neil!
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I've had this burning question for a while. It is very "noob" worthy, so if you are an expert, you will definitely want to pass this up to avoid frustration.
I know for a fact I saw about a year ago in the "Rig Pictures" section someone running what I would call an "AKG actives cable". The rig pictured was 2 AKG 63 caps > 3 wire battery box > iRiver h120. The cable did not enclose the mics, you could tell that it was screwed on to the bottom of the cap. The termination was mini-XLR. It was an AKG part. So my question is, why wouldn't that work for this sort of project? Does it have to do with the physical design of being "screwed on" instead of enclosed?
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To the best of my knowledge nothing exists like you are remembering it. The AKG ck93 capsules can be run with only a battery box and this has been built before by illconditioned I think. The ck63 capsules can be used with a JKlabs box but require special cables that were only made by JKlabs. I don't think they used mini-xlr terminations however. I think they used 4 pin binder connections. The MBHO actives use mini-xlr cables, but require the body and can't be run from a battery box. The only AKG cables were for the ck93 and ck3x capsules. The ck3x capsules are no longer in production and I believe require the AKG c460 body for powering, although you might be able to hack them similar to the ck93. My guess is that you saw the JKlabs box previously owned by ToddR. JKlabs machined his cables well and they look like they might be made by AKG although they aren't. At least one other person has machined a similar cable, but the difficulty is in the electronics design inside the cable.
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I talked to Neil (esteyes) earlier today and he should be posting an update soon. I'll let him put it in his own words (since I do not understand > half the technical side); the gist is design progress but delays in getting parts (specifically Lemo).
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johnw, thank you for that very informative post. After quite a bit of searching, I found the original thread: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,71622.msg959076.html#msg959076
...and of course, they are CK93 capsules, not the 63s. Thanks, I can finally put that to rest. +T
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greetings all, it has been a while. here is where things stand. i am waiting for a response from Lemo on my connector and triax quote (it's been three weeks) >:(. i am waiting for my new order of xlr and mini xlr cable. most of the design work is finished, well at least the first round... i am still working out some of the mechanical issues so that i am satisfied with the mechanicals. i have some things around the house to complete and then i will focus on this project. no metalwork has been done yet as i have been mulling over ways to make everything simple, clean and easy to manufacture.
i expect the first items out will be a "new" MK46 cable for the 460 and CK6x caps as well as 460 and CKxX caps. then the 480 versions will follow. lastly a 451 version as well as a bodyless version - ie caps into your deck.
i have one request, if anyone can take a picture of the capsule end of a 480 body maybe they could post it or mail it to me. i am looking to see the end of the 480 body where the cap screws onto the body - a nice good closeup would be cool.
it is interesting to note that in the schematics for the 480 they show the bias ring as well as the bias circuit.... wondering if there is a bias ring and if there is, why doesn't it work? did they just leave out a resistor or two?? to that end, has anyone taken a 480 apart and taken good pix of the top and bottom of the circuit board? seems to me i remember seeing them somewhere a while ago... if so, can you point me to the pix, please?
thanx in advance
neil
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greetings all, it has been a while. here is where things stand. i am waiting for a response from Lemo on my connector and triax quote (it's been three weeks) >:(. i am waiting for my new order of xlr and mini xlr cable. most of the design work is finished, well at least the first round... i am still working out some of the mechanical issues so that i am satisfied with the mechanicals. i have some things around the house to complete and then i will focus on this project. no metalwork has been done yet as i have been mulling over ways to make everything simple, clean and easy to manufacture.
i expect the first items out will be a "new" MK46 cable for the 460 and CK6x caps as well as 460 and CKxX caps. then the 480 versions will follow. lastly a 451 version as well as a bodyless version - ie caps into your deck.
i have one request, if anyone can take a picture of the capsule end of a 480 body maybe they could post it or mail it to me. i am looking to see the end of the 480 body where the cap screws onto the body - a nice good closeup would be cool.
it is interesting to note that in the schematics for the 480 they show the bias ring as well as the bias circuit.... wondering if there is a bias ring and if there is, why doesn't it work? did they just leave out a resistor or two?? to that end, has anyone taken a 480 apart and taken good pix of the top and bottom of the circuit board? seems to me i remember seeing them somewhere a while ago... if so, can you point me to the pix, please?
thanx in advance
neil
Will this work good enough for ya?
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THANX Hatfield!
so 480's DO have the bias ring. does anyone know if it has voltage on it? it should be ~13v DC measured between the case and the ring.
even if it doesn't have the bias resistors, the fact that it has the ring means it could be brought to life if it isn't alive now which makes running 480's with an MK46 soooo much easier to do.
thanx
neil
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THANX Hatfield!
so 480's DO have the bias ring. does anyone know if it has voltage on it? it should be ~13v DC measured between the case and the ring.
even if it doesn't have the bias resistors, the fact that it has the ring means it could be brought to life if it isn't alive now which makes running 480's with an MK46 soooo much easier to do.
thanx
neil
you could try asking richard land (land audio aka akg usa service guy) some of these questions. just a thought.
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i am excited about reading this (and the other threads) for the first time now that i own some 480s. :)
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ok, so i have gotten the design stuff all figured out. the first version i will make will take the CK6x caps and make them remoteable from the 460 bodies ala MK46. the adapter will screw on to the cap and the cable will be fixed. the adapter for the body will also screw on, but i an thinking of putting a connection at this point as the mechanicals for the bias ring contact are not as sturdy as the akg method. well, i think they will be just fine, but i always think a little paranoid... i think that way the system will break down nice and easy and the point with the highest possibility of failure will used the least - that should contribute to long life. i will likely do 5m cables between cap and body.
i think i will either look into making the A60 adapter ring or just go forward and make the CKx adapter at the same time. that way the CKx caps could be put to use with the 460's.
the real issue for me right now is $$. i'm unemployed again and my wife is finally working, but only pulling in 50% of her usual salary. so all the cash goes for bills these days. no different than the rest of the world... but, it looks like later this month my friend will loan me the $$ to do all the machine work and a run of both boards... i'll let you all know as soon as the fun starts.
thoughts?
also, has anybody any knowledge of any pictures of the 480 internals? i would really like to see the cap end from the top and the bottom.
neil
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Maybe you could take pre-orders? I'd be happy to send $$ and wait a while to recieve the cables.
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Maybe you could take pre-orders? I'd be happy to send $$ and wait a while to recieve the cables.
likewise.
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I'd be happy to contribute some $$ if this helps to get things moving along.
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Me too, we could either all do a small donation or partial payment for pre-orders.
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hey colin, long time no see!!
anyway, i appreciate the support of the TS members. give me a couple of days to think and to see if the other source will be able to fund me.
nels cline/mike watt tonite. running out the door right now.
a fellow TS member send me his 480's for examination, i will post tomorrow after more study
neil
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hello all. just a quick note to let you know this project ain't dead. family issues this past couple o'weeks - my 84 yr old lace curtain irish mom went into the hospital and ended up going to god on the 2nd. my dad came to stay for a couple of days and i spent a bunch of time with mom prior to her passing. family saw her and she was at peace when she passed. so all things possible were done.
on a good note, looks like pops will fund the AKG project. it'll be a couple of weeks tho' as we have to have a memorial in LA then haul her ashes back east for interrment in the family plot.
also, i got my hands on a set of 480s and have determined they can be readily modd'ed to support the MK46 cable (and all forthcoming variants). it would be great if anyone has the component locator guide and parts list for these mics and could forward them on for my files and to confirm things. AKG doesn't want to share...
so, as i know this community is caring and genuinely sincere, there is no need for you guys to post anything about mom's demise. i know how i would feel if things were reversed and it was your mom and i know you will have good thoughts in your heart for my mom and my pops. i just wanted to give you guys a headzup on what the hell has been going on.
neil in san marcos
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neil i have the exploded parts list for the 460s if you need that. it is about 1 MB, so i can email it if you necessary.
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Neil, did you by chance try calling Richard land for schematics?
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i was saving asking Richard for last. i remember there was an attempt to collect info at the beginning of the project and wanted to investigate that first.
i do have the 460 data as well as the 451 info. akg offers the 480 schemo but without component values and of course the board has no designators on it...
neil
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i was saving asking Richard for last. i remember there was an attempt to collect info at the beginning of the project and wanted to investigate that first.
i do have the 460 data as well as the 451 info. akg offers the 480 schemo but without component values and of course the board has no designators on it...
neil
I spoke to Richard a few months ago and he seemed willing to help. Seems like a nice guy.
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bump from page 3...
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bump from page 3...
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I guess this project is over :(
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I guess this project is over :(
on hold - i think Neil has had some other stuff he's had to deal with so priorities took over
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I guess this project is over :(
on hold - i think Neil has had some other stuff he's had to deal with so priorities took over
Yes. Both Neil and his wife have been hard hit by the economic implosion, and they have 4 kids, so other priorities have taken precedent. I'd expect this to get back on the front burner again for him, but it may not be for a while into the new year.
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I'm thinking this will happen before an active project gets done
(http://www.gyroworldwide.com/site_images/p_img_pigsflycampaign1.jpg)
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Subject change: "AKG Inactive Project Part 3" :P
Stuff happens... Doing a proto is not easy but doing mfg is really a bear.
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^ well, he was about to do a prototype when all the life stuff took the forefront. I ought to be in touch with him soon, and will give a gentle ribbing...
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I think we owe a little respect to the people that have the brainpower to work on this. It's on their time and money (unless some of you sent him money, in which case that's a different story...)
On the other hand, I think perhaps if someone has a design and then runs out of time, money, energy, it might be good to make design public, others can look at it and maybe it will come to fruition.
I've also been thinking it would be much easier to use a CK1/CK3 cap and build something like a "chopped Nak" into some AT phantom adapters or CA9100 then it would be to do the whole 460/480 > CK61 deal.
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No one is down on those that want to give it a try Joe but i've personally been around the block several times with different parties who have attempted to contribute to this endeavor.
For me I will be shocked if this comes anywhere close to fruition but I do hold out hope that maybe one day. Many have tried but many more have given up.
Also I truly feel that if someone really thinks the person or persons that one day may develop an active system would give anything away to the public for free is kidding themselves. The fact of the matter is that the people that I dealt with several years ago who probably all could do this want to make a profit and also retain ownership of the design. Its always the people like me who have no clue what they're doing that want the designs out there for free.
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on hold - i think Neil has had some other stuff he's had to deal with so priorities took over
Yes. Both Neil and his wife have been hard hit by the economic implosion, and they have 4 kids, so other priorities have taken precedent. I'd expect this to get back on the front burner again for him, but it may not be for a while into the new year.
I don't know Neil or his wife personally. But, I do wish them (and anyone else affected by the current shape of the economy) the best of luck.
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No one is down on those that want to give it a try Joe but i've personally been around the block several times with different parties who have attempted to contribute to this endeavor.
For me I will be shocked if this comes anywhere close to fruition but I do hold out hope that maybe one day. Many have tried but many more have given up.
Also I truly feel that if someone really thinks the person or persons that one day may develop an active system would give anything away to the public for free is kidding themselves. The fact of the matter is that the people that I dealt with several years ago who probably all could do this want to make a profit and also retain ownership of the design. Its always the people like me who have no clue what they're doing that want the designs out there for free.
I didn't invent the idea, but I posted a schematic (not copying, but designed myself) a looong time ago. I was pursuing this, but got sidetracked because I really *prefer* the omni sound. There is no magic here *at all*. It is just a matter of being good at the mechanical aspects. For example, I bet someone like Chris Church could build this if he were so inclined. I just don't think anyone here is motivated. Maybe we should ask Chris again >:D.
Richard
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I guess I'm a little naiive at times. I am a huge fan of Free and Open Source Software where the idea is to come up with ideas and give them away and everyone builds on each others foundation, and the world advances in general because of it. If I could create something like this active system, I would definitely give away the details. I happen to have the luxury of a good paying job as an engineer and I can live off that, and I don't try to make money in my spare time. I spend a lot of time fixing computers and cars for people, and doing simple things like digimodding UA-5's and I don't want to get paid for that, that's hobby, not work. I make this clear delineation between work and hobby, and I sometimes forget that other people do not.
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I make this clear delineation between work and hobby, and I sometimes forget that other people do not.
I couldn't agree with you more. Remember that to some and potentially the person who does manufacturer an active system that project may be their job in addition to it being their hobby. In my experiences I was able to discuss different aspects of this endeavor with a half dozen people who could or have built different pieces to this puzzle. In all but one instance each person/group wanted some assurances that they were making some money on the deal. Time and labor were the common reasons.
I believe some of the biggest differences of this project when compared to say 3wire battery boxes or franken Nak's are 1. the price differences in capsules 2. The demand that such an active system would generate. 3. The sharp differences people have within the AKG community as to exactly what type of active system they want
As AKG owners we all know or should know that the bodies 460 and 480 play such an important role in the overall sound of the capsules. I prefer the 480's but I know there are others who prefer the 460's. Those differences alone make this type of project a son of a bitch to start. Then you have to decide do you just want to use the caps ala JKLabs or do you want the bodies in the mix ala Neumann, Schoeps and MBHO?
Just saying "I'll take anything" seems to me like we're just running some AKG active system to run it and not because it gives us the benefits that most of us are looking for. Small profile only goes so far if it doesn't sound right.
It is always easier to pitch in a few bucks for someone else to make this happen than it is to be that someone making it happen.
just my $0.03
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I make this clear delineation between work and hobby, and I sometimes forget that other people do not.
I couldn't agree with you more. Remember that to some and potentially the person who does manufacturer an active system that project may be their job in addition to it being their hobby. In my experiences I was able to discuss different aspects of this endeavor with a half dozen people who could or have built different pieces to this puzzle. In all but one instance each person/group wanted some assurances that they were making some money on the deal. Time and labor were the common reasons.
I believe some of the biggest differences of this project when compared to say 3wire battery boxes or franken Nak's are 1. the price differences in capsules 2. The demand that such an active system would generate. 3. The sharp differences people have within the AKG community as to exactly what type of active system they want
As AKG owners we all know or should know that the bodies 460 and 480 play such an important role in the overall sound of the capsules. I prefer the 480's but I know there are others who prefer the 460's. Those differences alone make this type of project a son of a bitch to start. Then you have to decide do you just want to use the caps ala JKLabs or do you want the bodies in the mix ala Neumann, Schoeps and MBHO?
Just saying "I'll take anything" seems to me like we're just running some AKG active system to run it and not because it gives us the benefits that most of us are looking for. Small profile only goes so far if it doesn't sound right.
It is always easier to pitch in a few bucks for someone else to make this happen than it is to be that someone making it happen.
just my $0.03
I think one main difference is the materials cost. For software projects, you can download something for free and start hacking. For hardware, you need to have the parts, in this case, the capsules, before you will start. Then you need access to bench equipment, etc. This narrows down the field considerably. Finally, the people here are probably too old! Most of the open source software starts with very young people, who have time (read, no social life), and nothing better to do. Wait a minute, I think I just described some of the folks here, lol!
Richard
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The other question is what is the motivation? 'cheap actives' is not a motivator for me. I already have schoeps actives (kc5+cmc6 & RMOD) and if I thought 402x's would do a better job, I'd own them. So I myself am not inclined to work on something that won't be better than what I already have. I think MG's might be interesting but I also have serious doubts about their brightness in a typically narrow active config.
