RM-5 Ribbon Mic Kit Limited Offer June 18, 2013 15:04 50 Comments

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could you provide a sample that isnt noisy throughout

Unfortunately, the only sample I have is of that guitar amp which is admittedly quite noisy. However, both the Rhythm in Mind (http://rhythminmind.net/1313/?p=3848) and Recording Hacks (http://recordinghacks.com/2011/11/13/diyac-rm5-royer-r101-voiceover/) posts feature vocal sound samples. And here’s another guitar one I found on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/gainrecording/rockin-in-the-free-world

Is it possible to purchase just the motor w/ribbon? Also, would it be possible to get schematics of some of the projects here?

Hi CJ, yes, the ribbon motors are available from DIY Audio Components (similar name, different website!) http://diyaudiocomponents.com/product.php?id=2

Regarding schematics, it depends on the projects but most of those documented here are open source. Which in particular are you looking for?

HI
I want to order
only 2 Ribbon Motor"s, and 2 Microphone Bodies. so NO transformers.
Is this possible ? and are the total costs than 2 x usd 140 = usd 280,- ??
Thanks for answering.
Best regards.
Onno

Compared to your other products, how hard would you rate this build? Are there any mods that you know of as well?

The Re-amp and the DI

looks good! will there be some kind of build guide for this? a video would be awesome

Where are they sent from? US or Latvia?

Yup, you can find the schematic for the LINE2AMP here: http://www.diyrecordingequipment.com/4588/how-a-reamping-box-works/

And for the Ferrite DI here: http://www.diyrecordingequipment.com/4522/how-to-build-a-passive-di/

Hi Onno, I have alerted Artur to your question. He should have an answer for you soon.

Sent from Latvia!

Hi Adam, the build is really simple, you simply connect the pre-assembled ribbon motor to the transformer primaries (two wires) and the transformer secondaries to the xlr jack. Mount all of those in the case and you’re done!

Hi! You can listen to samples on RM-5 page on my web-site as well:
http://www.diyaudiocomponents.com/product.php?id=1

Hi, Onno! Yes, it is possible, the price is correct, 280$ + 10$ shipping fee, as for any other order. Please contact me on e-mail and we will sort it out.
E-mail is here: http://www.diyaudiocomponents.com/contacts.php

Hi, John! The manual will be available in few days, the link to PDF will be posted on this page. It is so simple that no video is necessary.

Dear Arthur,
Thanks for answering.
But the link to your emailaddress does not work.
Pse send me an email and I will reply and order.
Best regard,
Onno

He my browser is the culprit.
in google chrome it works and I have sent Arthur an email.

Onno

Thank You for Your order, Onno!

I’ve ordered a week ago 2 kits. Do we get an email at the end of august? Would like to know if you’ve received my order.

Is it possible to order an alternative transformer? I’ve heard the Lundhaal transformer works great in ribbon mics…

Man, I wish it was a stereo version of that mic..
Any plan for that?

Would it be possible to order one or two bodies now, then at a later date order the other parts? I love the torodial transformer. If so how much for the bodies?

Hi, Ruben! Your order is well-received, I send notification e-mails to every buyer, most likely it went to Your spam folder, check it please. I checked my sent folder, Your notification was sent on 28th of June. Cheers!

Sorry, Niccolo, no, stereo version is not planned yet. I can only advice to use two microphones as pair.

Hello, Chris! Yes, no problem with that. The bodies cost 85$ each.
Please contact me on e-mail, it can be found here:
http://www.diyaudiocomponents.com/contacts.php

Good Day,

This email is to contact you, because we are interested in your products and see the possibility to distribute your products in Mexico. We are a company called Gonher Proaudio, which is responsible for the distribution of audio and sound equipment. Could you send us export prices to check them? or maybe a email address of person who can help us with more information.

Thanks and Regards

Alma Rocha
Gonher Proaudio

Artur, your web site isn’t working from my end. I’ve tried on several computers as I’m in the public library. Tried yesterday too. My email is necessarybandwidth@yahoo.com. Send me yours. Thanks.

Just contacted You!

Hello, Alma!

Thank You for Your interest. Please contact me on artur.fisher@diyaudiocomponents.com, we will discuss the details.

Cheers!
Artur.

Just checked my spam folder, there it is! Really looking forward, cheers! :)

Received mine order today, thank you so much! Looks great, now lets hope it sounds great as well!

Yikes, I missed this. Are the kits all gone?

Hi
Which of the wires are for the motor and which is for the xlr ? and which pin should be used on xlr

Hello, John, thank You for interest. Please contact me on info@diyaudiocomponents.com, I think I will be able to figure out something.

Received my Mic yesterday can’t wait to hear it. Could Use some Info to help with assembly. Is the ribbon motor installed with what looks like a ground bus up so it contacts with the set screw grounding it to the Mic body? I’d like to know which side of the transformer is primary and secondary also. Thanks c vought

Hi Chris, please check the newly added RM-5 Manual link at the top of the page. Best of luck with your build!

The manual answered all my questions. Assembled mic today. First impression (my vocal) was WOW. The word smooth comes to mind. Have a problem however. The beveled part of the set screw that holds the top piece to the mic body is to long and prevents the threads from engaging the grooves in the mic body. I have applied a great amount of force and its not going to happen. A work around would be to drill a starter hole in the side of the motor assembly but im reluctant to mess with it as the ribbon seems extremely fragile. Has anyone else had this problem.

Had the same problem, but just try and try, other screw on the other side, it worked for me…
BTW, this..sounds..amazing

I just finished mine, I had the same trouble with the top screws. Also, I know ribbons can be very quiet, but I’ve had to get within a couple inches of my mouth to get a reasonable reaction and acoustic guitar isn’t picking up from about 6 inches. Maybe its my inexperience with this kind of mic, but is this normal? Something I should check on? It was a simple build and I do have sound, just extremely quiet. I have a Focusrite preamp cranked almost 100%. Thanks!

Ignore that comment, did not have preamp configured correctly. Darn interfaces…….

Please see manual here:
http://www.diyrecordingequipment.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mic_kit_manual_v2.pdf

finally got a chance to put my kit together. for the most part it was relatively easy. being my first assembly of a microphone, i was a BIT confused in the instructions by where to solder the leads from the transformer to the body of the ribbon itself but i eventually found an old reference to the previous run and was able to use that picture to figure it out on my own.

the microphone sounds STUNNING. compared to the Shure KSM32 i use for voice-over work, i think i may just give that one up and use this going forward instead. the low-end response is almost TOO good and a bit boosted but i can adjust that slightly with input EQ.

seriously. anyone who has a chance to get their hands on one of these will not regret it.

I received the kit. no included instructions – found them online. No pictures of assembly so one is left to follow along in your mind’s eye. Not enough set screws included to mount motor. Does not matter, can’t get the screws to properly set when the motor is in the end cap. Have to guess which end to solder to. Does not work – makes a very lousy contact mic at best. VERY DISAPPOINTED. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE WASTED MY MONEY.

First of all, all the screws are included – there should only be four – one for the bottom cap, two for upper cap and one fastening screw in the upper cap. Second – is there a need to use paper and print manual when it is published on this page? The procedure of proper motor placement is in the manual, side screws should be forced inside to penetrate the body of motor. There are only two visible soldering terminals on the bottom PCB. Regarding sound – please read other peoples’ comments. Most likely something is done wrong way with your kit, as if ribbon is in normal condition (e.g. not torn and does not sag) there is nothing that can be wrong with parts.

Actually, it is always the best practice to ask for advice if you are not able to accomplish the assembly on your own, rather then placing misleading comments like you did. I have sold hundreds of kits to people, most of them do the job without any assistance, small percentage has minor confusions, which get successfully solved after exchanging one or two e-mails and there were none that were not able to make the microphone work by now.

Thank you for a nice comment George, I am glad that you like the microphone!

When coming new batch?

These transformers work well -> http://www.pfsonics.com
They are a cheaper alternative to the Lundahl, cinemag and Edcor transformers.
They also sell them on ebay.