I have an old (early 70s, I think) M260N with small Tuchel connector, and I use this w/ a Tuchel/XLR adapter cable. Anyway, I just got this mic refurbished/re-ribboned at Beyer in NY.
First off, let me say that I have little experience with ribbon mics, but I have done a lot of research to know about their pros/cons, and how to care for them.
Anyway, so I get the mic back, and did a few tests with it. Everything sounds GREAT - vocals, acoustic guitar, xylophone. However, then I test it on my Fender Twin, which is turned to a reasonable level - not too loud, with the volume around 2-ish. The mic is aimed just off-center of the speaker cone, and about 1-2 inches from the grillcloth. I'm playing a Tele through it clean, and I've noticed that if there is any moderate to high amount of low frequency, the mic buzzes & distorts the sound. Is this normal, or should I think that the re-ribbon is no bueno? I am not sure where I stand since I'm not experienced w/ ribbons.
Appreciate any help, as I spent some dough on this and sat around waiting for the damn thing to be repaired, and I want to record!
Cheers,
Tom
Beyer M260 distortion problem
2You have probably already checked for this but if you have not then you should try putting another mic on the same speaker. It could be the noise is coming out of the amp/speaker and may not be the fault of the 260.
If you've already eliminated this as a possibility then please disregard my ultra-obvious suggestion.
If you've already eliminated this as a possibility then please disregard my ultra-obvious suggestion.
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Beyer M260 distortion problem
3yeah - actually that is a good suggestion, and i did try that.
I listened closely by ear, and I also put an SM57 right up on the speaker, and the distortion was not present...
I listened closely by ear, and I also put an SM57 right up on the speaker, and the distortion was not present...
Beyer M260 distortion problem
4It's hard to guess just how loud you were talking (what is 2ish - two or two o'clock?), but it sounds like there could possibly be a problem.
Was the amp pushing much air on the low notes? Could you feel the air? You could try again with a pop filter if it is although it seems unlikely. Otherwise, if it was extremely loud, it is possible that they can distort and you have to back off a little. Check the tuchel plug in case there is a poor connection anywhere.
If you don't have much luck, definitely speak to Beyer again as they should sort it out.
Was the amp pushing much air on the low notes? Could you feel the air? You could try again with a pop filter if it is although it seems unlikely. Otherwise, if it was extremely loud, it is possible that they can distort and you have to back off a little. Check the tuchel plug in case there is a poor connection anywhere.
If you don't have much luck, definitely speak to Beyer again as they should sort it out.
Beyer M260 distortion problem
5The volume was around "2" on the dial - but that doesn't help much.
Basically, the volume was not too loud for me to put my ear 4-6in away. The speaker may have been pushing a bit of air, but I would think that the grillcloth would dissipate this. Tuchel connection was solid.
However, it should be noted that it seems the capsule inside the head is a bit loose. It was loose before the repair, and you can feel it move around inside slightly when you gently shake the mic. I read around that this can happen and the mic still function fine. However, I just got off the phone w/ the repair guy at Beyer, and he said to send it back. He said that it should not be rattling at all after a refurb. <sigh>
so here we go, i'm sending it back...
thanks for the help, guys.
Basically, the volume was not too loud for me to put my ear 4-6in away. The speaker may have been pushing a bit of air, but I would think that the grillcloth would dissipate this. Tuchel connection was solid.
However, it should be noted that it seems the capsule inside the head is a bit loose. It was loose before the repair, and you can feel it move around inside slightly when you gently shake the mic. I read around that this can happen and the mic still function fine. However, I just got off the phone w/ the repair guy at Beyer, and he said to send it back. He said that it should not be rattling at all after a refurb. <sigh>
so here we go, i'm sending it back...
thanks for the help, guys.
Beyer M260 distortion problem
6theseaofcortez wrote:I just got off the phone w/ the repair guy at Beyer, and he said to send it back. He said that it should not be rattling at all after a refurb. <sigh>
Yeah, sounds like they should have sorted that when it was there. That's the motor wobbling which is actually the part they replace. One of mine is like that too, and it's usually not a problem. Maybe you can persuade them to pay shipping. It's a nice mic by the way - sometimes good as a drum overhead, for bright acoustic guitars and (when they work) on electric guitars. There is a slight boost in the mids which doesn't suit some distorted guitars though.
Beyer M260 distortion problem
7Just to wrap up this thread:
I sent my mic back to Beyerdynamic (in NY, USA). They subcontract all of their repairs to Sound Surgeon, by the way. They were very apologetic about it, and they turned the re-repair over very quickly, and I had my mic back to me in LA in only a bit over a week. Now it sings! No more buzzing, and the motor inside is no longer loose.
In lieu of shipping costs, they threw in a few sets of D'Addario strings, which I buy all the time anyway. I thought that was pretty cool.
Thanks for your help, guys.
-Tom
I sent my mic back to Beyerdynamic (in NY, USA). They subcontract all of their repairs to Sound Surgeon, by the way. They were very apologetic about it, and they turned the re-repair over very quickly, and I had my mic back to me in LA in only a bit over a week. Now it sings! No more buzzing, and the motor inside is no longer loose.
In lieu of shipping costs, they threw in a few sets of D'Addario strings, which I buy all the time anyway. I thought that was pretty cool.
Thanks for your help, guys.
-Tom