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So I myself am not inclined to work on something that won't be better than what I already have.
Kind of my take too. Once I got to like Beyerdynamic MC930 my interest in the AKG 46x/48x decreased. I must admit, I'm again aquiring a taste for the 463's I've been using in an "installed" rig...
Richard
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So I myself am not inclined to work on something that won't be better than what I already have.
Kind of my take too. Once I got to like Beyerdynamic MC930 my interest in the AKG 46x/48x decreased. I must admit, I'm again aquiring a taste for the 463's I've been using in an "installed" rig...
That said, someday I would like to experiment with making, or at least mounting, my own diaphragms. Seriously questionable whether I could ever do better than DPA/Schoeps but surely an interesting challenge that might be rather satisfying.. It also gets back to the question of what you really want to sped your time on - hunched over a bench tinkering, recording and enjoying live music or 'other'. Increasingly, it is other.
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I was searching for D50 pics and stumbled across this...haven't seen it before. It would appear to be quite bulky for our uses but seemed pretty cool. Not really 'actives' though.
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/10/0000342810/70/img9ac3dbe8zikazj.jpeg)
Found here: http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/shomarin/diary/200711260000/
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and more....
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/10/0000342810/44/img5cd060a5suleio.jpeg)
(info link: http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/shomarin/8002)
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/10/0000342810/13/imgbf277c2ct9hgnk.jpeg)
(info link: http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/shomarin/8005)
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/10/0000342810/53/img02b784fbsunbyo.jpeg)
(info link: http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/shomarin/8004)
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/10/0000342810/18/imgcdf6d897t9ij7g.jpeg)
Link: http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/shomarin/8000
Appears to be AC powered...
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It looks as if that big bulky box below isn't necessity right.
ust need something to house that board in and a longer lead out from box to cap via 4-conductor
cable it seems ???
Interesting find.
+t
(http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg01/10/0000342810/13/imgbf277c2ct9hgnk.jpeg)
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^^^ Yes, interesting find!
There are schematics there as well, but I could not find anything with a FET in it. I think it was just schematics for the power supply.
As I've said earlier, the circuit is not hard, even with batteries. The problem is getting "collettes" with a good fit to the capsule. That is, mechanical problems...
Richard
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is it just me or is there seem like no way that the cap is connected?
the threads on the cap need to go "into" the body or whatever you use
in the picture it seems like the cap goes down to the AKG name Branding and stops i don't see anything "over" the threads holding it in place
so i assume the threads are actually built into the silver box and the cap "drops" into it
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is it just me or is there seem like no way that the cap is connected?
the threads on the cap need to go "into" the body or whatever you use
in the picture it seems like the cap goes down to the AKG name Branding and stops i don't see anything "over" the threads holding it in place
so i assume the threads are actually built into the silver box and the cap "drops" into it
My guess is the cap screws into the metal at the top.
The center pin is (probably) soldered or clipped, and the wire runs down to the board. On the board there must be a FET input stage, and some Gigohm resistors...
Richard
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The problem is getting "collettes" with a good fit to the capsule.
Hence your love of electrical tape. ;D I do miss the poorlyconditioned rig pics and hand-drawn schematics.
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30minute 3d model. 3/4" brass rod as stock.
I have some Ideas for the center pin and making the internal electronics serviceable.
Is it possible to cram the necessary electronics into this type of model, and how long would they need to be?
I am not a 3d/cad artist, first time i have touched a cad app in 10+ years
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/fozzy-/collett_1.jpg)
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30minute 3d model. 3/4" brass rod as stock.
I have some Ideas for the center pin and making the internal electronics serviceable.
Is it possible to cram the necessary electronics into this type of model, and how long would they need to be?
I am not a 3d/cad artist, first time i have touched a cad app in 10+ years
Looks good. IIRC you'll need an m19 thread to mate with the capsule. But you probably already know that. Also, the material should be brass, to match the capsule (avoid corrosion or any other problems when different materials meet). Contacting the center pin should not be hard, but it is a mechanical problem, hence out of my domain.
You don't need much space at all in the collette. Just enough for one transistor and two resistors. I would say 1/2 to 3/4" beyond the capsule (measured inside).
If anyone builds a pair of these, and is willing to give them to me (to keep), I will happily experiment and make my design and results public. I've decided at this point I don't want to put any more money into this, but I'm happy to experiment in exchange for parts!
Richard
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If anyone builds a pair of these, and is willing to give them to me (to keep), I will happily experiment and make my design and results public. I've decided at this point I don't want to put any more money into this, but I'm happy to experiment in exchange for parts!
Richard this confuses me. If i'm reading this right you'll share your thoughts or info IF someone is willing to give you, to keep, the hardware.
You are always the first one to ask builders for information, part #'s and the like. Then the first one to complain that people aren't open enough. The fivefishdiy preamp as an example instantly comes to mind.
It is just this kind of attitude and b.s. like the statement above that has helped to keep this type of project from happening. You give me first and then..... :banging head:
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If anyone builds a pair of these, and is willing to give them to me (to keep), I will happily experiment and make my design and results public. I've decided at this point I don't want to put any more money into this, but I'm happy to experiment in exchange for parts!
Richard this confuses me. If i'm reading this right you'll share your thoughts or info IF someone is willing to give you, to keep, the hardware.
You are always the first one to ask builders for information, part #'s and the like. Then the first one to complain that people aren't open enough. The fivefishdiy preamp as an example instantly comes to mind.
It is just this kind of attitude and b.s. like the statement above that has helped to keep this type of project from happening. You give me first and then..... :banging head:
i didnt get that vibe at all from richard. i think he was saying that if someone supplied him the colletes he would tinker with it and release the plans. sure, he would get a pair of the collettes out of it, but if the collettes were able to be manufactured in the future (for a reasonable fee) & there was a set of plans available to build the actives... awesome.
/although i would have to find some one to put it together for me
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If anyone builds a pair of these, and is willing to give them to me (to keep), I will happily experiment and make my design and results public. I've decided at this point I don't want to put any more money into this, but I'm happy to experiment in exchange for parts!
Richard this confuses me. If i'm reading this right you'll share your thoughts or info IF someone is willing to give you, to keep, the hardware.
You are always the first one to ask builders for information, part #'s and the like. Then the first one to complain that people aren't open enough. The fivefishdiy preamp as an example instantly comes to mind.
It is just this kind of attitude and b.s. like the statement above that has helped to keep this type of project from happening. You give me first and then..... :banging head:
i didnt get that vibe at all from richard. i think he was saying that if someone supplied him the colletes he would tinker with it and release the plans. sure, he would get a pair of the collettes out of it, but if the collettes were able to be manufactured in the future (for a reasonable fee) & there was a set of plans available to build the actives... awesome.
/although i would have to find some one to put it together for me
i got the same impression
not that he wanted anything for free but that he doesn't have the knowledge or skill or whatever to make the collettes but has ability for the rest of the project
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If anyone builds a pair of these, and is willing to give them to me (to keep), I will happily experiment and make my design and results public. I've decided at this point I don't want to put any more money into this, but I'm happy to experiment in exchange for parts!
Richard this confuses me. If i'm reading this right you'll share your thoughts or info IF someone is willing to give you, to keep, the hardware.
You are always the first one to ask builders for information, part #'s and the like. Then the first one to complain that people aren't open enough. The fivefishdiy preamp as an example instantly comes to mind.
It is just this kind of attitude and b.s. like the statement above that has helped to keep this type of project from happening. You give me first and then..... :banging head:
Hey, dude.
I posted a chalkboard diagram of my project long ago! I've also posted chalkboard diagrams for battery operated preamps and battery boxes.
What I'm saying is that if someone wants me to tweak and prove my design, they can give me the hardware. I just don't want to sink any more money into this. Also, this is a bit of challenge... for both of us. If you produce the mechanical parts, I'll produce the (hopefully) working electronics...
Richard
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Has anyone ever tried running the mk46/ck_x caps with the 480's? I know people say it doesn't work, but I also heard people say that the 480's wouldn't work with a60 rings & the early ck caps. I have run 480/a60/ck1 several times now and have been very pleased with the results. Does it have something to do with the transformers?
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Has anyone ever tried running the mk46/ck_x caps with the 480's? I know people say it doesn't work, but I also heard people say that the 480's wouldn't work with a60 rings & the early ck caps. I have run 480/a60/ck1 several times now and have been very pleased with the results. Does it have something to do with the transformers?
great question
because until you proved the 480 would work with ck caps i too was under the impression it wouldn't work from reading it over and over here at ts
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Has anyone ever tried running the mk46/ck_x caps with the 480's? I know people say it doesn't work, but I also heard people say that the 480's wouldn't work with a60 rings & the early ck caps. I have run 480/a60/ck1 several times now and have been very pleased with the results. Does it have something to do with the transformers?
great question
because until you proved the 480 would work with ck caps i too was under the impression it wouldn't work from reading it over and over here at ts
Well I do have acres to the a mk46/ck_x, but I don't wanna run the risk of killing my 480's
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Has anyone ever tried running the mk46/ck_x caps with the 480's? I know people say it doesn't work, but I also heard people say that the 480's wouldn't work with a60 rings & the early ck caps. I have run 480/a60/ck1 several times now and have been very pleased with the results. Does it have something to do with the transformers?
The mk46 cables have an extra "pin" connector where they attach to the bodies. If you look at the 460 and the 480 bodies, I seem to recall the 460's have a ring to make contact with this pin. The 480's don't have that, which is why the actives don't work with them.
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30minute 3d model. 3/4" brass rod as stock.
I have some Ideas for the center pin and making the internal electronics serviceable.
Is it possible to cram the necessary electronics into this type of model, and how long would they need to be?
I am not a 3d/cad artist, first time i have touched a cad app in 10+ years
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/fozzy-/collett_1.jpg)
I just handed your design to a guy in the machine shop at work. He kind of busy right now, but I am know he will give me a prototype real soon.
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30minute 3d model. 3/4" brass rod as stock.
I have some Ideas for the center pin and making the internal electronics serviceable.
Is it possible to cram the necessary electronics into this type of model, and how long would they need to be?
I am not a 3d/cad artist, first time i have touched a cad app in 10+ years
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/fozzy-/collett_1.jpg)
I just handed your design to a guy in the machine shop at work. He kind of busy right now, but I am know he will give me a prototype real soon.
He just asked me what the inside diameter for the cable hole should be....
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30minute 3d model. 3/4" brass rod as stock.
I have some Ideas for the center pin and making the internal electronics serviceable.
Is it possible to cram the necessary electronics into this type of model, and how long would they need to be?
I am not a 3d/cad artist, first time i have touched a cad app in 10+ years
I just handed your design to a guy in the machine shop at work. He kind of busy right now, but I am know he will give me a prototype real soon.
He just asked me what the inside diameter for the cable hole should be....
Assuming Belden 1804a would be the choice of cable. 3mm for the inside diameter
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it needs threads too :)
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it needs threads too :)
Yes, I gave him the specs that Richard had given.
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Another thing that is not shown in my model is the retention ring for the internals. This would be something like a 1mm x 1mm channel at the depth the base of the center pin. Someone may have to take the measurement from a 480 body to get the exact depth. The depth is probably somewhere close to where the outside threading ends.
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it needs threads too :)
Yes, I gave him the specs that Richard had given.
Just double-checking (and also finally checking in to this thread): last I saw, Richard had stated M19 threading. After digging around a bit I found that it is M19 - 0.75. Maybe Richard also posted this and I missed it, but this gives the size and the thread pitch so you might want to pass along the 0.75 pitch part as well if you haven't already.
Still hoping this project comes to fruition one day. :)
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I have not owned AKGs in many years but have been pulling for you guys since pt.1. ;)
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You guys are getting me moist. :P
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glad to see this is still alive.
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Checking in
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well first of all i must apologize to the TS community for my complete lack of courtesy in just plain up and disappearing last year. fortunately/unfortunately people like easyjim have stood up for me and kept people up to date. something that never should have been necessary, but something for which i am very grateful and humbled. esp since i still have a set of jim's 568's to fix.
so just a quick explanation - i've been out of work for 2 years now, my wife for 1. i do have 4 kids (the girls are 14, 14 and 16 so you can guess their needs...) and a mortgage and bills (just like everyone else, but of course i bought my dream boat two weeks before i lost my job and then all of a sudden boats were available for 10cents on the dollar). for me, poverty seems to cause some form of major mental depression and tunnel vision - i just hate being so f-ing broke. drives me nuts. finding money to make the house run falls to me and it wears heavy. my wife just shrugs it off. i just can't seem to...
anyway, i had been focusing on starting a business (electronics related) in january with the akg project able to be a part of that entity. met with my business advisor in early Jan and was told to not even bother trying right now. that had kinda been my plan for the future as far as something to do for a living as well as longterm income for the house. i had been living with that as something real to look forward to and then it was shot down in flames...
i do have some resources coming my way in the next month. so i will be building some prototype pieces.
as to using CKx caps, it has always been my intention to manufacture something to allow owners of these pieces to be used even tho they use a 17mm thread. the one issue i see about basing anything on them is that they are not available often whereas the CK6x series are still in production. the other thing i have planned is the repair of the CKxX caps. they used prepolarized elements that if damaged rendered the capsules useless - like i have 5 CK8X caps that are no good.
so would like to apologize for flaking. i will try to find some time to read back thru this thread and if i can offer anything to anyone trying to move forward i will drop them a line. i am living off my old SCSI windows 3.0 computer and you may have noticed my login has changed slightly - last computer lost a PS and killed my mobo and HD etc etc.
best regards to all, if you have a personal beef write me at nsturtevant1@cox.net and keep it out of the forums. there is no email at the house, i do it remotely at cox, so i don't check it but every other day.
neil in san marcos
fwiw i still have my sony dmx-p01 mixer available for sale - great condition and a beautiful device.
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best of luck, neil.
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Yeah, keep your head up Neil.
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Here's to new opportunities coming your way, Neil!
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Neil, nice to see you back. I hope everything picks up for you. Here's to a great new year!
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Good to see you back on here Neil. Keep your head up. I'll give a call soon.
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#1 easyjim - got your message, just keep forgetting to call.
#2 this project will go on the front burner next week. they will be an infusion of some cash into the house this coming weekend which will allow me to get my machinist going. i am going to do a run of at least 50 cables - 25 pairs - to start + 50 capsule ends only for the CKx > preamp portion of this project.
first project will be the 460 > tsac > ckX setup. (tsac = tapers section active cable - this project has gotten so upside down i figured i owed us all some fun watching bean play w/ this acronym, we can rename it later ;D ). as a part of this, replica MK46 cables could be created but substituting the correct Lemo end for the "colette" end.
the interesting thing i noticed as i reread all three threads last nite, was that no one commented on any differences between the CkxX caps and the CKx caps. the truth of the matter is that the CKxX caps are electret capsules using a pre polarized diaphram. that is why AKG cannot and does not repair them. the CKx caps are true condenser caps.
so i will also be working on a repair solution for the CKxX caps. esp since i have 3 of the CK8X's. all dead. and i _really_ like their sound.
