Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad?

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Psalmist35
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2011/02/01 08:34:51 (permalink)

Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad?

Some of you may recall I broke the head off of my Tube mic back in May.  See here
 
Anyway I don't have a professional soldering rig and I was afraid to do any soldering on the mic but I did not have any choice.  And yes, I removed the vacuum tube from it's sockket before I did any soldering.
 
I've noticed recently that my mic has been making alot of noise.  Sounds like static and an ocassional crackle.  I pulled it out this past weekend to do some vocal recording and once again noticed the noise.  I was just putting down some ideas and didn't let it bother me.  I came back a couple of hours later and the noise was gone.  The mic was warm to the touch, normal I suppose once it reaches optimum operating temperature.
 
I haven't checked to see how long the mic has to be on before the noise goes away, maybe an hour, but I've read 15 minutes is probably the norm for a tube mic to warm up.
 
My question for those of you most familiar with tubes, is this an indicator the vacuum tube might be going bad?  I guess I could pull the tube out and take it to a repair shop to be tested.  It utilizes a 6J1 tube.
 
Next question is, where is a good place to purchase good quality tubes?  I read about people purchasing  Vintage tubes?  I guess vacuum tubes are like wine?  The older the better?  Some insight here would be helpful.
 
Thanks,
Rich

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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 08:46:59 (permalink)
    The most common issue with a tube is a dirty socket.

    The first step might be to simply pull the tube and put it back in.

    It is rare that a tube actually goes bad... but the current production 6J1 tubes do not have a good reputation... so perhaps it is a bad tube.

    I wouldn't waste any time testing it on a tester.

    Perhaps you can buy a NOS replacement and simply pop a fresh tube in there.

    I suspect simply pulling it and reinserting it will be helpful.


    Here's a link about that tube where some NOS tubes are recommended:

    http://recforums.prosound...m/index.php/t/22900/0/

    I've been buying NOS and good used tubes on EBAY.

    Most of the traditional tube specialist vendors are selling the very same stuff. I've heard of more horror stories and crazy prices from vendors than I have of Ebay tube enthusiats who want to keep a good feedback score while selling off their collections.

    What mic is it?

    I just chickened out on doing the procedure I have recommended to you... but it was because the tube I was working on is stuck in the socket and is no longer made and costs $2k to $3k as NOS these days.

    best regards,
    mike


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    Psalmist35
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 12:35:23 (permalink)
    Mike,
    Thanks for the reply and the link.  The link you posted had a very interesting discussion about that 6J1 tube.  I got lost in the discussion regarding equivalent tube to the 6J1.
     
    As it turns out, to my surprise, my ELROY mic by Cascade Microphones appears to be a repackaged ShuaiYin SYT-3000.  I am dissapointed, if in fact Cascade is doing this.  I just may NOT buy anymore of their products.
     
    I will try as you suggested to pull out the tube and reseat it.
     

    George Foreman Grill; Ginsu knifes; Clapper; Home Grown Intel i7 -6700K 16G Ram; Sonar Platinum; MOTU 896HD; Tascam US2400; 

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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 12:43:04 (permalink)
    It seems as if the 6J1 and 6J1B are 2 distinctly different tubes.

    It seemed that if you have a 6J1 that there is a western industry NOS equal... and if it's a 6J1B than you might find an old stock Russian or communist bloc version available in addition to the currently manufactured made in China version.

    With regards to Cascade and ShuaniYin I think this is the normal practice for all brands working in the price ranges that Cascade specializes in.

    It's a good way to get a very nice mic.

    I think when you shop mics like this that the potential for quality and satisfaction is very very good but quality control is a realistic a concern.

    If you get a mic and you like it then everything is fine.

    all the best,
    mike



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    Psalmist35
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 12:53:09 (permalink)
    Mike,
    Thanks again.  Yes, I am happy with the mic.  I guess I shouldn't be too surprised for a $300.00 mic
     
    I there a NOS cross-reference I can refer to to find a 6J1 equavalent.  In the referenced link the discussion seem to point toward a EF95.  I just want to attempt to research this myself if I should need a replacement.
     
    Regards,
    Rich

    George Foreman Grill; Ginsu knifes; Clapper; Home Grown Intel i7 -6700K 16G Ram; Sonar Platinum; MOTU 896HD; Tascam US2400; 

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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 13:07:01 (permalink)
    I have never seen western industry tube data swap info for the communist bloc designations... it's probably out there but I think both parties were posturing as if the other side didn't even exist.

    There are a lot of NOS Russian tubes on the market and it's unclear how the specs compare to familiar designations that we know.

    Oliver had mentioned the he knew about the 6J1... I wouldn't hesitate to inquire directly with him. Those are all nice guys over there at that forum.

    best regards,
    mike


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    Guitarhacker
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 15:46:52 (permalink)
    So when it heats up, it works.... I'd try hitting all the solder joints you made with a really hot iron..... remelt the lead and let it cool untouched.... kinda sounds like a bad solder joint... a hairline crack or a cold solder joint can cause problems.

    Also, some spray contact cleaner in the socket...be sure the mic is powered down and disconnected form the power source.... tube is out.... everything is cool.... the give a shot in the socket... and the tube... then insert the tube a few times... see if that helps.

    I keep some contact cleaner handy and spray the pots in the amps from time to time.... cleans them right up, loosens the knobs for effot free turning and gets rid of the static from the dirty pots.
    post edited by Guitarhacker - 2011/02/01 15:48:50

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    Psalmist35
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/01 20:00:16 (permalink)
    Herb thanks for the suggestions.  I do need to get me some contact cleaner.
     
    Well I got home, opened up the mic removed the tube and took it over to my metal shop to the grinder/wire brush station.  I tried to polish up the pins and subsequently sheered of the pins and the tube shattered in my hands.
    .
    .
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    or did I?
     
    Believe me it's something I'd try!   I did remove the tube and plugged it back in.  Put the mic back together turned it on and viola!  No noise.  Now if I could just sing better!
     
    Thanks for the help guys.
     
    Rich.

    George Foreman Grill; Ginsu knifes; Clapper; Home Grown Intel i7 -6700K 16G Ram; Sonar Platinum; MOTU 896HD; Tascam US2400; 

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    The Maillard Reaction
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    Re:Is the tube in my "Tube" mic going bad? 2011/02/02 13:05:46 (permalink)
    good!

    You had me scared for minute there.

    Usually simply pulling it and pushing it back in is the best choice.

    Good News!


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