WM-61A Alternatives?

[ddog]

I've been looking into build portable guitar recorder. I found this project:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1325052/lilmikes-mic

which is perfect for my needs. However, the project specified requires the panasonic WM-61A, which is now discontinued.
Over at ebay these go for $10 for two (they used to go for $2  each). I am not real sure the mojo is worth it, so I went to the trusty tayda and found this:

http://www.taydaelectronics.com/condenser-microphone-2-2k-ohm-1-5v.html

However, I am not sure how well it compares to the panasonic. The numbers seem very similar ( datasheet: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/WM-61A/P9925-ND/252843)

Can anyone who is more experienced with microphones/datasheet tell me if the tayda one is ok? Im not really looking for studio quality, just a quick recorder for ideas

[stecykmi]

the tayda ones probably would work, the specs are quite similar, although the frequency response of the wm-61a seems to be a little different and the S/N ratio seems to be slightly higher. these ones are also suitable, they were linked on the wm-61a's digikey page. that last one doesn't include a frequency response, but the S/N ratio is the same as the wm-61a.

[derevaun]

JLI makes an element that looks very similar to the Panasonic: http://www.jlielectronics.com/products/JLI%252d61A.html

The micbuilders Yahoo group seems to be a prevailing source for DIY microphones, weirdly enough. It's spectacularly clumsy to find info that way, but the info is good. There seems to be a lot of support for Transound capsules there.

Moosapotamus has a mic project on his site - http://moosapotamus.net/mics.html that uses the panasonic capsule, FWIW. I suspect the JLI would be a drop in replacement, but check the specs. They also have info about direct replacement somewhere on their site.

[ddog]

Thanks everyone

Apparently the WM-61A was used in telephones and panasonic removed their entire line of these type of mics in favour of cellphone mics.

I am going to go with the JLIs and Ill order a few of the tayda ones in the my next purchase

[jimilee]

Am I correct in that this is not a recorder at but just a mic? I'd be interested because, well... I haven't built one yet!   

[ddog]

Yep your right. Just a mic and my phone as the actual recorder. Just something to record jam sessions. I was originally going to build this: http://www.openmusiclabs.com/projects/bootlegmic/ (check out the before/after vid); but then after reading some forums, the lilmike mic is a way better design. Ill probably build both

[Ettore_M]

I've built the Moosapotamus mic twice! Once with capsules from Tayda, and the second with WM-61As.
The first with the Tayda ones, it sounded horrible! Not at all good frequency response and too much noise!
Second time, I bought a couple of WM-61As from Ebay for $7! It absolutely worths it! These little capsules are great! Awfully quiet, great frequency response (not so good for voice, but great for guitar)! Now I have a $10 phantom-power electret mic, and I'' probably make another!





Hector

[ddog]

thats a nice sleek build! Looks like the wm-61a it is. Did you record acoustic or electric? Do you remember from who you bought the wm-61as from? I am not sure if the sellers on ebay are offering the real electrolet or a clone

[moosapotamus]

The JLI looks like a good bet, to me.

Here's a few tips on doing the Linkwitz mod that I recently added to my web page after getting some questions about the project via email...

The capsules are very small and easy to destroy in the process of attempting the mod. So, buy more than one.

An exacto knife, or other small razor-like blade, works well for cutting the trace between Term 2 and the capsule perimeter (ground).

The capsule's case is made of aluminum, so it's very nearly impossible to get solder to stick to it. But the back of the capsule is actually a very small circular circuit board with a ground trace running around the perimeter. The lip of the case covers that ground trace. It's possible to carefully cut a small notch in the lip of the case and uncover a small section of the ground trace.

I found it helpful and time-saving to simultaneously attach the wire at the same time you make the solder connection between Term 1 and ground, rather than soldering the connection first and then going back to attach the wire in a second step.

HTH
~ Charlie

[stecykmi]

this quickly turned into a very interesting thread...

[Ettore_M]

How about a demo?? 

Yes. Here it is, and I quite like it! I did a John Mayer cover. The song is called "Who You Love".
These are 4 guitars - acoustic, 2 rythm electrics, and a solo one!
Recorded on Cubase 5, with my trusty Focusrite Saffire 6 USB and, of course, the Moosapotamus mic I built!

Guitars: a Jack & Danny Acoustic, and a Yamaha EG-012 (really begginer model, and my first guitar!  ) on a VHT Special 6 and a Celestion Vintage 30 12".
Pedals used: A Flatline (on, all the time) and a Red Llama for the solo.

No equalizing on none of the tracks. Just mixxed and splitted a little left and right!

Enjoy! 

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/ettore_m/who-you-love-j-mayer-cover[/soundcloud]


Hector

[ddog]

Very nice playing, the acoustic sounds way clearer then what I imagined. Just ordered a pair of WM-61As from ebay, surprisingly they are way cheaper then the JL ones for me. Ill post some pics here once I'm done with the build