RE: 480 active setups
before i bailed out of the world last year, i did spend some time with a set of 480's. the 480's that i saw did have the bias ring, but it was not connected internally. w/o having my notes handy and relying on memory, i think the 480's will be able to use the 460 > tsac > ckx cable provided that i can "upgrade" peoples' 480 bodies. this mod would have no effect on SQ. AFAIK all 480's used the same front insert so all should have the bias ring.
Lastly, methods for mounting the CKx caps... i would like to make something that only used one "shock mount" to support whatever clamps the caps. but i think there my be more than one good way to do this so please post thoughts, pix, etc and let's hash this out. it would be cost effective to make these pieces when the collettes are being made which pushes design of this right to the front.
i'd like to tip my hat to all that have stuck around over the past year+ and esp to illconditioned who has given much to this topic. again my apologies for jacking you all around.
this won't happen instantly, but there should be steady progress. a couple of the parts could turn out to be pita's.
neil in san marcos
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I'm very glad to see you back Neil!
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cheers Neil!
hoping that you are able to make this work out well for you and TS.com
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I look forward to following up on the 568s Neil, and will happily guinea pig/field test cable prototypes for the 460 > tsac > ckX once you get some made. I'll be around tonight if you wanna give a call after 6 or so.
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Just to make sure I understand Neil you are talking about fitting the CKx caps with the 480's or are you thinking of using the CK6x caps which are native to the 480's?
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Just to make sure I understand Neil you are talking about fitting the CKx caps with the 480's or are you thinking of using the CK6x caps which are native to the 480's?
Pretty sure he is refering to the ck6_
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Looking forward to the possibilities here. Thanks for all the research and hard work!
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Looking forward to the possibilities here. Thanks for all the research and hard work!
Ditto, you the man Neil!
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ooops, my bad. meant to be typing CK6x caps for most of my post. SO to be clear:
round one will be CK6x > tsac > 460, which would allow CKxX > tsac > 460
round two will be CK6x > tsac > 480, which would allow CKxX > tsac > 480
round three will be CK6x > tsac > pre-amp or recorder
round four will be CKx > tsac > 460/480
after that it is CKxX repairs, 451 > tsac > CKx/CK6x, and whatever other crazy sh*t you'all come up with :laugh:
neil
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Looking forward to the possibilities here. Thanks for all the research and hard work!
Ditto, you the man Neil!
Yep.
I'm hot for this.
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Looking forward to the possibilities here. Thanks for all the research and hard work!
Ditto, you the man Neil!
Yep.
I'm hot for this.
ditto
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I'm giddy.
Ok...I know it's early...but do we have waiting list going?
Any ballpark price range?
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I'm giddy.
Ok...I know it's early...but do we have waiting list going?
Any ballpark price range?
yeah your in line after me ;)
nice to see this going again and glad you are back in general
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SCWEEEET!!!!
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great to see things moving again. AKG lover here and this thread gets my approval ;D
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.....subscribing to this thread as of now......
Keep up the great work! Interested is seeing this develop even if I go away from the 480's. (not thinking of it, but you never know when the slut bug will bite). ;D
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hey folks, start putting to gether those cap mounting solutions...
like do we do some sort of Kwon bar (something i have limited knowledge of) or do we do something else...
plus, do we have CK8 and CK69 folks on this list??
i think i forgot that a replacement for the adapter ring will likely be needed
neil
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I no longer have AKGs, but will pick up a pair if/when this becomes reality. That said, I would vote for the Kwon bar solution. If you could machine the collar on the cable to be the same size as the schoeps (7.5mm I think) it would be convenient to use the existing bars already available. Of course the spacing might be a bit off as the schoeps capsule+active body is likely shorter in length than this solution would be. Then again, perhaps NOLAfishewater could be convinved to do a run specific for the new AKGs...
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The Kwon bar is a very efficient way to mount "active style" capsules.
Delrin is relatively inexpensive and easy to machine.
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just out of curiosity, would the a60 still work with said cables?
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hey folks, start putting to gether those cap mounting solutions...
like do we do some sort of Kwon bar (something i have limited knowledge of) or do we do something else...
plus, do we have CK8 and CK69 folks on this list??
i think i forgot that a replacement for the adapter ring will likely be needed
neil
I will be more than happy to manufacture a set of them. lets say ORTF, DIN, and NOS. would need a set of cables for measurements. let me know how I can assist.
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just out of curiosity, would the a60 still work with said cables?
Any colette designed for the ck6_ caps would work with the a60. I used the a60 a couple times on my JK Labs actives with no problem.
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plus, do we have CK8 and CK69 folks on this list??
Yes and I know easyjim runs the ck8's.
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^ He knows Ted. I got my ck8 caps from Neil.
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How about some pictures?
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ooops, my bad. meant to be typing CK6x caps for most of my post. SO to be clear:
round one will be CK6x > tsac > 460, which would allow CKxX > tsac > 460
round two will be CK6x > tsac > 480, which would allow CKxX > tsac > 480
round three will be CK6x > tsac > pre-amp or recorder
round four will be CKx > tsac > 460/480
after that it is CKxX repairs, 451 > tsac > CKx/CK6x, and whatever other crazy sh*t you'all come up with :laugh:
neil
checking in here. sounds like, since i'm a jwmod lover, that round one would be a perfect fit for me.
i also use the ck69 caps, but never pictured an active cable running from the mic body to a cap this large. i'm i missing something here? a special type of "kwon" bar to support a 69 cap?
thanks for all your hard work. i don't feel so bad about selling my mk46 setup now. :)
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fwiw, i have overhauled 7 or 8 MK46's lately. _every_ one of them has had outer screen braid broken. i really advise all MK46 owners to service their cables
neil
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funding for this project has been procured. finally.
neil
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Woohoo!
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funding for this project has been procured. finally.
neil
:realhappy:
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funding for this project has been procured. finally.
neil
:realhappy:
x2
:nightfevah:
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fwiw, i have overhauled 7 or 8 MK46's lately. _every_ one of them has had outer screen braid broken. i really advise all MK46 owners to service their cables
neil
I was communicating with terrapinj about this and he mentioned that I should get in touch with you on making a longer set of cables using the existing MK46 components. I think the set I'm getting is at 9 feet but would want something double that length. Is that possible? I'll surely be sending mine in if you would like to take on that task.
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oh hell yeah!!!!
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30minute 3d model. 3/4" brass rod as stock.
I have some Ideas for the center pin and making the internal electronics serviceable.
Is it possible to cram the necessary electronics into this type of model, and how long would they need to be?
I am not a 3d/cad artist, first time i have touched a cad app in 10+ years
I just handed your design to a guy in the machine shop at work. He kind of busy right now, but I am know he will give me a prototype real soon.
He just asked me what the inside diameter for the cable hole should be....
Assuming Belden 1804a would be the choice of cable. 3mm for the inside diameter
Sorry for the shit picture, i took it with my phone. I have three of these. They are pretty heavy, but future ones can have thinner walls.
Neil - Give me a jingle if you think these can help with the project. Otherwise i think I am gonna try and do something on my end.
(http://i319.photobucket.com/albums/mm442/tgakidis/04264726.jpg)
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ted, thanx for the offer - i appreciate it! i will declione for the moment tho. maybe i can put them to use when you cables come up.
neil
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that is to say, i would be happy to collaborate, but don't really need the pieces you had made. just need to do collette board layout to finalize collette dimensions.
also need to work with BJ as his mounting solution looks killer.
ordering the first round of parts tonite/tomorrow.
just back from the taxi tour of NYC. pooped.
best to all
neil
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that is to say, i would be happy to collaborate, but don't really need the pieces you had made. just need to do collette board layout to finalize collette dimensions.
also need to work with BJ as his mounting solution looks killer.
ordering the first round of parts tonite/tomorrow.
just back from the taxi tour of NYC. pooped.
best to all
neil
yeah thats the best bar i have seen for actives
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electronic parts BOM sent out to quote today. should have answer in a day or so. ordering bunch'o'parts follows immediately after receiving quote. prototyping/testing to follow.
it is 5am. just finished bringing 3 ck8x capsules back to life. wife's gonna be p*ssed i never made it to bed i bet. oh well.
all MK46/3's are done. LA delivery this weekend for 3, the other two will hit the mail tomorrow. you know who you are.
jim, i ordered transistor J560 but you needed j550. my bad. correct parts on order. i am behind but these two mics are on top of the list.
neil in san marcos
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electronic parts BOM sent out to quote today. should have answer in a day or so. ordering bunch'o'parts follows immediately after receiving quote. prototyping/testing to follow.
it is 5am. just finished bringing 3 ck8x capsules back to life. wife's gonna be p*ssed i never made it to bed i bet. oh well.
all MK46/3's are done. LA delivery this weekend for 3, the other two will hit the mail tomorrow. you know who you are.
jim, i ordered transistor J560 but you needed j550. my bad. correct parts on order. i am behind but these two mics are on top of the list.
neil in san marcos
Thanks Neil! I got a dead ck1x that you can work on in your "spare time" ;)
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Monthly bump.
Todd
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Any news or progress?
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still here, patience is a virtue
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I'll give Neil a call and encourage him to update folks if he hasn't checked in here by the end of the week. Last time we talked, a week or so ago, he still had not received the parts he'd ordered because the supply company delayed and then informed him his order would not be fulfilled b/c he had not met their minimum order ($$) requirements.
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Thanks Jim!
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yeah, the guy that supplied us at directed jacked me around hardcore. SH*T and then my machinist closed up w/o notice. 100 pieces sitting on his desk, big chain on the door. SH*T. my technical reference buddy up and splits to vietnam after a month of "soon, soon" SH*T
going to machinist number two on tuesday. calling a real engineer _aquaintance_ today. parts finally trickling in.
neil
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Any new developments?
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no not really. i am searching for a couple of transistors... but i have been interrupted by the need to do some things to the house/yard to keep the city off my back. sheriff hit me for $275 in fines for my van. it is registered but not wearing current tags as it needs a smog but has a bad bearing in tranny. moved it to the street to put the storage container in the driveway as i need to set the garage up for audio testing, repair, etc. putting garage contents in container to rewire and install all new benches and change layout - not much in the way of jobs being offered around here so i need to have the garage set up to bring in money. so the sheriff then rats me out to the city which then proceeds to fine me 100 bucks with the threat of a 1k fine to follow. san marcos is trying to pass a uniform residence code so we all look alike. until then they are busting everybody's chops. and of course they really love me. guess my wild childhood generated some bad karma that is now coming around and kicking my backside...
neil
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This has to be the longest thread at TS.com with no results. :P
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yeah, no doubt.
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But, some of us still have hope. There is always hope...
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Yeah and a big fuck you to all of those (you three know who you are) that PM'd me and told me I was a fucking idiot for abandoning this project and having no faith in it. Been down this endless road already. At the end of the day I strongly believe that there are better active solutions at comparable or lesser price points than this thing will ever come in at.
I have no doubt we'd have better luck at finding Jon (jklabs) than having someone else make this happen.
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I've been wondering about this again lately...
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I've been wondering about this again lately...
Well here's a lead for someone to follow:
http://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com/products/show_product.php?item=2&cat=mics
The ELA M 260 is supplied with a set of three interchangeable capsules (the 260 cardioid, 261 omni, and 262 hyper-cardioid), as well as a custom adaptor designed by our friend and fellow audio enthusiast Chip Machokas that permits the use of any of the AKG "CK" series of capsules (or capsules made by other manufacturers with the same thread) AND Neumann bayonet-style capsules.
Maybe Chip is the answer?
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interesting to say the least
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Well here's a lead for someone to follow:
http://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com/products/show_product.php?item=2&cat=mics
:)
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doesn't really mention remote/active use though simply an adapter to mount it to the mic body
could be promising but doesn't sound too helpful to us IMHO
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doesn't really mention remote/active use though simply an adapter to mount it to the mic body
could be promising but doesn't sound too helpful to us IMHO
i think what would be promising is the center pin issue
if the adapter works then it must have a way to activate the center pin without being connected to the body
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doesn't really mention remote/active use though simply an adapter to mount it to the mic body
could be promising but doesn't sound too helpful to us IMHO
Well if anything it goes to show that there are others in the world that are making modifications, adjustments and otherwise using what the factory gave them in different ways than what were originally intended.
This guy Chip may very well have the knowledge and ability to tackle an active project. Who knows but someone should try and track him down to find out.
Also remember the BIGGEST stumbling block is that everyone wants something different out of this. Some want true capsule > actives > body. Some want capsules > actives > powerbox (ala JKLabs and Nbox) some want 460 support, some want 480 support.
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I have contacted Chip. I gave him the basic details and pointed him to this board/ thread.
We'll see what happens...
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Also remember the BIGGEST stumbling block is that everyone wants something different out of this.
Perhaps... it could also be that it takes time, and time is money. The people who have the knowledge and skills to make this happen typically have other stuff going on.. And they can probably afford to buy the best actives on the market. As someone else recently said, there are already "better" active mics available - Schoeps, DPA, and a couple other great mic lines. I myself am more interested in working on MGs, but already have Schoeps actives; so the motivation isn't there.
And dealing with customers who want something Right Now, and who blow a gasket if someone is offline for a while... Who wants that bother? What's their incentive to put a bunch of time into it?
Anyway, those are just some thoughts on the Why.
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After reading parts 1-3
I was just wondering what may be being worked on or who is working on what.
[1]. JK Labs type box and cables for ck6_ caps ?
[2]. active type cables for the ck6_ caps> active cables > bodies ?
...
Thanks for any current information/update.
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no one is working on anything unfortunately.
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Today while I was looking at spec sheets on AKG's website I came across part numbers for the 480's. I was wondering if a person could order the pin connector and circuit board that it connects to, in order to get a connection point. (1.1, 1.6, 1.7 in the document attached)
Just a thought, not sure if you're able to order these parts from AKG service department alone, but I haven't seen it discussed in the 3 threads.
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i sent jon an email for you guys, if i hear back from him ill let you all know.
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i sent jon an email for you guys, if i hear back from him ill let you all know.
Jon? JK Labs Jon? I doubt you will get a response.
Last person working on this was Neil Sturtevant, "esteyes" but I don't think he frequents this board anymore.
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oh i didnt bother to go threw this board, just did old email starting with ones i have going back to the early 90's
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Today while I was looking at spec sheets on AKG's website I came across part numbers for the 480's. I was wondering if a person could order the pin connector and circuit board that it connects to, in order to get a connection point. (1.1, 1.6, 1.7 in the document attached)
Just a thought, not sure if you're able to order these parts from AKG service department alone, but I haven't seen it discussed in the 3 threads.
I sent AKG service an email asking if the parts I listed in the above quote can be ordered and where to order from. Or will those parts not work?
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I got an email back from AKG about the parts from the document that I posted up, and they are all still current and available.
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I got an email back from AKG about the parts from the document that I posted up, and they are all still current and available.
I further inquired about part number 2180M0501 (circuit board, complete), and it has the pin receiver connected to it. It can be ordered from distributors located in the US. I don't have a price on it (I'll have to inquire with the distributors) but I wanted to pass this along for others in case there are some ideas about how to secure this in the collete that some people had machined at various points in these 3 threads.
