wolfkristiansen
436 posts
Oct 01, 2019
2:15 PM
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I have a Calrad Crystal Microphone, also known as the "Big Walter Horton" mike. Its crystal element is set way back in the bullet shell. There is a spacer between the grille and the element.
One day I read this message on harp-l:
"I have one of those Calrad 400C Models I tricked out up on Ebay right now. Here's the hot tip for making them sound twice as nice, and a super easy "no cost" trick to boot:
You might try moving the crystal element to the front of the shell for about twice the cut/punch/gain. These type of Japanese Green Bullets have the element set about 2 to 3 inches deep inside the shell. On top of the crystal are two pieces of light aluminum sheeting that are formed together into an X....this is used as a spacer...then there is a large pressure washer that is creased, then the grill goes back on.
It's easy to remove these spacers and the element...IF the wires are long enough to do so without having to re-soldering. Just place the aluminium X spacer back in the shell first, avoiding pinching any of the two wires....then place the element on top of the spacer. The creased washer wont fit after that...but you won't need it, or a rubber gasket for the element either actually, as the pressure from the X spacer should hold it all snug against the grill, once you put the two screws back in. Try that...and you'll hear a HUGE difference in tone and VOLUME immediately. You still might not like it as much as your 545...but I'm sure you'll hear the difference."
I tried it on my Calrad, used it for about four months, and then decided I didn't like it. I moved the element back to its deep position inside the shell. It sounds much better in its original position.
So, yes, I think there's a sound improvement when an element is moved further into the mike shell.
Cheers,
wolf kristiansen
Last Edited by wolfkristiansen on Oct 01, 2019 2:16 PM
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