docwatson
3 posts
May 27, 2013
6:46 PM
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I have a 1981 AT-30 with the original MC-101 element. The element works, and has great tone, but is very weak. I can turn the amp up to 7 or 8 before I get any appreciable volume and breakup. Does anyone know if I can put a transformer in this mike to boost power? And if so, what type of transformer should I use? I would prefer a transformer inside the mike instead of using a separate outside pre-amp.
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HawkeyeKane
1710 posts
May 27, 2013
7:08 PM
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First off...AT-30 or JT-30?
Second, an MC-101 is a crystal, and therefore very high impedance to begin with. I dunno of any transformer that'd boost that element's output higher. Does your mic have a volume control?
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Hawkeye Kane
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docwatson
4 posts
May 28, 2013
2:08 AM
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Sorry, it's JT-30. Slip of the finger. No, it does not have a volume control. I know it's a crystal, and that was my question. Can you boost the impedance of a crystal with a transformer?
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HawkeyeKane
1711 posts
May 28, 2013
6:10 AM
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Well, like I said, being a crystal, you're looking at an impedance od anywhere between 500K ohms and 5 megaohms. To my knowledge, there's no transformer to boost impedance that high. I might be wrong though. Greg? What say you?
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Hawkeye Kane
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MP
2762 posts
May 28, 2013
4:06 PM
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if it is a 101, that means it is very old. a well working 101 is normally fairly loud and a thing of beauty. if is has low output it may just be age.
Crystals are exactly that. Tiny crystals. they are prone to all manner of problems, from breakage to humidity wearing them down.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
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Greg Heumann
2160 posts
May 28, 2013
4:32 PM
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Hawkeye is correct. Crystals are very high impedance. If the input impedance (your amp or pedal) is unusually low, an inline impedance matching transformer might boost the signal a bit, but it is a band-aid. Your element has gone the way of the vast majority of old crystals - it is on borrowed time and won't get better. They cannot be repaired - they must be replaced.
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/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
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