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Anyone made any further progress on the collettes?
Just wondering...
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Anyone made any further progress on the collettes?
Just wondering...
things have kind of gotten picked up over in this thread.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=136687.45
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Thanks, yeah I know, but it seems to have gotten sidetracked and stalled a bit.
Has anyone come up with the hardware yet? (i.e. 'collettes' for the buffer circuit.)
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I took pictures of my c460b's and ck61/ck63 caps with my Cannon 40D and will put them on flickr and post the link when its done. Hope the pictures will help people garner some thoughts on solving some problems and getting this project moving again.
Edit:
Here's the link.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/
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.
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I emailed the US service and parts distributors about part number 2180M05010 and the cost is 30.47 + shipping. See my previous post on the prior page describing the part/reference the part on the AKG 480 documentation I posted as well on the prior page or look at the pictures of my 460's that I took that are on my flickr page that I posted a link to on the prior page as well.
Hope this helps some people. I think I am going to go ahead and order one to take pictures of for people and hopefully pass on to some machinists to look at for possible incorporation into the collettes that were made in AKG projects thread one for use in the Schoeps/Nola/etc bars people are making.
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Also the contact ring on the 460's and the plastic piece on the PCB are available. so all 3 parts and part numbers are available. all info is here.
PCB 2180M05010 $30.47 ea
Contact Ring 2180Z05010 $6.37 ea
Plastic piece 2180Z04010 $19.30 ea
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Any chance you could find out the part# for the lemo connector for the ck1x capsule and mk46 cable?
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I have gotten all the part numbers off of the service documents in these 3 threads. It would just be getting those documents and asking if the part numbers are current and the stock the parts. I'll see what I can come up with though.
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I just want to throw this out there to see opinions, I have found that someone has made a battery box for the AKG ck#x capsules. What are peoples opinions on the box or does no one know about it here.
Link to some recordings on archive:
http://www.archive.org/details/uo2009-06-04.akg.flac16
http://www.archive.org/details/rre2009-06-05.ck3x.flac16
Picture I found of it:
http://img101.imageshack.us/f/battbox7.jpg/
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I just want to throw this out there to see opinions, I have found that someone has made a battery box for the AKG ck#x capsules. What are peoples opinions on the box or does no one know about it here.
Link to some recordings on archive:
http://www.archive.org/details/uo2009-06-04.akg.flac16 (http://www.archive.org/details/uo2009-06-04.akg.flac16)
http://www.archive.org/details/rre2009-06-05.ck3x.flac16 (http://www.archive.org/details/rre2009-06-05.ck3x.flac16)
Picture I found of it:
http://img101.imageshack.us/f/battbox7.jpg/ (http://img101.imageshack.us/f/battbox7.jpg/)
I made that battery box for Andrew Berg. I don't know where he got the connectors.
That said, I think the group should focus on the standard AKG CK6# capsules. The old CK#x (electret versions) are quite rare, and they are also no longer serviceable by AKG. I expect the CK6# to sound a lot better as well.
Richard
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I received some parts from AKG today.
Pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/
I took more pictures than this but I only uploaded a select number just to give people an idea of what each of these looks like on their own.
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I received some parts from AKG today.
Pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/)
I took more pictures than this but I only uploaded a select number just to give people an idea of what each of these looks like on their own.
Great work! Thanks for taking this on.
Can you tell me (again) the part #'s and prices for the parts in image MG_3688? The left one is plastic, the middle one is the center pin. I don't need the ring at the right.
While you're at it, do you have any information about the brass tube for the 460 or 480? It may be expensive, but a complete hack would be to just saw off 1" at the end and use that for the threads...
Richard
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I received some parts from AKG today.
Pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/)
I took more pictures than this but I only uploaded a select number just to give people an idea of what each of these looks like on their own.
Great work! Thanks for taking this on.
Can you tell me (again) the part #'s and prices for the parts in image MG_3688? The left one is plastic, the middle one is the center pin. I don't need the ring at the right.
While you're at it, do you have any information about the brass tube for the 460 or 480? It may be expensive, but a complete hack would be to just saw off 1" at the end and use that for the threads...
Richard
Contact Holder (plastic piece) 2180Z04010 $19.30 ea
Contact Board (center pin) 2180M05010 $30.47 ea
c480b Housing Tube 2180M13150 $169 ea
c460b housing tube 2180M0301 $87.74 ea <- this looks to be the old model with the 4 switches on it and the discounted price may be just to get rid of remaining stock.
c460b housing tube 2180M1311 (not available any more)
I don't have a price right now for the housing tube, it would probably be Monday by the time I get an answer. The part number will probably be 2180M1315 (c480b tube). The part number for the c460b tube is 2180M0301 & 2180M1311 depending on what kind of housing tube you are looking for since AKG made two types/versions of AKG's. The first tube (early models) had 4 switches on them, and the second (revision) only has one switch on it. Prices include shipping and come (at least they arrived this way to me) Fed Ex ground and will take about 5-6 business days to arrive. To order call 818-920-3279, you place the order over the phone and give your information and the part numbers you are looking for along with CC info. They will ask for the following: Name, Address, City, St, Zip, Ph, CC#, Exp Date, and Security Code.
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See previous post for updated information.
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I received some parts from AKG today.
Pictures are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/
I took more pictures than this but I only uploaded a select number just to give people an idea of what each of these looks like on their own.
WOW that looks like you could be on to something
take that contact board, put it inside an end cap and there is your center pin connection - no??
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What would be the ideal length and diameter for the capsule side cable coupler end?
I know there are already many "kwon bar" type solutions for other active type set-ups. It would be nice if the coupler size and length worked with an existing mounting system.
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While you're at it, do you have any information about the brass tube for the 460 or 480? It may be expensive, but a complete hack would be to just saw off 1" at the end and use that for the threads...
Richard
That's not a ridiculous idea. You chop it off and make some connections with the front part of the body and you have something similar to a Franken-Nak. I'm a manufacturing engineer who got involved in a lot of development/prototypes. If you can make something ugly to test your electrical design, that's the way to go. Once you get it working you can decide where to go from there.
Teddy used to know some people unloading beat up 460 bodes cheap. If you can buy a body for $100, and a "moderately skilled" person can chop it off, solder some connections and bury it in epoxy, that's probably cheaper than you will find a skilled machinist to make them from bar stock for brass and delrin/nylon. At least while you are at the prototype stage. It's not just the threads, you need a outer ring of brass, and a concentric ring of insulator material etc. I don't think you will find them for $100 each unless you buy enough quantity to set up a screw machine.
In the end it might come down to "we can make a rig with a chunk of body (like FrankenNaks) for $500, or we can make a rig pretty like Schoeps for the same price as Schoeps".
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I've been looking into buying just the bodies, to chop them up. This from Dkrogh's post a few lines up:
c460b housing tube 2180M0301 $87.74 ea <- this looks to be the old model with the 4 switches on it and the discounted price may be just to get rid of remaining stock.
I honestly believe we are close to making this thing a reality. The screw on collettes are the biggest hurdle right now.
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I have been reading this thread, along with every other one on TS over the years about the idea of a remote capsule option using the CK6x>460/480 akin to the Schoeps/Neumann products. I must have missed the part in the most recent chapter of this thread where there is a mention of the active circuit that must be added to allow such a capsule separation with the AKGs, and if so please exuse me.
Now, I may be wrong, but my understanding is that the Schoeps active circuit is in the end of the KC5/KCY that the capsule mounts to, and with Neumann, the active circuit is included in the capsule, allowing for the use of the LC3 cable.
The CKx>MK46>460 remote capsule works because the CKx series have permanently polarized elements (electret) and since the CK61/62/63 capsules require polarization voltage, does this not require an active circuit, not just the cable and threaded connectors to hook everything together? My thought here is that all the listed parts another poster gave have been available for over 20 years, so why has this not been already done if it is a simple as just adding a wire with connectors at each end that match the threads?
Not trying to squash anyone's efforts, as I would be all over a genuine active cable solution that would sound identical to having the capsules mounted directly to the preamp bodies. Even if it was close to the same price as the Schoeps cable, it would be fine because it would be getting AKG sound with the Schoeps/Neumann active setup ergonmics which would be awesome.
Hope this really goes somewhere this time...............
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I have been reading this thread, along with every other one on TS over the years about the idea of a remote capsule option using the CK6x>460/480 akin to the Schoeps/Neumann products. I must have missed the part in the most recent chapter of this thread where there is a mention of the active circuit that must be added to allow such a capsule separation with the AKGs, and if so please exuse me.
Now, I may be wrong, but my understanding is that the Schoeps active circuit is in the end of the KC5/KCY that the capsule mounts to, and with Neumann, the active circuit is included in the capsule, allowing for the use of the LC3 cable.
The CKx>MK46>460 remote capsule works because the CKx series have permanently polarized elements (electret) and since the CK61/62/63 capsules require polarization voltage, does this not require an active circuit, not just the cable and threaded connectors to hook everything together? My thought here is that all the listed parts another poster gave have been available for over 20 years, so why has this not been already done if it is a simple as just adding a wire with connectors at each end that match the threads?
Not trying to squash anyone's efforts, as I would be all over a genuine active cable solution that would sound identical to having the capsules mounted directly to the preamp bodies. Even if it was close to the same price as the Schoeps cable, it would be fine because it would be getting AKG sound with the Schoeps/Neumann active setup ergonmics which would be awesome.
Hope this really goes somewhere this time...............
I can start to answer some questions for you.
Not everone agrees on what they want out of this project. Some will only be happy with an "active" cable that gioes between the pre-amp bodies and the caps. Some want to reverse engineer the JKLabs box. Then, still some want to make a minimal circuit housed near the capsule that allows the caps to be used without the pre-amp bodies and or the JKlabs type box. I'm in the later camp. I know there are circuits out there already that will allow the CK-6x caps to work without the pre-amp bodies. That's the quick and dirty way, like the Schoeps group has done with the Naiant tinybox.
I keep hearing that the reason this isn't moving is because of the machining needed to make the proper connection between the caps and the "active part of the circuit.
edit to add:
I am trying to collect all the info needed to have ready when we find a machinist that can make the collettes.
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The way I see it, every group needs this one thing, the machined collettes regardless of what electronics they need to achieve their goal. . If we can get plans drawn up for those, everybody would benefit...
edit to add:
It would be nice if the finished cap/collette combination had the same dimensions that some of the other available active options have, so we could use existing stereo type bars (think Kwon bar or NOLA bar) to mount them.
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The way I see it, every group needs this one thing, the machined collettes regardless of what electronics they need to achieve their goal. . If we can get plans drawn up for those, everybody would benefit...
Thanks for the explanation, and based on your breakdown of potential user demand, I fall in the camp that is looking to keep the 460/480 bodies in the path, with an active cable like the one Schoeps has with their collette series separating the capsule.
I say this because I have yet to hear any of the DYI solutions that remove the preamp bodies, the JK Labs or the various Nbox/Naiant solutions with Schoeps, that don't audibly alter the tone of the mics. The only "no bodies" solution I have ever heard that sounded basically the same as with the bodies is the Schoeps VMS boxes using the KCY cable.
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This is not rocket science, folks.
It will come about when:
- Jon makes a littlebox that gives 40-60v polarization voltage. This seems to be in the works (to power Beyerdynamic CK930 caps)
- someone gets a pair of collettes and gives them to someone, a hacker. Not me, but someone like Jon or Chris Church maybe
Once we see a prototype with CK6x capsules dangling off a littlebox, I think things will start moving...
Richard
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Brad -- there've been a lot of threads on this, but here's one that Chuck is probably thinking of you may have missed:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=136687.msg1780455#msg1780455
Short version, it seems that jon/mshilarious is considering making something to fit the bill using a version of his PFA circuit. So from what I understand, it would be the needed active electronics in the collette head (ie., FET) and a separate PFA-like circuit to convert 48v phantom from the preamp to the necessary voltages for the capsule (ie, take the place of the mic bodies).
On the sound, I think this will indeed change the current sound, but I also think no matter what is done, including keeping the 460/480 bodies in the equation will change the sound. My jklabs ECMS box for the ck6x caps changed the sound (not much, but some) and for that matter when I did a controlled comp of neumann km184's to km140s, there was a difference in the sound, though neumann claims they share the same capsule and electronics. Send the signal through one additional FET which is necessary for the de-coupled capsules and bodies and you can/will change the sound some. Likely very very little, but purists seeking the 460/480 sound with active-cables might never achieve the exactly-the-same sound, no matter if the new active cables keep the bodies in the equation or not.
Chuck -- on the connectors, if the new active capsule "heads" were made to accept a detachable mini-XLR cable (so no integrated cable, just the active head), there are kwonbars for the MBHO line of "active" mics that would fit this new AKG project. This does make the whole setup longer and bigger for those really doing true stealth with them, but by keeping the cables separate, it allows you to have longer or shorter cables as needed and allows you to just cheaply replace the cable should it go bad, rather than replacing or fixing a combined collette head and cable.
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2 things that I have discovered since I ordered the parts from AKG I posted on the previous page.
If this project is to use the parts you order from AKG (their PCB & plastic PCB holder, I don't know if the ring will need to be used), you can not insert them through the front of the threads on the mic body tubes so I assume this would be the same with any brass colette that was to be machined. Second, about the only way to use the AKG parts would be to have some kind of design where they enter the colette like the AKG body circuitry enters, from the back.
If the AKG parts were to be used there always is a chance the parts are discontinued, if AKG comes out with another style of condenser mics.
I have thought about the retaining ring that was talked about but I aborted that thought since AKG parts couldn't enter the front of the colette (based on previous assumptions stated above). I think that if a custom PCB is made, though, there is a chance that the original colette's may work from a design standpoint. If a retaining ring is to be used I thought it would need to be plastic because I have not been able to find brass rings online (I searched through a few pages of google is all) and I figured that any other type of metal would cause corrosion either on the brass, or the retaining ring itself and leaving a residue on the electronics of the colette causing problems with the longevity of the head/box. I have found however a website/company that will make custom ring's online (http://www.arconring.com/design). I don't know prices or any info along those lines.
http://www.arconring.com/eaton/internal-notched-retaining-ring-in < website page is an example of the type of ring I think would need to be used, not necessarily the metal or finish.
I also do not know if AKG parts are discounted for larger orders, if they do it may be something to take into consideration.
Again, link to pictures of 460 bodies, caps, pins, electronics that I took as well as AKG parts I ordered.
AKG bodies etc http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624728953731/
AKG parts (PCB, plastic holder, ring) http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidkrogh/sets/72157624977412924/
If people would like to see some other angle with parts/bodies I will take the pictures and put in the appropriate album.
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i thought people where having trouble getting the center pin figured out - guess i was lost
shouldn't any machine shop be able tp measure and make the end cap?
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Brad -- there've been a lot of threads on this, but here's one that Chuck is probably thinking of you may have missed:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=136687.msg1780455#msg1780455
Short version, it seems that jon/mshilarious is considering making something to fit the bill using a version of his PFA circuit. So from what I understand, it would be the needed active electronics in the collette head (ie., FET) and a separate PFA-like circuit to convert 48v phantom from the preamp to the necessary voltages for the capsule (ie, take the place of the mic bodies).
