What Should I Do With This Inexpensive Busted Condenser Mic?

[eJake]

Hey Yall!

I have this Sterling Audio ST-55 (Sterling Audio ST55 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Class-A FET Condenser Microphone | Reverb) that I broke like a dummy. I have this great studio mic stand that I got in a trade. The other day, not paying attention, I raised the mic stand up for storage and the ceiling fan hit the mic right on the grill. Now the mic cuts in and out. I'm no tech but it was working fine before that and I know LDC's can be fragile.

Either way, I got the mic in a trade as well and I'm not that sad about it. I have two other cheap LDC's. What do yall thing I should do with the mic? It's too cheap to send it to get fixed. Do you think anybody wants it? If I put it up on CL for $20 do you think anyone would buy it?

I'm not looking for a value on it, just wondering what yall would do with it?

Thanks!!

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Hey Yall!

I have this Sterling Audio ST-55 (Sterling Audio ST55 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Class-A FET Condenser Microphone | Reverb) that I broke like a dummy. I have this great studio mic stand that I got in a trade. The other day, not paying attention, I raised the mic stand up for storage and the ceiling fan hit the mic right on the grill. Now the mic cuts in and out. I'm no tech but it was working fine before that and I know LDC's can be fragile.

Either way, I got the mic in a trade as well and I'm not that sad about it. I have two other cheap LDC's. What do yall thing I should do with the mic? It's too cheap to send it to get fixed. Do you think anybody wants it? If I put it up on CL for $20 do you think anyone would buy it?

I'm not looking for a value on it, just wondering what yall would do with it?

Thanks!!

My initial guess would be that the impact partially broke a wire connection at the capsule. When it isn't cutting out, does it sound correct?

I'd open it up and check the wires from the capsule. See if either end looks loose or broken. If so, it's a pretty easy fix. Otherwise, I'd sell it as a donor body to install an upgraded capsule/PCB. Sterling Audio ST55 Mods.

 

[eJake]

My initial guess would be that the impact partially broke a wire connection at the capsule. When it isn't cutting out, does it sound correct?

I'd open it up and check the wires from the capsule. See if either end looks loose or broken. If so, it's a pretty easy fix. Otherwise, I'd sell it as a donor body to install an upgraded capsule/PCB. Sterling Audio ST55 Mods.

Thanks so much for the info! I opened the bottom earlier but didn't really see anything out of the ordinary. Should I take the screws out to look at the capsule (if I'm calling it by the right name)?

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Yeah. I've got the ST59 (Multi pattern version of the ST55), and it was pretty easy to take apart. My capsule was loose so it made a knocking sound anytime it was touched.

If I recall correctly, unscrew the bottom cap, remove the body, and then there are two screws holding the grill on. Before you take the grill off. Look at the PCB to see where the capsule connects. Inspect these joints to make sure they look intact. If that looks good, take the screen off and look at the connections on the capsule.

From here it is up to you how much you want to do. My philosophy on things like this is it's already broken, so even if I break it more, it doesn't really matter. If you're interested in DIY, it's a good learning opportunity. If not, you can put it back together and try to offload it as "needs work" for $10-$20.

 

[eJake]

Yeah. I've got the ST59 (Multi pattern version of the ST55), and it was pretty easy to take apart. My capsule was loose so it made a knocking sound anytime it was touched.

If I recall correctly, unscrew the bottom cap, remove the body, and then there are two screws holding the grill on. Before you take the grill off. Look at the PCB to see where the capsule connects. Inspect these joints to make sure they look intact. If that looks good, take the screen off and look at the connections on the capsule.

From here it is up to you how much you want to do. My philosophy on things like this is it's already broken, so even if I break it more, it doesn't really matter. If you're interested in DIY, it's a good learning opportunity. If not, you can put it back together and try to offload it as "needs work" for $10-$20.

I just took the grill off. All wires look to be connected. I am with your philosophy of DIY but at this moment in my life I am busy and I know it will just sit for a long time. Ill probly get it out the house for the "broken" price.

Thanks again for your knowledge!!

 

[And I]

Might make a cool art/sculpture project.

 

[FDR Jones]

Might work as a paperweight.