Replacement solderable lugs for a microphone - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: drewt86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 12:45:12 am
content: I'm just not sure what to call them. I've attached pictures for reference...So this microphone came into the shop today. The first photo is of the connection between the transducer and basket assembly and the body electronics. Along the top, pins 1 and 2 are irreparably smashed into the body. They should look like the pins 3-7 along the bottom. The part in the photo is just a cup (about 1-2 mm in diameter) where pins (roughly 8 mm in length) plug in. Coming out of the back, they have little tabs that run wires to the pcb inside the body. The mic is Neumann U87 if that's helpful.Does anyone have any idea what these would be called? Maybe even know where I can source parts? I'm not even sure what to start looking for.The second picture are the pins that seat into sockets on the body.Lastly, I've included a picture of the body. Circled in blue, you can see the two lugs peeking out where a wire attaches to the blob of solder.Appreciate your help in advance folks.

author: drewt86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 11:56:11 am
content: 50 views and no comments? C'mon friends, someone has to know what these are.

author: drewt86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 01:01:16 pm
content: The updated version of this mic has a similar style thing.https://spares.sennheiser.co.uk/neumann/u87ai/neumann-u87ai-socket-mount-complete-092468.htmlThe newer version of the part is different in many ways but the pins affix to the plastic basket the same way. It kind of reminds me of how and EDAC pin ressesses and holds its position in an Elco connector.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 03:31:43 pm
content: Don't know what to tell you, as far as I know they're called pinsMaybe measure an intact one for exact dimensions and see what's available as single pin connectors for them? They remind me a bit of the pins on the bottom of tubes and stuff, but while those are often rounded at the end, they're basically just a piece of thin metal rod or thick wire, either would likely do the job well if sized correctly.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 07:53:30 pm
content: Maybe one of the gazillion pins Mill-Max makes would work?https://www.mill-max.com/catalog

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 08:00:56 pm
content: That is a very custom part for a very high-end microphone.You could ask Neumann about repair/replacement parts.But don't be too surprised if you get no response or a negative response.They may not trust un-authorized repair, or they may want to repair it themselves.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2019, 10:23:13 pm
content: And as long as the size is right and it makes good electrical contact, there will be no difference between a random bit of metal used for it and the official pricey pinsThese are not tellurium copper metrology grade contacts matched on either side for minimum thermoelectric effect... they're conductors for power and low level signal. Make sure they fit and don't corrode, with an added bonus if they look like the originals, though if Neumann is helpful, they may be able to give you dimensions or a part number even if they can't supply them themselves.

author: drewt86
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2019, 12:26:35 am
content: Thanks everyone. I appreciate the input. I've contacted Sennheiser who owns Neumann's catalog now. I've yet to hear a response back. To keep this repair economical, I may need to just point to point some wires. Hopefully, I hear something from them. I'm sure they got a vat of these little pins somewhere. Until then

author: GLouie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2019, 02:17:00 am
content: While I would personally hate to bodge up a U87, you might try:-phonograph cartridge connectors, i.e.http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/part_detail.asp?PNumberBase=PfCartClip&SearchType=AssociatedItem&MfgName=&Categories=Cartridge%20ClipMost stereo hobbyists have several sitting in the junk drawer.-or salvage from a vacuum tube socket.Depends on the size of those pins.