On the sound, I think this will indeed change the current sound, but I also think no matter what is done, including keeping the 460/480 bodies in the equation will change the sound. My jklabs ECMS box for the ck6x caps changed the sound (not much, but some) and for that matter when I did a controlled comp of neumann km184's to km140s, there was a difference in the sound, though neumann claims they share the same capsule and electronics. Send the signal through one additional FET which is necessary for the de-coupled capsules and bodies and you can/will change the sound some. Likely very very little, but purists seeking the 460/480 sound with active-cables might never achieve the exactly-the-same sound, no matter if the new active cables keep the bodies in the equation or not.
Todd, Thanks for this explanation. I agree on the difference between the 184 and 140, but I have heard tons of recordings with the KM100s using the AK40s both mounted on the bodies and separated by the LC3 cable, and I can't hear a difference between them. Same with the CMC64 combo versus the CMC6>KC5>MK4, I can't hear a difference. I expect that was the point for both systems.
If AKG was going to make an active cable, I also expect they would seek to make it audibly invisible compared to caps on the bodies.
Thinking about the form factor of the KM184s, I wonder if it would be possible to take the 460 bodies and chop them short like 184s, which can then be mounted in a holder smaller than 460/480s can currently, but not quite as small as a collette would be. It's a compromise that may work. If the XLR connector was eliminated, for example, and the bodies hard wired like the Schoeps CCMs.
Just thinking out loud........................
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Brad -- the lack of any audible difference with the schoeps body vs active system is probably a result of good engineering and testing. On the km100+ak40 caps vs km100+lc3ka cables+ak40 caps -- DSatz has had a number of threads on this, but the lc3ka cables aren't actually active cables like the schoeps. The active circuitry (FET presumably) is not found in the lc3ka cables but instead is found in the ak40 capsule head. You can see this in the length of the "capsule" head, and can see that this ak40 capsule is a different size and configuration than the unscrewable (but not user replaceable theoretically) capsule on the km184.
So for the km100+ak40 combo, the signal path goes through the same electronics, including FET, whether it is just bodies + caps or bodies + caps + cables (since that FET is actually in the capsule head, not the cable). This would explain why they sound the same (and possibly why the combo sounds different than the km184) -- it really is exactly the same circuit with or without the "active" cables, since the "active" lc3ka cables are in fact passive. This was done to not infringe on the schoeps active cable patent, that puts the active electronics (FET) in the cables, not the capsule head.
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Brad -- the lack of any audible difference with the schoeps body vs active system is probably a result of good engineering and testing. On the km100+ak40 caps vs km100+lc3ka cables+ak40 caps -- DSatz has had a number of threads on this, but the lc3ka cables aren't actually active cables like the schoeps. The active circuitry (FET presumably) is not found in the lc3ka cables but instead is found in the ak40 capsule head. You can see this in the length of the "capsule" head, and can see that this ak40 capsule is a different size and configuration than the unscrewable (but not user replaceable theoretically) capsule on the km184.
So for the km100+ak40 combo, the signal path goes through the same electronics, including FET, whether it is just bodies + caps or bodies + caps + cables (since that FET is actually in the capsule head, not the cable). This would explain why they sound the same (and possibly why the combo sounds different than the km184) -- it really is exactly the same circuit with or without the "active" cables, since the "active" lc3ka cables are in fact passive. This was done to not infringe on the schoeps active cable patent, that puts the active electronics (FET) in the cables, not the capsule head.
Todd, Thanks again, but I think you may have missed where I stated a few posts back where I get the distinction between the two.
Now, I may be wrong, but my understanding is that the Schoeps active circuit is in the end of the KC5/KCY that the capsule mounts to, and with Neumann, the active circuit is included in the capsule, allowing for the use of the LC3 cable.
I know that the solution will require the active electronics to be within the cable system, and I agree that to get one that has no audible difference than caps mounted to bodies will require "good engineering and testing". I guess I am a pipe dreamer in saying that for me, having an active cable to separate the caps from the bodies without compromising the quality and character of the sound is the only option I would personally invest in. I hope one day someone pulls it off, I really do.
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Oops, you're right Brad, I did miss that -- sorry!
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Oops, you're right Brad, I did miss that -- sorry!
No problem.
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I stumbled on this recently:
http://www.prodigy-pro.com/diy/index.php?action=printpage;topic=26226.0
Marik made some adapters that allows him to mount CK-61 and CK-62 capsules on another mic body.
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:realhappy:
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Fuckwin!
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Jon,
basically this box will not require bodies or another preamp?... then count me in when you need some testers
I have PCBs due in on Friday, I've tested the circuit on breadboard but not with the capsule. With a test signal I managed -8dBV at 1% THD with a 12V supply, I would have liked better but I don't have any more room for more components. It can probably go higher with a 40V supply, but I needed a circuit that could use dual 12V/48V supplies as I have designed tinybox II with that feature. Anyway, that should yield max SPL of 124dBSPL, of course it's possible to increase that by lowering polarization voltage which reduces sensitivity. And of course I still need to test the circuit at 40V, that will hopefully manage 0dBV.
I did verify the threads at 3/4"-32 (earlier I thought that was off, but I had made a mistake cutting the threads). I have what should be a final coupler design, waiting on the PCB to verify. This will have to be hardwired I think to stay at a reasonable size although I'd still prefer to use a mini-XLR. Roger had suggested Neutrik Nanocons but those only come in three-pin and the dual supply version at least will require four.
wonder if I can mount my 6X capsules on my 451 bodies?... probably just MORE combinations I'll never have time to fully learn and understand
I stumbled on this recently:
http://www.prodigy-pro.com/diy/index.php?action=printpage;topic=26226.0
Marik made some adapters that allows him to mount CK-61 and CK-62 capsules on another mic body.
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I have three methods of interfacing with the coupling: via the PFA (a circuit built into an XLR connector) powered by any P48 preamp (such as littlebox), mini-XLR termination to littlebox (saves you the need for the PFA),
what my goal is here is to take a set of bodies out of the equation
I either travel ultra lite running my Littlebox > M10 (which has both XLR and mini XLR inputs)
or all out for multi channel and 1 less set of bodies to carry will help since I'm already carrying my Littlebox
so the PFA would connect to the p48 via XLR cables?
that would not require active type cables and as you stated could be ran by ANY p48
I will be more than willing get a set to test compatibility with my various AKG capsules when the time comes
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Well alright.
So, I have the older cards ck1's which screw into an a60m adapter reducer ring to fit on my 460's.
Will this set-up work with your PFA coupling set up?
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Those caps for the remote cable are ck1x, ck3x etc. and were part of AKG's remote set-up with the mk46 cables.
The ck1's that I have and many others have, originally went with the vintage AKG 451 bodies.
They are about 1/4 smaller in diameter. To use them with the 460's the adapter ring they screw into is the same
diameter as the ck6x caps.
(http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u46/newplanet7/C460B.gif)
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Nice.
I found the ck1x and remote cable pics that you were talking about.
(http://www.saturn-sound.com/images/akg%20c460b%20with%20ck1x.jpg)
Ted just did his ck1x/tinybox thing with you
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wow i missed some stuff
i like the idea of using a little box (since i already own one)
but really any affordable way is good with me
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(http://boardofthebored.com/BoB/images/smilies/popcorn1.gif)
Being that I'm now on the 460 AKG team I'll be following along...
Jon, does this mean that the AKG actives are moving up the list of things you are developing?
Yes, they are next.
(http://boardofthebored.com/BoB/images/smilies/icon_clap.gif)
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Looking back there has been mention of Powder Coating the collettes...as long as this is done in Brass or Copper I have access to Gun Blue (acid oxidation) which turns both of the metals black....it is a nice stable coating and adds no thickness to the metal.
I know...Options to a item we have yet to see!
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Once those actives are made i might have to trade in my busmans for some 8)
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Once those actives are made i might have to trade in my busmans for some 8)
been thinking the same thing
although i hav ebeen thinking of getting rid of my bm anyway since i am not using them much
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Hi jon. For the coupling AKG part, have you though of a name for lineage sake?
AKG ck1~> mshilarious miracle~> PFA~> V2~> R44
Has a nice ring to it! :)
-todd
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Hi jon. For the coupling AKG part, have you though of a name for lineage sake?
AKG ck1~> mshilarious miracle~> PFA~> V2~> R44
Has a nice ring to it! :)
-todd
lol nice
whats PFA?
side note if you saw the thread where it says the project is moving along and should be done by may (or whatever exactly it says)
(don't want to hijack the thread anymore then it was) can jon or anyone who might know tell if the project will work with littlebox or will it be a different or specific box needed like nbox for example
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he indicated it would work with any P48 preamp
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he indicated it would work with any P48 preamp
Yep. The coupler and A PFA( Phantom Power Adapter)
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=93559.msg1810363#msg1810363
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=93559.msg1810395#msg1810395
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ohhh sweet thanks guys
checking out the threads too
can't believe it was that short time ago and i missed/forgot
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Any ETA on the actives??
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(http://boardofthebored.com/BoB/images/smilies/popcorn1.gif)
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lol...
The first post on the first AKG Active Thread was
« on: February 15, 2006, 11:11:42 AM »
I've been wrong before, but it does look like this will become reality soon.
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Any ETA on the actives??
as posted in retail
the U series mics are coming in may, and yes akg actives will be done before the u series mic
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lol...
The first post on the first AKG Active Thread was
« on: February 15, 2006, 11:11:42 AM »
I've been wrong before, but it does look like this will become reality soon.
plus this project focuses on using the standard capsules instead of the "X" series so all of us can use our existing caps
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Sorry to slightly highjack this thread, but I notice alot of you have the Naiant LB. What has he done to yours? IN/OUT transformers?
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Sorry to slightly highjack this thread, but I notice alot of you have the Naiant LB. What has he done to yours? IN/OUT transformers?
Um, I think that qualifies as a pretty major hijack, this isn't even the preamp board. :P
Bean -- why don't you ask over in the Team Littlebox thread, probably a little more on target:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=130031.msg1828987#msg1828987
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See the pic of a PFA below, this version would be minus the minijack and hardwired to the coupling instead. So it would be AKG CK6x-->coupling-->PFA-->littlebox or other P48 preamp.
So the couplings would be the collettes? The cabling between the couplings and PFA's can be any length per customer specs or is it a short run and desired cable length from the PFA's to the pre?
This looks great. Count me in. :)
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See the pic of a PFA below, this version would be minus the minijack and hardwired to the coupling instead. So it would be AKG CK6x-->coupling-->PFA-->littlebox or other P48 preamp.
So the couplings would be the collettes? The cabling between the couplings and PFA's can be any length per customer specs or is it a short run and desired cable length from the PFA's to the pre?
This looks great. Count me in. :)
no clue but an idea of cost would help me plan ahead or at least let me cry now :P
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considering that you only have to run thru a P48, and not bodies
it could be quite economical
I'm patiently waiting
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considering that you only have to run thru a P48, and not bodies
it could be quite economical
I'm patiently waiting
Exactly! I think this is the main benefit of the 'actives'. Buying bodies is a waste of money. Powering bodies is a waste of battery...
Richard
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considering that you only have to run thru a P48, and not bodies
it could be quite economical
I'm patiently waiting
Exactly! I think this is the main benefit of the 'actives'. Buying bodies is a waste of money. Powering bodies is a waste of battery...
Richard
I always wanted to ask this question, I'm sure someone else has at some point. How much of the sound comes from the bodies and if it's not that much and they are purely used for powering why does Jim Williams do mods on bodies?
The bodies are technically preamplifiers. They basically serve 2 purposes, to send a bias voltage to the capsules, and to amplify the signal from them to mic level. In the case of the AKGs, they also have pre-attenuation and low cut filter switches.
The option being discussed here to bypass the bodies will definately deliver a sound that is different than having a true active cable between the capsules and the bodies. Not that this is a bad thing, necessarily. The old JK Labs box worked great, but definately had a sound all it's own. Some liked it, some didn't. If you are wanting a "classic" AKG sound that the C460B or the 480 bodies have, you will not get that with any solution that removes them from the equation, IMO.
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considering that you only have to run thru a P48, and not bodies
it could be quite economical
I'm patiently waiting
Exactly! I think this is the main benefit of the 'actives'. Buying bodies is a waste of money. Powering bodies is a waste of battery...
Richard
I always wanted to ask this question, I'm sure someone else has at some point. How much of the sound comes from the bodies and if it's not that much and they are purely used for powering why does Jim Williams do mods on bodies?
The bodies are technically preamplifiers. They basically serve 2 purposes, to send a bias voltage to the capsules, and to amplify the signal from them to mic level. In the case of the AKGs, they also have pre-attenuation and low cut filter switches.
The option being discussed here to bypass the bodies will definately deliver a sound that is different than having a true active cable between the capsules and the bodies. Not that this is a bad thing, necessarily. The old JK Labs box worked great, but definately had a sound all it's own. Some liked it, some didn't. If you are wanting a "classic" AKG sound that the C460B or the 480 bodies have, you will not get that with any solution that removes them from the equation, IMO.
The bodies consist of an polarization voltage generator, an impedance converter (FET behind the capsule) and a line driver (drive a balanced XLR cable). There is really not much gain in the body, if any. Using the capsules alone still needs an impedance converter (FET in the collette). The output is unbalanced, so not suitable for long cable lengths, but fine for what we do (however, be careful of cellphone interference...).
As for a different "sound". I don't know. I could think of two sources. One is that the impedance converter in the AKG may be a bit more sophisticated than in the JK labs box. The AKG circuit uses two (or more?) FETs in the front for better linearity. Also, the AKG 460s have a transformer. Finally, doesn't the JK box have a preamp in it (output line instead of mic level). That could be a source of distortion, or different sound.
Richard
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It depends on which jklabs box you're talking about. Jon at jklabs built many "DVC" boxes that do have a preamp included as well. He also built the "ECMS" box -- only 2 ever built that I know of, one for AKGs, one for Gefells -- and the ECMS box did not provide gain. It was just ck6x cap >jklabs collette (presumably with FET, etc) > jklabs ECMS box, which acted as the mic bodies and provided the capsule bias voltage, but did not provide any gain.
I ran his AKG ECMS box for years -- very nice solution for AKG actives. But as Brad notes, it sounded a bit different to me than AKG 480 bodies. Not a huge difference, but still different. Reminds me more of the sound of using jwilliams modded 460's.
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Hey there. I've got a "vintage" set of Beyerdynamic actives. They have:
CV750 (body) ---- cable ---- AV750 (collette) + CK703 (capsule)
It is a three wire cable with: 1=polarization, 2=ground, 3=signal.
Well, I just took an AKG CK63 capsule and put it on the end (with about 1" of tubing, and some layers of (tin foil!) tape to make the ends mate). And it worked!
Here is a schematic of the AV750 adapter, see below.
Comments: It gets 48V (dropped a bit) from the CV750 bodies). Note also that this draws a fair bit of current at 48V. Another circuit would run a very low current polarization voltage, and run a lower voltage to the FET. But, yes, this does work. A real-world system waiting for someone to build. Oh yeah, the FET is 2SK67A-J7. This is a "self biased" fet, used for electret mics. It is a SOT-23 package. The J7 refers to the Idss current of the FET. The J504 is a JFET with only two wires, it acts as a constant current source. Enjoy...
