RE: [Harp-L] Astatic (Crystal Balls) problem

[Buck Worley <boogalloo@xxxxxxx>]

Those old amphenol connectors can be a pain. I would replace it with a screw on switchcraft type. I remember when Kevin used to sell them. If the mic is working when you first turn it on, the element is most likely good. I have used them for years and have never had one be ok upon power up and then stop working. However, I have had crystal MC151s not have any output at first then when I cup the shell and play or speak loudly all of a sudden it kicks in...dont know why.
 

 

> Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:46:55 -0700
> From: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [Harp-L] Astatic (Crystal Balls) problem
> 
> I have a Crystal Balls microphone. It's based on an Astatic - includes a volume 
> knob and the old funky amphenol connector - Kevin's used to sell them. I use it 
> with a Crate tube amp. When I first turn everything on, all is OK. After a while 
> (say an hour) I start to have problems. There's a hum and can be a click or 
> changes to the hum as I move the microphone around. I replaced the amphenol 
> connector recently and if I open up the mic and jiggle the soldered connections 
> they do not seem to be a problem. Jiggling the pot does not seem to make it 
> worse. I don't get any problem with other microphones in the same amp (I use a 
> Shure and a hand-held lavalier). I have tried different cables. I have not tried 
> the mic with other amps, but will try that this evening.
> 
> Thanks in advance for any ideas that any of you might have!
> 
> Richard