Electrovoice BK1 Problem

[jadams]

Hi folks-
I've got an EV BK1 vocal condenser mic that I love, but recently its had low output. Any troubleshooting tips or common issues I should be aware of?

[Jazz P Bass]

ElectroVoice BK-1 Manual

#1 make sure the internal battery did not leak & is up to voltage.
Phantom power will work.
Here is the manual.
(I cannot believe that they included the schematic in the Owners Manual (Hello Behringer!!!).
There is an FET transistor in there that may be getting weak.

[J M Fahey]

#1 make sure the internal battery did not leak & is up to voltage.
Phantom power will work.
Here is the manual.
(I cannot believe that they included the schematic in the Owners Manual (Hello Behringer!!!).
There is an FET transistor in there that may be getting weak.

Well, we are talking an American product, made in USA and from 1990

[Leo_Gnardo]

#1 make sure the internal battery did not leak & is up to voltage.
Phantom power will work.
Here is the manual.
(I cannot believe that they included the schematic in the Owners Manual (Hello Behringer!!!).
There is an FET transistor in there that may be getting weak.

Jazz P Bass reminded me of something. Some products that can be run from battery or phantom will give you distorted low level audio if phantom is applied while there's a battery inside, and it gets worse as the the battery runs down. Countryman 85 DI box comes to mind. Your mic may do the same. If that's not it, contact EV about having it fixed.

You wouldn't believe how many sound "pros" don't know about that pitfall. Clair Bro's best taught me about it April 1987. (Thank you Tom Foehlinger, wherever you are!)

[jadams]

Thanks to all for the help, I'll let you know how I make out.

[Coverdale]

Hi guys! Sorry for digging an old thread, but I got a BK-1 with a similar problem...The thing is, I can't get the battery compartment to open! Any tricks? The mic has very low output, and I can't confirm if it has a battery inside or not...! Thanks!