(http://Soundmann.com/AV750-schematic2.jpg)
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1984... There are probably some better FET's out there now, too.
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1984... There are probably some better FET's out there now, too.
I don't think FETs are the limiting factor. Also note that a "self biased" fet avoids the problem of biasing (and tuning) the FET. This is a real simple circuit that works great!
Richard
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^^^ Hey. Is anyone out there?
I'm going to build this circuit behind an AKG CK63 capsule. The circuit will be "hard wired" in a small tube behind the CK63 capsule. (Proposed method is to find a brass tube that just fits the CK63 thread. I'm using a 1" segment from an old NAK/TEAC body. Then fill the gap with a layer of thin brass mesh, and twist the threads into it. This is a one time connection, it will not harm the threads, but will make a solid connection.)
Following the Beyerdynamic wiring convention, I'll use a three pin connector on the back of the capsule. Beyerdynamic uses "Binder" connectors, series 711. Visit "binder-usa.com". These are great connectors. They are small, easy to solder, and have nice screw lugs that secure the cable connectors.
Richard
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Richard,
I think most of us are patiently waiting for something solid before getting too excited about anything
considering this project has been going on for how many years?
please keep us posted though and possibly Jon can use your idea for his AKG active setup he's going to be working on
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^^ All I'm saying is when I plugged in my CK63 cap it worked. Sounded great, no hum or buzz or other problems.
And posting a schematic of a *working* product may be helpful. I'm going to build this myself, hardwired to the CK63 capsules. Hopefully Jon or someone else comes out with a version for sale.
Richard
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That circuit will work well; that FET seems fine so long as noise is reasonable (couldn't find that spec quickly). My circuit is not a lot different other than the need to bias the FET which adds a few parts. I also have a cascoded FET, which is a common feature in these circuits.
The electronics have never been the difficult part of this project, it's the machine work that is critical. Unfortunately the way things are going, I won't have time to get to that for at least another month. I think I just answered six prospective preamp purchase emails today and I've had a record two months for preamp sales already. There is essentially no design work going on right now, if the economy keeps up it might have to wait for the summer doldrums!
Richard, if you like you can borrow my tap for your tubing.
2 months from time of purchase to delivery ??? DAMN, I'm SO GLAD I ordered mine when I did ;D
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No, in the last two months I've sold a record number of preamps.
That is great news Jon!
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No, in the last two months I've sold a record number of preamps.
That is great news Jon!
x2.
Congrats.
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If I get this job that I have been interviewing for the past 2 weeks I will be picking up where I left off on the 'colettes'. I had been working on a design with a machinist but things have been on hold since I have been strapped for cash lately.
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Richard, excellent find man.
How long have you had those Beyers??
Also wondering if you still have the Beyers bodies in the chain?
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I have a question... (and possibly an offer)
I have these CK1X caps stored away, not being used.
(As well as an extra single cable)
They are mismatched spares.
Quest.#1. what's the difference between them. Other than the body.
They sound identical. They actually sound great.
Quest.# 2. If I was to sell such a pair of mis-matched bodies, what should I ask for them.
Again, they sound great with no issues.
They've been around a bit (as you can imagine).
The bodies are in 'B' condition.
The body is also inscribed with a rental company's name.
I was told they were bought as used equipment.
I got them in a trade as a back up set, in case of repair issues on my main set.
I'd need to get something else, so I'm thinning out all my extra gear.
Please help. I figure you guys know your stuff...
thanks in advance.
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/100_2001.jpg)
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/100_2000.jpg)
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What do you mean by mis matched bodies?
The only thing I can think of is one is the three switch version and the other is the one switch version.
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that's what I mean.
You can't clip the one into the same type mic mount as the other...thus mismatched.
Otherwise - Yes - they are both CK1's.
any suggestions ?
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What do you mean by mis matched bodies?
The only thing I can think of is one is the three switch version and the other is the one switch version.
I don't think he has any 460 bodies with this stuff.
Only thing I see is two different style caps and one MK46 cable.
Looks like a tough sale. Maybe you would have some luck on ebay. Sell one cap and cable and the other cap by itself. The caps go for around 125 each and the cable with one cap might get 250.
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that's what I mean.
You can't clip the one into the same type mic mount as the other...thus mismatched.
Otherwise - Yes - they are both CK1's.
any suggestions ?
Do you still have a main set? If so, I would keep the one that matches your main set (in shape), and sell the other cap with the cable (as a single) on Ebay.
Why keep an extra? These things are not repaired anymore and they may fail. If you're happy with your set, keep at least one spare.
There should be a good market for a single cap with cable. Lots of people have 460 bodies already. Selling a cap alone may be harder.
Richard
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thanks for the input.
Sounds reasonable.
I'll sell the one that doesn't match my mount w/ the cable (the one on the left)
The right one is the same as my set.
and cables can be made...
anyone here interested ?
I'd do $200. (+$5. USPS) (cap/cable)
I'm posting the same offer in YS.
like this >
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/100_7389.jpg)
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MK46 cables can't be made, only repaired. However a cable can be made to go from the cap to a battery box thanks to Ted. :)
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I'll keep that in mind.
thanks.
and...
Thank You TED !
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that's what I mean.
You can't clip the one into the same type mic mount as the other...thus mismatched.
Otherwise - Yes - they are both CK1's.
any suggestions ?
I was talking bodies, as in c460b amplifier which is what the other end of the cable connects to.
There are two different versions, one with three switches and one with a single switch.
Now I see you were talking about the cap housing that connects to the Lemo.
I'd throw em om ebay myself if you have no intentions of using them
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http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-CK1x-capsule-cardioid-w-detachable-cable-ONLY-/190508816263?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5b35d787
If someone here still wants it, my TS price stands !
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^^ just looked. Just to correct/clarify: It is not "lemo to XLR". It is a special (detachable) cable that connects to an AKG 460 microphone body.
Richard
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Richard, excellent find man.
How long have you had those Beyers??
Also wondering if you still have the Beyers bodies in the chain?
Richard, I posed this earlier.
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Richard, excellent find man.
How long have you had those Beyers??
Also wondering if you still have the Beyers bodies in the chain?
Richard, I posed this earlier.
I've had the Beyers for maybe three years now. Originally purchased by Andrew Berg (aberg) and immediately sold to me. No cables. I made cables myself.
The bodies are still in the chain.
Richard
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^^ just looked. Just to correct/clarify: It is not "lemo to XLR". It is a special (detachable) cable that connects to an AKG 460 microphone body.
Richard
Thanks, I fixed it.
Does the rest of the auction look OK ?
only 1 other person selling a (new) CK1X (cap only) for $229. / so I think the price is OK.
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Do you have any pics of the mics on TS? I wouldn't mind seeing what they look like.
Richard, excellent find man.
How long have you had those Beyers??
Also wondering if you still have the Beyers bodies in the chain?
Richard, I posed this earlier.
I've had the Beyers for maybe three years now. Originally purchased by Andrew Berg (aberg) and immediately sold to me. No cables. I made cables myself.
The bodies are still in the chain.
Richard
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Do you have any pics of the mics on TS? I wouldn't mind seeing what they look like.
Richard, excellent find man.
How long have you had those Beyers??
Also wondering if you still have the Beyers bodies in the chain?
Richard, I posed this earlier.
I've had the Beyers for maybe three years now. Originally purchased by Andrew Berg (aberg) and immediately sold to me. No cables. I made cables myself.
The bodies are still in the chain.
Richard
No pictures. If I get anything I'll reply back here.
Richard
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OK, here are my "homebrew" actives for Studio Projects C4. I cut about 1" off the end of the mic and used the threads and capsule pin from the original mics. I used a simple circuit: a single FET (self biased one, scavenged from a Transsound TSB120A capsule), a 1G resistor, and a simple voltage drop (zener + resistor). The connection to the mic is three wires: Bias (approx 40V), Audio out, and ground. It has a Binder 711 series 3-pin connector so it can plug into my ancient Beyerdynamic CV750 bodies. Everything is potted in epoxy now...
Added: What shielding is needed? Not that much, in my case the back of the collette is open. Keep flux off (or clean) around the 1G resistor. Use shielded cable. (I used Audio Technica AT853 wire, with both foil and partial braid shield). Finally, to ensure good contact between mic body and ground, I drilled a small hole on the collette, just below the threads, and put a small screw there.
(http://Soundmann.com/Actives_C4.jpg)
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I cut about 1" off the end of the mic and ...
Now that's f'n hacking :P
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OK, here are my "homebrew" actives for Studio Projects C4. I cut about 1" off the end of the mic and used the threads and capsule pin from the original mics. I used a simple circuit: a single FET (self biased one, scavenged from a Transsound TSB120A capsule), a 1G resistor, and a simple voltage drop (zener + resistor). The connection to the mic is three wires: Bias (approx 40V), Audio out, and ground. It has a Binder 711 series 3-pin connector so it can plug into my ancient Beyerdynamic CV750 bodies. Everything is potted in epoxy now...
Very cool Richard.
That capsule looks just like the MXL603/604 capsules I've been messing around with.
I may have to try your circuit with some spare capsules I have.
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I believe this is what Busman is developing as well. Same cap style. I hope to be running a test pair at Pickathon. ;D
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I believe this is what Busman is developing as well. Same cap style. I hope to be running a test pair at Pickathon. ;D
Nice. I am slowly becoming a fan of those capsules.
They do need some refinement, but they do sound good to me for very little money.
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I cut about 1" off the end of the mic and ...
Now that's f'n hacking :P
I've got two sets of C4 (with cardioid caps), both loaned out. This is a third set I obtained, just the bodies + omni capsules. I got them because one of my original bodies died.
So now I've got a bunch of omni capsules. I'd be interested in cheap deals on specific capsules known to fit these threads.
Richard
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To mshilarious (if you're listening, you seem to have blocked PMs):
I'm looking for a phantom power generator. A step-up chip, to go from say, 9v to 48v @ >=1mA. A set of my "actives" would take approx 1mA (0.5mA each channel), maybe a bit more, just to be safe.
I'm thinking of building a battery box. It would operate in two modes. In one mode it would operate as a standard phantom power generator, like the Dencke (sp?) PS-2. In the second mode it would power a pair of actives, that is, it would supply +48V (or so) @ 1mA bias to the capsules, then run (unbalanced) lines into a miniplug for the recorder. Maybe the unit could have a switch 24/48V, so it could run some mics that play nice with lower phantom voltages.
Hey, would you bulid this for me?
Richard
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Someone should contact this guy. They did a TV show on him on Science Channel called 'Ingenious Minds'. He could knock this shit out in a week I bet...seriously.
http://science.discovery.com/tv/ingenious-minds/bios/john-robison.html
John Robison
John Robison never had a high school degree, but he worked as a highly skilled mechanical engineer designing sound equipment, special effects, cutting-edge toys, nuclear test apparatus, and medical lasers.
John is a savant with Asperger's Syndrome, which has given him a preternatural understanding of mechanics, but has made his social and work life exceptionally challenging.
John is working with Harvard researchers on trying to improve his social cognition and empathy through Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or RTMS. By speeding up or slowing down areas of John's brain, the researchers hope to stimulate mirror neurons, which they believe could help John understand the intentions and feelings of others.
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^Dude worked for Kiss also when he was young designing some of Ace Fraley's live effects.
Interesting read by him: http://www.amazon.com/Look-Me-Eye-Life-Aspergers/dp/0307395987
/sorry for the hijack, carry on
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I have a version of the PFA that will provide 45V and 13V rails to the capsule.
That's what I've wanted to hear! I love that idea.
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To mshilarious (if you're listening, you seem to have blocked PMs):
I'm looking for a phantom power generator. A step-up chip, to go from say, 9v to 48v @ >=1mA. A set of my "actives" would take approx 1mA (0.5mA each channel), maybe a bit more, just to be safe.
I'm thinking of building a battery box. It would operate in two modes. In one mode it would operate as a standard phantom power generator, like the Dencke (sp?) PS-2. In the second mode it would power a pair of actives, that is, it would supply +48V (or so) @ 1mA bias to the capsules, then run (unbalanced) lines into a miniplug for the recorder. Maybe the unit could have a switch 24/48V, so it could run some mics that play nice with lower phantom voltages.
Hey, would you bulid this for me?
Richard
littlebox can do that, tinybox can support the active capsule directly at up to 100uA (it has a separate 16V rail that can provide several mA for the FET). I have a version of the PFA that will provide 45V and 13V rails to the capsule.
I don't do a box without an amp because once you've got a battery, case, connectors, PCB, and DC converter, the amp section is only a few bits more . . .
I'm wondering, could I get a schematic of the littlebox? At least the part that does phantom power? I recall seeing you post info a while back, but I don't think you had phantom in the circuit you showed before.
As far as having an amp, I'm thinking "less is more". I would rather just put the mics directly into a Sony PCM M10/D50. The amp in these is just fine, even for recording quiet sounds. My ideal setup would be the smallest possible box, just phantom and a power switch. No levels to worry about (except on recorder), and good battery life. I also think there would be a market for these. Lots of people with phantom mics and flash recorders. And the PS-2 is just too bulky, and probably not very good on batteries.
Anyway, thanks
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I did post the full schematic a while back, but even on the power side there are many parts that aren't directly related to phantom. Basically it's MC33063A with a cascoded MOSFET such that the chip's rating is not exceeded. Get the lowest DCR inductor you can fit and a very low on-resistance 60V MOSFET.
There are more efficient converters than MC33063A, but I stick with it because it's nearly bulletproof whereas some others I have tried tend to die of unnatural causes on the breadboard. Plus the nicer stuff is usually SOT-23-6 or smaller . . .
I really have no interest in developing a phantom supply. The desire for simplicity is nearly always trumped by the need for a differential input amp to follow balanced output mics. See DSatz's many illustrations of that principle when people can't figure out why transformer-output condenser mics into DS2s into unbalanced input recorders don't work. And even mics that are happy running unbalanced . . . well, that still means they are unbalanced from the mic all the way to the recorder. That defeats a primary advantage of professional mics; noise rejection that permits use of very long cables.
I understand you will not have that problem, but many others will so I just avoid the product. It's just not a good value from my perspective when I can supply a full preamp for $40 more. Really, it saves two pots, two ICs, and about 20 small parts. Take away another 20 small parts for the meter. I still need the box, switch, battery tray, connectors, PCB, DC converter circuit with its big capacitors, input capacitors, and associated several dozen small parts . . .
Thanks for the reminder, I'll look up that part. About stability, I've noted some phantom power generators don't start up right. For example on my Fostex FR2-LE, I notice that I sometime have to remove and replug my mics to get phantom voltage on them. If I just hit record, the levels are really low. When I remove and replug (with phantom on!) they come up to the proper level. Never figured out why. I always wonder if this hurts the mic and/or recorder, but I just live with a big "pop" at the beginning of the recording.
Re: gain. OK, I get it. Balanced input is an issue I had not considered.
Hmm. I wonder if a (fixed) unity gain setting might be feasible (or maybe you've already got this?). Either a bypass switch, or a minimum setting on the pot that is unity gain.
