Re-building an Old Mic
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:10 pmHey guys,
So I just received an old (50's/60's) Shield M-102 mic that I got for $50 off fleabay. One of the 77 style "pill" mics. Bought it untested, turns out the element is shot to hell, and all the internal foam lining was disintegrating badly. So I have a beautiful bakelite/metal pill mic with plenty of space inside, and I want to build it into something lovely. preferably something for studio vocals (ie, LDC with nice smooth response) or something, but then I'm not swimming in cash so options aren't huge.... For me, the whole idea is that the mic can inspire people just by looking at it (it just looks soooooo cool), which is half the reason I have it - hopefully it will be a visual creative inspiration.
Just thought I'd throw the question out there; if you had the time/money/patience/ability, what would you do? What would you build into it? I'm pretty much starting with a clean slate, so anything is possible. Any suggestions? Anyone attempted something similar, or taken another mic apart to transplant it into a new body ala Mutant Mics?
I know the first reaction will be "build whatever suits your situation", which is exactly what I will be doing, just thought I'd see what would YOU do? Just for fun! Any suggestions are welcome
So I just received an old (50's/60's) Shield M-102 mic that I got for $50 off fleabay. One of the 77 style "pill" mics. Bought it untested, turns out the element is shot to hell, and all the internal foam lining was disintegrating badly. So I have a beautiful bakelite/metal pill mic with plenty of space inside, and I want to build it into something lovely. preferably something for studio vocals (ie, LDC with nice smooth response) or something, but then I'm not swimming in cash so options aren't huge.... For me, the whole idea is that the mic can inspire people just by looking at it (it just looks soooooo cool), which is half the reason I have it - hopefully it will be a visual creative inspiration.
Just thought I'd throw the question out there; if you had the time/money/patience/ability, what would you do? What would you build into it? I'm pretty much starting with a clean slate, so anything is possible. Any suggestions? Anyone attempted something similar, or taken another mic apart to transplant it into a new body ala Mutant Mics?
I know the first reaction will be "build whatever suits your situation", which is exactly what I will be doing, just thought I'd see what would YOU do? Just for fun! Any suggestions are welcome