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How to Build a Microphone

posted by Fnord666 on Monday October 21 2019, @01:28PM   Printer-friendly
from the now-you're-talking dept.

An Anonymous Coward writes:

http://recordinghacks.com/articles/how-to-build-a-microphone/

For decades condenser microphones have been the staple for high-quality recording and live sound assignments. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to own a good one. Well that's about to change. I've written this article so that anyone who wants a great condenser mic (or those who just want more of them) can have their wish.

For around $20 (US) anyone can build an extremely accurate, life-like condenser microphone. DO NOT let the cost fool you, this mic's frighteningly good performance will blow your mind — and it's easy to build! -Joel Cameron

This microphone is largely based on a posting I found on the internet showing how to modify Realistic (Radio Shack) PZMs for better performance. I have simply finished the design so people can build a complete mic from scratch. After making a pair of these, I was shocked to find out how amazing they sound. In fact, these little buggers have become my first choice for capturing unhyped, totally natural stereo images, beating-out pairs of choice small and large-diaphragm condensers, and some nice ribbons too!

Original Submission

 
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  • (Score: 1) by Zappy on Monday October 21 2019, @04:17PM (2 children)

    by Zappy (4210) on Monday October 21 2019, @04:17PM (#909903)

    continue to build the preamp.

  • (Score: 3, Informative) by RS3 on Monday October 21 2019, @04:59PM (1 child)

    by RS3 (6367) on Monday October 21 2019, @04:59PM (#909919)

    And frankly it's not a preamp, just simple power / interface for an electret condenser mic. I was hoping for someone actually building a microphone element.

    When I was a kid I messed around with lots of stuff, including growing crystals to make a crystal mic, carbon grain mics, wound coils to make "dynamic" mics. Nothing fancy- just proof of concept.

    Here's a vid on making the crystals. They would then need slicing, electrical contacts, diaphragm, and mounting frame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3G2QM5a-9U [youtube.com]

    Here's one where he buys a transducer, but makes an actual preamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOJuCYgmPPE [youtube.com]

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 22 2019, @06:33PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 22 2019, @06:33PM (#910475)

      this is what i was thinking when the article starts talking about a proprietary power supply like that's a good thing. if know how to find ebay, dude...