Fuzzy Beta 58

Tim Weaver

Tim Weaver

Senior
Feb 2, 2011
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College Station, Texas, United States
www.weaverimaging.com
I've got an old beta 58 that has developed a distortion that almost sounds like a guitar's fuzz stomp box. I took the ball off and discovered that the foam that is normally glued to the capsule is completely rotten and has fallen off. Could it be the missing foam causing the distortion, or do you think I should just send it off and be done with it? The foam inside the ball is brand new, btw.
 
Re: Fuzzy Beta 58

Tim,

The foam certainly helps with 'plosives, but I'm inclined to think that a lack of it would result in slightly more "breathiness" (upper HF) and an increase in 'plosives. Are any of the ports on the bottom of the diaphragm blocked?

Oh, fine...I'll just say it: did you try the mic without the windscreen in place?

If it sounds "normal", then just replace the foam; if it still sounds "fuzzy", it's time to send it back to the mothership for probing.
 
Re: Fuzzy Beta 58

Sounds like a damaged diaphragm. I've seen 58's where the diaphragm literally has a tear in it. That little thin sheet of plastic is quite delicate, and when exposed to the elements over time, can become quite fragile.
 
Re: Fuzzy Beta 58

If particles from the foam got into the capsule and are floating around between the diaphragm and pole piece or screen, that could certainly cause problems. In any case, I'd send it off to Shure.

Greg
 
Re: Fuzzy Beta 58

Tim Weaver said:
I've got an old beta 58 that has developed a distortion that almost sounds like a guitar's fuzz stomp box. I took the ball off and discovered that the foam that is normally glued to the capsule is completely rotten and has fallen off. Could it be the missing foam causing the distortion, or do you think I should just send it off and be done with it? The foam inside the ball is brand new, btw.
Click to expand...
Sell it to a metal band cookie monster vocalist or a blues harp player ;^).

Missing foam won't cause distortion, but where the missing foam went could.

If blowing the crud out with an air compressor does not cure it, I'd agree with the others that said the diaphragm is probably hosed.

Could be a glue joint (possibly DIY repairable) rather than a rip, but working on diaphragms that small requires a big magnifying glass and steady hands.
 
Re: Fuzzy Beta 58

just watch, next year at banjoshack, someone is going to have a pre-distorted microphone with a 3d skull wrap just for the growler market. The next big product. There goes your million dollar idea.
 
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