Richard
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I did post the full schematic a while back, but even on the power side there are many parts that aren't directly related to phantom. Basically it's MC33063A with a cascoded MOSFET such that the chip's rating is not exceeded. Get the lowest DCR inductor you can fit and a very low on-resistance 60V MOSFET.
There are more efficient converters than MC33063A, but I stick with it because it's nearly bulletproof whereas some others I have tried tend to die of unnatural causes on the breadboard. Plus the nicer stuff is usually SOT-23-6 or smaller . . .
I really have no interest in developing a phantom supply. The desire for simplicity is nearly always trumped by the need for a differential input amp to follow balanced output mics. See DSatz's many illustrations of that principle when people can't figure out why transformer-output condenser mics into DS2s into unbalanced input recorders don't work. And even mics that are happy running unbalanced . . . well, that still means they are unbalanced from the mic all the way to the recorder. That defeats a primary advantage of professional mics; noise rejection that permits use of very long cables.
I understand you will not have that problem, but many others will so I just avoid the product. It's just not a good value from my perspective when I can supply a full preamp for $40 more. Really, it saves two pots, two ICs, and about 20 small parts. Take away another 20 small parts for the meter. I still need the box, switch, battery tray, connectors, PCB, DC converter circuit with its big capacitors, input capacitors, and associated several dozen small parts . . .
Thanks for the reminder, I'll look up that part. About stability, I've noted some phantom power generators don't start up right. For example on my Fostex FR2-LE, I notice that I sometime have to remove and replug my mics to get phantom voltage on them. If I just hit record, the levels are really low. When I remove and replug (with phantom on!) they come up to the proper level. Never figured out why. I always wonder if this hurts the mic and/or recorder, but I just live with a big "pop" at the beginning of the recording.
Re: gain. OK, I get it. Balanced input is an issue I had not considered.
Hmm. I wonder if a (fixed) unity gain setting might be feasible (or maybe you've already got this?). Either a bypass switch, or a minimum setting on the pot that is unity gain.
Richard
fwiw
i have never had my mics not power up on the fr2le
and i have been told its not a good idea (generally speaking) to plug mics into a hot 48v source
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fwiw
i have never had my mics not power up on the fr2le
and i have been told its not a good idea (generally speaking) to plug mics into a hot 48v source
what he said ^
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I was supposed to be working on a video project today, but my project computer crapped out and won't load windows.
So I gave up on that for the day and moved onto a project I've been wanting to start.
I have AKG H98 / MK90 3 cables that went bad. The wire is so thin that it gets damaged easily.
So instead of fixing it to OEM spec, I decided to do an active cable mod.
I had the AKG connects, so I didn't have to do a ghetto job.
I had ordered new cable from Sound professionals. It came this morning.
It is 50% thicker than the AKG wire,
so I had to drill out the entry hole a bit, but no issues.
Also, I had to manage a grounding ferrel that I was initially unaware of.
Soldering and reinserting the contact rig was a bit of a challenge, but I got it.
Long story short, here is the first one finished and tested.
Works great and looks great.
I tested it with a CA-9100.
I can't wait to do the other one.
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/100_4882.jpg)
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^^^ dude, you're outta control. Hide your gear, folks, igene is in the house!
Comment by someone who has more than a dozen partially completed projects on his desk. Each project is "on hold" in a plastic tray, with disassembled gear, parts, and schematics, all waiting to go...
Seriously, please make sure you keep the old parts in case you have to backrack.
Richard
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Each project is "on hold" in a plastic tray, with disassembled gear, parts, and schematics, all waiting to go...
Richard
Richard, that is SO funny. I do exactly the same thing. When I disassemble something I use some clear plastic storage containers with lids to store everything in, including notes etc... because I can drop or forget about a project for as long as a year. I must have 5 or 6 projects in various states of repair and disassembled in those clear plastic storage boxes. It really helps me keep track of everything.
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I actually only have 3 projects on hold disassembled (neatly in it's own container)
in such a way that I know where I left off.
I never leave anything too apart so I can't go back.
1. Nak700 mod
2. 2 wire bat box
3. 3 wire bat box
Am I missing something ?
I'm doing the other cable (AKG active today) so I'm done today.
I'm actually shooting every step of the way for a AKG active mod post that's going to blow you away !
I don't know what you mean...hide your gear....
I'm doing it right, better than a lot of homemade mods I've seen.
(no duct tape here)
I also started and finished the AT power module mod in 1 day - DONE ! completed
Are you telling me that AKG cable mod doesn't look pro ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
add >
I just remembered I have another one...
4. KORG MR-1 project
For battery upgrade and CF/SSD mod
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Pretty sure it was a compliment Gene. ;)
He digs the homebrew, DIY, show me the guts posts.
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OK, then thanks.
I'm weird like that.
I can never tell...
I'm keeping the bar set high for my mods.
My next mod post will prove that.
I don't think anyone has ever done as detailed - step by step mod post as the one I'm about to drop on you guys.
I've gone thru 5 sets of batteries (rechargeable of course) turning the camera on and off shooting the steps.
(I've got my macro focus working overtime)
Still not done. about 3/4 of the way there.
I figured out the steps modding the first one, the second one is coming out much neater.
I'm taking a break.
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OK.
Finished the 2nd one.
I think I shot over 200 pics as well....
You only get one right now.
My eyes hurt from focusing on such small stuff.
(even w/ electronics glasses)
I'll start the massive picture upload tomorrow,
and post after I organized the complete mod layout.
It's going to be it's own post.
(I won't hijack this one any more... ::) )
Notice I only have one OMNI cap....HELP !!!
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/100_5107-1.jpg)
add >
Just ran a test with Dicks Picks 10 (Estimated...) thru my home stereo and some nice big VEGA's
AKG CK-91's>active cables>CA-9100>SD HX-3>Sony V-6 headphones
IT SOUNDS F***ING AMAZING.
I'm So happy I did this. ;D
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/100_5116.jpg)
So what would the official name of these cables be ?
...when adding to gear info ?
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So what did this mod entail?
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I'll post the whole thing in the next few days.
the short version >
cut off the F-bayonette from the existing cables/connectors, drill, resolder new cables and solder on the new miniXLR end.
(and test of course)
It's way more involved than that.
There were some steps that made me crazy (like soldering to the AKG connector and getting it re-seated in the shell)
but I figured it all out. It went much easier and neater the 2nd time.
I have had it today with mods...
I just want a drink and a movie right now.
no more staring at tiny solder connections thru magnifying glasses....
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
OK, much better now ;D
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I was thinking about having this done to my mk90/3-h98 cable too! My thought was I could use a Naiant PFA to run them w/o the bodies. I was thinking the other end of the mk 90/3-h98 could be wired with a male Minixlr so you could still run them with the bodies and have breakout cables made to have 15 & 20 cable lengths. Of course I would have to have someone else build this, but sounded versital. Looks nice igene!!
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Thanks.
I took it out of me... :crazy:
I'll bounce back tomorrow w/ more fun
:realhappy:
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I'm not sure if this will work. Here's a before and after from my email attachment >
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=0da20668b1&view=att&th=12ef5d6d78d6dfb1&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_glrjmei40&zw
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So what would the official name of these cables be ?
...when adding to gear info ?
SE3CIG Active...SE 300 IGene Active
AKG B.I.G. Active...AKG Blueline IGene Active
Sweet
I wish I had the patience I paid $50 for 4 Mini XLR's to be solidered last fall...after I gave up and supplied the connectors to the shop
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Thanks.
I'm honored.
I kind of like AKG B.I.G. Actives
It's got a nice sound to it, notorious even :wink2:
Unfortunately, the part I need to do the mod is VERY hard to find.
But I'm going to run with this modding thing on TS.
I'm getting a set of Nak300's that I'll Franken mod my way.
(see my preview pics of the 700's)
Top shelf & Super-tight all the way! ;D
What I'm thinking of doing is modding, and then selling.
That way folks know exactly what they are getting.
Good idea ?
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Hey there. I've got a "vintage" set of Beyerdynamic actives. They have:
CV750 (body) ---- cable ---- AV750 (collette) + CK703 (capsule)
It is a three wire cable with: 1=polarization, 2=ground, 3=signal.
Well, I just took an AKG CK63 capsule and put it on the end (with about 1" of tubing, and some layers of (tin foil!) tape to make the ends mate). And it worked!
Here is a schematic of the AV750 adapter, see below.
Comments: It gets 48V (dropped a bit) from the CV750 bodies). Note also that this draws a fair bit of current at 48V. Another circuit would run a very low current polarization voltage, and run a lower voltage to the FET. But, yes, this does work. A real-world system waiting for someone to build. Oh yeah, the FET is 2SK67A-J7. This is a "self biased" fet, used for electret mics. It is a SOT-23 package. The J7 refers to the Idss current of the FET. The J504 is a JFET with only two wires, it acts as a constant current source. Enjoy...
(http://Soundmann.com/AV750-schematic2.jpg)
There have been a few variations of active capsule schematics for 48-60v capsules posted over the past few years. What's the current wisdom on the best circuit to tinker with?
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^^ The above circuit is fine. But this suffers from two limitations. First the 40V supply must be very well filtered. (Just using one end of the phantom supply generates noise.) The other problem is the circuit needs the full FET current at the full 40V. A smarter circuit would use a lower voltage (5-10V) for the FET and polarize the capsule with a very low current supply. I built this circuit because it uses the wiring convention of my ancient Beyerdynamic actives. I would also consider using a bunch of batteries in series to generate the phantom voltage. In past experiments I just put five 9V batteries in series (glue-tape) and used those. This is a sure fire way to get a smooth supply, and easier than building step-up circuits. Electronics for lazy hackers.
I think jon/mshilarious/Naint audio is building a system that will work with his preamps. Unless you're utterly crazy (like me!), I would just wait for his system. Hopefully he will publish schematics, and maybe even offer just the collettes, so that DIY types can follow along and experiment.
Richard
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I have an extra pair of MK46 cables. Wondering if these could be used in conjunction with Jon's upcoming solution for the CK6x caps, as in remove the lemo ends of the MK46 cables and replace with whatever type of collette Jon comes up with for the CK6x caps? I'd like to keep my JW's in the chain. Nothing against Jon's boxes, I already own two of them. :)
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^^ The above circuit is fine. But this suffers from two limitations. First the 40V supply must be very well filtered. (Just using one end of the phantom supply generates noise.) The other problem is the circuit needs the full FET current at the full 40V. A smarter circuit would use a lower voltage (5-10V) for the FET and polarize the capsule with a very low current supply. I built this circuit because it uses the wiring convention of my ancient Beyerdynamic actives. I would also consider using a bunch of batteries in series to generate the phantom voltage. In past experiments I just put five 9V batteries in series (glue-tape) and used those. This is a sure fire way to get a smooth supply, and easier than building step-up circuits. Electronics for lazy hackers.
I think jon/mshilarious/Naint audio is building a system that will work with his preamps. Unless you're utterly crazy (like me!), I would just wait for his system. Hopefully he will publish schematics, and maybe even offer just the collettes, so that DIY types can follow along and experiment.
Thanks! I'm sure Jon will come through, but I want the ability to roll my own. Even if it is completely the wrong season for it :P
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I have an extra pair of MK46 cables. Wondering if these could be used in conjunction with Jon's upcoming solution for the CK6x caps, as in remove the lemo ends of the MK46 cables and replace with whatever type of collette Jon comes up with for the CK6x caps? I'd like to keep my JW's in the chain. Nothing against Jon's boxes, I already own two of them. :)
Im not sure it would work with the mk46 cables.
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IIRC the new Collette is hardwired to either a connector going to a Tiny Box or PFA XLR to hook into the Preamp of your choice
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Not hardwired, I'm going to use Neutrik nanocons on the capsule end. The pinout will be:
1 ground
2 +15V/signal
3 +45V
PFA, tinybox, and littlebox can all support that.
Thanks Jon!
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Not hardwired, I'm going to use Neutrik nanocons on the capsule end. The pinout will be:
1 ground
2 +15V/signal
3 +45V
PFA, tinybox, and littlebox can all support that.
any ballpark on eta and cost
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Not hardwired, I'm going to use Neutrik nanocons on the capsule end. The pinout will be:
1 ground
2 +15V/signal
3 +45V
PFA, tinybox, and littlebox can all support that.
Hypno googles Nanocon....hmmm...microscopic right winger???? j/k
This is awesome news...makes low pro and open cabling a snap.
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any ballpark on eta and cost
(http://images.hollywood.com/site/drevil.jpg)
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any ballpark on eta and cost
(http://images.hollywood.com/site/drevil.jpg)
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thats what i am afraid of
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What's your limit will?
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What's your limit will?
depends on the week >:D
last week it was twice as much as it is this week
seriously i have been going up and down on my stash waiting for this to hit and my wife doesn't feel any taping gear is needed with a baby on the way
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Naiant is reasonable in the price department. I'm optimistic and have an amount in mind for the Active Collete's and PFA. I'm considering the ramifications a AKG Active will make on my rig. Keeping in mind I would like to get smaller....
A: Change over to a Tiny Box which may not be the greatest match for the iRiver, So...New small recorder M10 or DR-2 adds an upgrade to the cost of Actives and Tiny Box another upgrade cost over the existing low pro pre.
B: Go PFA route, stay with V2/Fostex and PS2/AD-20/iRiver. The 16 bit stuff is long in the tooth but running fine.
As much as I would like a Tiny Box...I think I'm going PFA. Wait/save for a upgraded Small Recorder and Tiny Box and have the best of both.
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^^ I like the PFA options seems more flexible for my needs!
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I need the contact's ID'ed inside a CK series capsule (Blueline).
Anyone who has done the hardwire version would know this.
I've been working on a capsule only mod that makes the CK91, 93 caps disconnect (and look like) the CK-1X caps...
Please help me ID the (+) contact.
thanks.
This is what I have so far >
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5276.jpg)
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5275.jpg)
The mod is in proto-version 1.5 now, and it looks amazing.
There were a lot of problems that needed to be solved along the way for this to work.
I think I'm almost done, I just need to solder it up and make small adjustments
I only have a dummied up prototype, but it looks great.
Now I need the wiring info, so I can test function.
ok, here's a peek...
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5288.jpg)
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^ Nice work igene! Is that a mini xlr connection on the back?
-
yes.
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/2.jpg)
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(http://www.onlinecolleges.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/mad-scientist.jpg)
^this is my vision of igene
-
that picture is funny... I feel like that sometimes...
-------------------------------------------------------------
I added some shrink tubing, and it looks more uniform.
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5295.jpg)
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That's real slick looking!! Nice work
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igene...As my ole man would say....
"That's slicker than owl shit"
Is this an alternative to the AKG B.I.G. cable upgrade?
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I realized those cable parts are impossible to find, so I started designing a more practical application.
I took my spare CK-91 capsule apart, and stared at the parts for a long time.
I tried 4 different ideas before I got to this point.
Anyway, If this works out as well as I think it will, I've just permanently freed
the CK caps from the SE300 bodies.
I think the connector extension would fit into an Audix SMT-micro shock mount.
Have not done a fitting yet, I sold mine.
BTW - this mod takes a while to do.
One extension takes 45min to an hour to make (start to finish) before I start any other work.
