naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

6. Re: Best way to build simply DIY stereo mics.

Subject: 6. Re: Best way to build simply DIY stereo mics.
From: "Ben Cook" onethousandbc
Date: Sat May 5, 2012 11:56 pm ((PDT))
Hi Paul,

Yes there is soldering involved. In this case I've been using the EM172s fr=
om frogloggers which come with 5cm leads attached. It would be possible to =
twist the bare end of the capsule lead onto the appropriate tabs on the con=
nectors and leave it like this but it wouldn't be very secure and prone to =
pops and crackles. I wouldn't worry about heat damaging the capsule if you'=
re soldering the leads. Heat the connector tab first, then the touch the le=
ad to it and apply solder. Shouldn't take more than a couple of seconds and=
 I doubt enough heat could make it up the lead to damage the capsule.

These are the connectors I've used:

http://m2.sourcingmap.com/smapimg/en/n/09c/golden-male-rca-plug-audio-video=
-adapter-connector-45716n.jpg

I unscrew it, remove the cable retention spring, scuff up that end of the b=
arrel so glue takes more firmly, twist the cap leads together a few times t=
o shorten them, thread the leads through the barrel and solder the leads to=
 the tabs on the back of the connector. Then I screw the barrel back on, sm=
ear a small amount of two-part epoxy glue on the barrel end and also on the=
 back of the capsule and clamp them together for a few hours.

Ben

--- In  Paul Willison <> w=
rote:
>
>
>
> Hey Ben, I've seen a couple of people mention glue. =C2=A0How do you mean=
? =C2=A0 Is there any soldering at all, or do you just twist the wire leads=
(if any...I know some primo caps cam wired, some not) to the RCA's and glue=
 them for security? =C2=A0If it's that easy, then you of course eliminate t=
he issue of over heating the caps!
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: Ben Cook <>
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, May 4, 2012 7:14 AM
> Subject: [Nature Recordists] Re: Best way to build simply DIY stereo mics=
.
>
>
> =C2=A0
> Hi Paul,
>
> Great minds think alike! (excuse the immodesty)
>
> I also recently glued some em172 caps to RCA connectors and am very happy=
 with the result - a bag of very capable, easy to connect omni mics.
>
> It's good to hear from Dan that the length of a 3.5mm - RCA cable won't p=
ose any major problems with this kind of setup.
>
> How are you thinking of mounting/spacing your mics? I'm enjoying finally =
having the freedom of walking around with a stereo pair that can be placed =
pretty much anywhere, especially for instant tree-mic binaural. I also got =
some nice ultra-stereo recordings of footsteps by putting one on each of my=
 shoes and tramping about.
>
> Ben
>
> --- In  Paul Willison <paulwillison@> wr=
ote:
> >
> > Guys, I've a really simple question.
> > I'm setting up to build a number of stereo 3.5mm PIP mics using Primo c=
apsules, and want to built them for best sound quality.
> > I'm using 3.5mm to stereo RCA cables as my starting point and my questi=
on is, in order to get the least loss of sound quality in terms of both noi=
se and gain, does it matter of I solder the capsules to RCA plugs and just =
plug them onto the existing RCA ends, or, will I see an improvement by wiri=
ng them direct after cutting off the existing plugs. =C2=A0And...if I do th=
e latter, does soldering in any way inhibit the signal(in other words, will=
 I see an improvement either way by soldering or just twisting the wires?).=
 =C2=A0The primo's came from Frogloggers, so they have attached wires alrea=
dy(thankfully...I've read that you can ruin them easily with too much heat)=
. =C2=A0 Also, is there a large difference in audio quality among different=
 brands of cables?(right now, I've just bought 3.5mm to RCA from Radio Shac=
k...and pricing both there, local music stores, and online for similar item=
s seems almost the same). =C2=A0=C2=A0
> > I am simply trying to get the best quality I can for what I have, so an=
y advice is greatly=C2=A0appreciated!
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>







<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU