Countryman b6 Repair

B

bkatcher

Member
I have a Countryman b6 that has begun malfunctioning. There seems to be a break/short in the wire right under the mic capsule. I sent the mic in to Countryman, but they are asking $220 to repair it, which is pretty ridiculous. I can find a brand new one on ebay for $250.
So I am wondering if it is possible to fix it myself for cheap. I will be buying a new one anyways, so it's not the end of the world if it isn't a perfect fix. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Brandon
 
Yeah, those b6's have VERY small wires. You would need a stereo microscope to fix it correctly. And have the dexterity and the microtip soldering iron, and know how to tear the mic down without destroying it.

Hence the 220 to "fix" it. BTW, they usually just replace the part. It's usually not worth the effort to actually repair it.
 
Yeah... a short near the connector is no problem for them to fix. But at the capsule end, it's pretty much not worth the repair.
 
bkatcher said:
Sounds like it will be my "last resort" mic from now on.
Click to expand...

Th B6 is a great mic. I've had one of mine since 1997 and it's still going strong. You just have to take care of them and not manhandle them. Even when removing them from wardrobe, avoid tugging/pulling on them to get them out of a shirt... that can damage the tiny wires inside.
 
Yes, I concur with the others. Many times a broken connection at the capsule can't be fixed w/o replacing it. A break in the cable can 'sometimes' be spliced.. at least with larger diameter wires. I'm good at soldering and such but I wouldn't attempt a repair on a B6 or it's tiny cable.
bkatcher - Where can you get a brand new B6 for $250.00?
 
Depending on the talent and your repoire, sometimes you can joke with them that they're wearing one of the world's most expensive microphones - that usually puts the idea in their mind to take it off gently should they decide to handle the unit themselves. I'm glad to see more mic manufactures using kevlar reinforced wires for extra strength the new RODE Lav, the new Sennheiser MKE-1 feel like steel. It's the worst being on set with a intermittent/dead mic due to rough handling, keep a spare if at all possible and try to tape a loop to catch the strain. Also, give Wilcox sound a call in LA. They may be able to fix the B6.
 
If it is just a wire - solder job, you might take a shot at a local "wizard" type electronics repair guy, or possible a nerdy type from a tech school. Pay them for an hour...if they are successful. You don't have much to lose.

Grant
 
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