Topic: Help ID an electret capsule...

[groovon]

I picked up some of these over the weekend. Cardiod type with 6 holes around the outside of the PCB, and two solder pads. The rolled aluminum case is a hair under 3/8" dia. and overall length is a hair under 1/4". Only identifying mark is 'CA' embossed on the side of the case. They seem fairly quiet. I wired a pair into a binaural headset, but haven't had a chance to record any music with them yet.

Anyone familiar with these? Thanks!
Dave

[groovon]

Thanks for that info. Yeah, strictly speaking I shouldn't have said 'binaural'. Really 'X-Y with a head stuck in-between'(!) It was just see if they worked, to get a rough idea (conclusion: fantastic, considering the price).

Any recommendations for their best use?

cheers

[groovon]

If it's the same quality as WM55A, could be used for lots of things, it's a very respectable capsule, probably the smallest good cardioid.  With a proper circuit, it makes a good high SPL close mic for drums.  You could build a mini-ambisonic mic.  Anything, really.

Thanks, that sounds promising. They're quieter than I'd have expected just on the Sony's jack power.

I pulled them from NOS Sun Microsystems computer mics. Apparently the mic housings were assembled in the UK (now I wonder does that put a Euro spin on the cap origin?) Cost me under a buck each at the last ham radio swap.  Wish I'd got more now!

I might try a pair in a vertical X-Y. I expect each cap will want the right amount of baffling from front to rear. If they sound alright, I'll put them on 9V and go and record some music... 

cheers
Dave

[groovon]

thanks ms. I guess 9V is the only other thing they might need. Could you link me to a simple preamp schematic I might try if I wanted to run them on longer cables?

[groovon]

Thanks, that looks perfect.