Maybe this can be called the AKG B.I.G. free capsules
?
(I moved this to it's own post. I need to get an answer on the pins so I can complete the mod)
-
I need the contact's ID'ed inside a CK series capsule (Blueline).
Anyone who has done the hardwire version would know this.
I've been working on a capsule only mod that makes the CK91, 93 caps disconnect (and look like) the CK-1X caps...
Please help me ID the (+) contact.
thanks.
This is what I have so far >
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5276.jpg)
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5275.jpg)
The mod is in proto-version 1.5 now, and it looks amazing.
There were a lot of problems that needed to be solved along the way for this to work.
I think I'm almost done, I just need to solder it up and make small adjustments
I only have a dummied up prototype, but it looks great.
Now I need the wiring info, so I can test function.
ok, here's a peek...
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5288.jpg)
That's damn sweet!
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that picture is funny... I feel like that sometimes...
-------------------------------------------------------------
I added some shrink tubing, and it looks more uniform.
(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z48/igene_01/AKG%20ACTIVE%20CABLE%20BUILD/AKG%20BIG%20capsule%20mod/101_5295.jpg)
totally slick!
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AWESOME Gene ;D
I want some ck93's>722 ;D
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how much space would be needed inside the collette to house the FET et. al?
thinking length here for an answer since the inside diameter of the collette would be around 17 mm at least.
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Jon, have you given any thought to making the finished capsule assembly work with any of the existing for example Delrin "stereo mounting bars" that are out there? That'll be the next thing that a lot of people will want to have after buying the "active cables."
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Schoeps uses a fair bit of custom plastic to anchor the cable. Using the nanocon solves a lot of the engineering and manufacturing issues. It is an inexpensive off the shelf part for one of the trickiest bits, keeping the cost down. That part can be standardized across different capsule colettes. I like it.
It'd be kind of neat to solder extension pins into the nanocon solder cups, and then have those protrude through the pcb (or maybe just sit in cups on the underside). Though if they directly coupled to the pcb, cable strain on the pins might fatigue the connections over time. So maybe that wouldn't work. Maybe if the pins were thin enough to flex, or allowed to float?
The downside of the nanocon is the length of the plug in connector beyond the colette. Looks like it adds 0.9", plus any strain relief boot. That will bring the overall to about 1.9", plus capsule. I'm guessing that's comparable to the Lemo schoeps, but it has been quite a while since I've measured.
The portion of a Schoeps KC5 that extends outside the capsule is 5/8", plus 1/4" of neck for mounting the colette and strain relief. So about 7/8, or 22mm, overall. In some tight installations, that will be a challenge. Who will be the first to make a "stubbie nanocon", potted in epoxy, possibly with a right angle exit? :P
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Jon, have you given any thought to making the finished capsule assembly work with any of the existing for example Delrin "stereo mounting bars" that are out there? That'll be the next thing that a lot of people will want to have after buying the "active cables."
Stereo bars would be awesome or at least mount with standard clips such as a Schoeps SGC Swivel Miniature Stand Mount or Audix MC-MICRO
(http://www.wilbertonline.com/images/upload/items/thumbnails/23-praying-hands_web.jpg)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e348/EL_Deano/Nanocons.jpg)
Looking at the Nanocon...going to be TAO KY or MBHO territory
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I don't know if anyone else is making them now, but Nolafishwater makes and sells these:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=114147.0
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I wouldn't be crazy about using the nanocon as a mount because they are so tiny vs. the weight of the capsule + coupling. I can trim the OD of the coupling after the first 9mm down from 21mm to 18mm, if that is easier than 21mm (which would fit a mic clip).
Doh...I guess the vision I had was like the Schoeps Collette/CCM have a section to clip at the back...but with the Nanocon that would not be the case...got it....
KISS would be my principle...keep it 21mm and clip to the Collette there....there are lots of microphones @ 21mm diameter
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I don't know if anyone else is making them now, but Nolafishwater makes and sells these:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=114147.0
I would make a set specifically for this setup if there was enough demand. NOS, DIN, ORTF
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I don't know if anyone else is making them now, but Nolafishwater makes and sells these:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=114147.0
I would make a set specifically for this setup if there was enough demand. NOS, DIN, ORTF
I'm down for a DIN bar.
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why are "kwon" bars so costly?
seems like they should be cheap and easy to make but what do i know
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e348/EL_Deano/NaiantAKGActivemockup.jpg)
Playing with the Nanocon drawings...My mockup of the Naiant AKG Active Collete...it is not to scale...I'll tighten up with corel draw next week...
If there are actual measurements to be glad I'll get it closer.
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Obviously I'm Nanocon Challenged... ;D
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e348/EL_Deano/NaiantAKGActivemockup-1.jpg)
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I wouldn't be crazy about using the nanocon as a mount because they are so tiny vs. the weight of the capsule + coupling. I can trim the OD of the coupling after the first 9mm down from 21mm to 18mm, if that is easier than 21mm (which would fit a mic clip).
Doh...I guess the vision I had was like the Schoeps Collette/CCM have a section to clip at the back...but with the Nanocon that would not be the case...got it....
KISS would be my principle...keep it 21mm and clip to the Collette there....there are lots of microphones @ 21mm diameter
Actually, I thought the KownBars were 20mm, and not 21mm ???
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But, from what Jon was saying, it sounds like he can turn down the OD of that grey part around the connector. That would allow it to be used in a Delron fixture more easily.
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Holy crap guys. Seeing these mock ups makes me all tingly inside.
-
Can't you guys get anything right?
-
For those who haven't seen this yet. I have attached a couple of photos of the JKLabs AKG actives solution from tape_ohio's DVC II Yard Sale.
edit:
to add one more photo.
-
Has there been a time frame suggested for all of this?
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Never? ;D
-
Never? ;D
:smash:
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For those who haven't seen this yet. I have attached a couple of photos of the JKLabs AKG actives solution from tape_ohio's DVC II Yard Sale.
I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/justgup/projects/akg2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/justgup/ebay/jklabsrear.jpg)
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I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
??? ??? ???
So did you rebuild the FET circuit inside the collettes or somehow extract and re-use the old one?
Very nice work!
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Not quite that narrow, still need to have room to fasten the nut (I'm not a fan of threading the nanocon directly into the coupling, that's too hard to service).
Like this:
I'd just keep the collette so that it is a constant 21mm, matching the cap. 21mm is a fairly standard size to allow a variety of mic clips or shocks to be used, and keeping it constant provides more depth for attaching to a mic clip. If you shift it down to 18mm, you leave less room to be attaching the clip and move to a less standard clip size.
Using the nanocons rather than having a hard-wired cable (a good idea in my book) means you won't be able to get that smaller tail piece like on the jklabs collette that allows insertion into a kwonbar. I think that type of bar setup would need to attach to the nanocon itself, which you say isn't recommended and may not be feasible given the nanocon connector shape.
-
I see one potential benefit of using nanocons at the capsule assembly is the possibility of making machined capsule assemblies for other brands of capsules in the future,
as it-goes-to-eleven pointed out in his post.
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Sorry, i guess my language wasn't too clear. I think going to a separate cable using nanocons is the good idea, much better than having hard-wired cables. Cables can wear out and break, much better to be able to re-build or throw out cheap cables than to need to rebuild the cables into an expensive active head. Expensive being a relative term, as it seems Jon is planning on a pretty reasonable price.
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Sorry, i guess my language wasn't too clear. I think going to a separate cable using nanocons is the good idea, much better than having hard-wired cables. Cables can wear out and break, much better to be able to re-build or throw out cheap cables than to need to rebuild the cables into an expensive active head. Expensive being a relative term, as it seems Jon is planning on a pretty reasonable price.
Agreed. :)
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What is the outside diameter of the "neck" to use it with the schoeps bars?
For those who haven't seen this yet. I have attached a couple of photos of the JKLabs AKG actives solution from tape_ohio's DVC II Yard Sale.
I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/justgup/projects/akg2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/justgup/ebay/jklabsrear.jpg)
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Holy crap guys. Seeing these mock ups makes me all tingly inside.
Me too ;D
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I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
??? ??? ???
So did you rebuild the FET circuit inside the collettes or somehow extract and re-use the old one?
Very nice work!
same question
-
Sorry, i guess my language wasn't too clear. I think going to a separate cable using nanocons is the good idea, much better than having hard-wired cables. Cables can wear out and break, much better to be able to re-build or throw out cheap cables than to need to rebuild the cables into an expensive active head. Expensive being a relative term, as it seems Jon is planning on a pretty reasonable price.
Another option is Binder connectors - the are fairly cheap at about $10 per connector versus $30 for lemos. Don't know about nanocons but being a Neutrik part I would think the would be pricy.
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I would think building the FET circuit and powering circuits would be the easy part. Getting the collettes machined would be the hard part at a cheap enough price - how much did it cost to get these made?
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Can't you guys get anything right?
^
Team Gefell approves that message. ;)
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Can't you guys get anything right?
^
Team Gefell approves that message. ;)
Don't forget about Team MBHO either :P ;D
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Sorry, i guess my language wasn't too clear. I think going to a separate cable using nanocons is the good idea, much better than having hard-wired cables. Cables can wear out and break, much better to be able to re-build or throw out cheap cables than to need to rebuild the cables into an expensive active head. Expensive being a relative term, as it seems Jon is planning on a pretty reasonable price.
Another option is Binder connectors - the are fairly cheap at about $10 per connector versus $30 for lemos. Don't know about nanocons but being a Neutrik part I would think the would be pricy.
I've got Binder 711 series, three pin, on my ancient Beyerdynamic actives (CV750 body + AV750 collette + CK703 (cardioid) capsule). These connectors are really nice IMO. You can also get a four pin version if you like. They range in price from $5-$10USD each, depending on the connector.
Richard
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I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips.
< photo removed >
Slick!
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I've been thinking about the nanocons. I only use actives for one specific application. And for that application, the nanocons add too much length. There is no way they'll fit in my rig. I could change the rig, but it is what I've run for many years, it is pretty well engineered, and major advantages would be lost with an alternate setup.
So for the nanocon colettes, I'll need to tear apart the nanocon, pot the critical bits in epoxy (ala stubbie xlr), maybe add some kind of connected shield to cover the backside, and... I guess hot glue it into the colette. Or hold it in with dental floss (anchoring on what, I'm not sure). It'd be nice if there was something to tie the floss to ;)
I think I'd rather disassemble the colette, remove the nanocon and find a way to hard solder them, with a strain relief for the cable. It'd be nice to know the internal dimensions, once they are finalized.
I've never had trouble with my schoeps active cables, where the cable is clamped by a simple metal bar assembly. If someone trips over a cable and rips it out, I'll have to buy the little piece from schoeps and re-solder.
That the current nanocon design won't fit into a kwon bar is less of a concern for me. I have an excellent solution for that, and I'll probably offer it for sale.
So, for me, the nanocon length compromises the #1 thing I want actives for.
From the manufacturing perspective - design, construction, being able to send customers replacement cables.. I can see those benefits. Hopefully Neutrik produces them for a long while. Going purely by the datasheets, I think I liked the Binder 711's more. Has anyone worked with both?
Ultimately, we'll make do with nanocons. I just wanted to express my preference.
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I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
??? ??? ???
So did you rebuild the FET circuit inside the collettes or somehow extract and re-use the old one?
Very nice work!
I had a little help from my friends since EE is not my forte. We basically reused the circuit that Jon had made and resoldered the new cable and placed in new collette. Collettes were made by a friend of a friend (for free) using a 460 body and ck61 cap as the template and with brass similar to Jon's original collette. I can not remember the neck size offhand since it was a while ago when this was all done. I have a picture of the interior of the collete if any one is interested and if I can find it.
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#1 reason why I don't want hardwired is because I have to test every coupling, which means the coupling has to be terminated to something. If that's a PFA, no problem there. If it's a tinybox or littlebox, then I'd have to keep around a dedicated PFA to test that termination. If people wanted a different littlebox termination than tinybox's 6 pin, well then I'd have to have an adaptor cable too. If it's a termination done by the customer, then I'd have to terminate the coupling and then cut it off after it was tested.
All of that increases production time . . .
#2 reason is reliability and repairability. I don't epoxy stuff that I intend to ever have to repair. The only things I currently make that is epoxied shut and thus not repairable are the inline pads, which almost never break and only cost $13, so I don't cry if I have to replace one.
If you buy a coupling and epoxy it, don't return it to me for repair because I won't work on it.
sounds smart to me
and being a person who doesn't solder or anything the faster easier repair would be my choice too
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So, for me, the nanocon length compromises the #1 thing I want actives for.
I am a little concerned about the nanocon length too. It's not as low profile as I was hoping for.
In some ways it might be better to have the capsule assembly be hard wired with 2 - 3 feet of cable. The cable being terminated with a connector that'll work with the PFA and or the littlebox/tinybox connectors.
That way the capsule assembly wouldn't be as bulky and if you are using the capsules assemblies body worn you can just plug them into the littlebox/tiny box without the extra connector needed on the capsule end?
Ultimately I'm sure Jon will get it right. I hadn't thought of the testing that would need to be done on the manufacturing end.
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#2 reason is reliability and repairability. I don't epoxy stuff that I intend to ever have to repair. The only things I currently make that is epoxied shut and thus not repairable are the inline pads, which almost never break and only cost $13, so I don't cry if I have to replace one.
If you buy a coupling and epoxy it, don't return it to me for repair because I won't work on it.
I appreciate that you're supporting a lot of different configs, and you have to manage your time.
I don't intend to epoxy the colette. I'm talking about the nanocon that plugs into the colette. It's just like we do with XLRs to make them smaller. You cut the outer sleeve, shortening it, eliminate the strain chuck, etc. The cable exit is typically right angle, with some heat shrink for strain relief. You pot the whole thing in epoxy. They work incredibly well. Many apps just don't need the monster heavy duty strain relief of a regular xlr.
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I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
??? ??? ???
So did you rebuild the FET circuit inside the collettes or somehow extract and re-use the old one?
Very nice work!
I had a little help from my friends since EE is not my forte. We basically reused the circuit that Jon had made and resoldered the new cable and placed in new collette. Collettes were made by a friend of a friend (for free) using a 460 body and ck61 cap as the template and with brass similar to Jon's original collette. I can not remember the neck size offhand since it was a while ago when this was all done. I have a picture of the interior of the collete if any one is interested and if I can find it.
I would love to see the inside of the collete if you've got it.
Richard
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I replaced my JK_Labs collettes and had the new collettes machined so the "neck" would fit into standard schoeps dina/dina etc bars and clips. Cables were also replaced with Belden 1804a.
??? ??? ???
So did you rebuild the FET circuit inside the collettes or somehow extract and re-use the old one?
Very nice work!
I had a little help from my friends since EE is not my forte. We basically reused the circuit that Jon had made and resoldered the new cable and placed in new collette. Collettes were made by a friend of a friend (for free) using a 460 body and ck61 cap as the template and with brass similar to Jon's original collette. I can not remember the neck size offhand since it was a while ago when this was all done. I have a picture of the interior of the collete if any one is interested and if I can find it.
I would love to see the inside of the collete if you've got it.
Richard
Me too! That's a really impressive feat. +t!