damaged insulation on the lav microphone

[humbuk]

The insulation on my MKE1 microphone is damaged, but the microphone still works. Is there any way to repair the damaged area? Ordinary heat shrink tubing is not good, it is too stiff.

 

image - https://ibb.co/6JmkY9PP

 

 

[Display Name]

Silicone based self-fusing tape?

[Philip Perkins]

Go ahead and fix it, but this mic is now a backup that needs to be replaced with a new "front line" mic.  Once this sort of thing breaks it's just a matter of time before it breaks again.

[humbuk]

10 minutes ago, Philip Perkins said:

Go ahead and fix it, but this mic is now a backup that needs to be replaced with a new "front line" mic.  Once this sort of thing breaks it's just a matter of time before it breaks again.

Just like an actor or anyone else, they can rip off a brand new microphone in a second. But unfortunately I didn't ask about that, I'm figuring out how to fix it. Thank you

21 hours ago, Display Name said:

Silicone based self-fusing tape?

I have silicone based self-fusing tape and I've already tried it, it's great, it's not as stiff as heat shrink tube, but I can't apply it so that it stays in a thin layer... I'll probably have to use heat shrink tube and regret the cable's flexibility.

[Tim Norris]

The real answer:

 

Lav microphones are disposable items.

 

Yours is damaged near the capsule. There is no way to repair it to be as usable as it was before it was damaged. If it was damaged close to the other end, you could salvage it with a new connector or heat shrink tube.  The insulation will continue to break off. At best, it will be a last resort back-up.

 

Cheers,

Tim

[Philip Perkins]

When this kind of thing happened to me on a job, like it was talent that damaged the mic, the production would be charged full replacement value for it.  I had this conversation many times.  They may not like it but there is no way you should be on the hook for this cost.  As was said, lav mics are an expendable.

[Tim Norris]

2 hours ago, Philip Perkins said:

When this kind of thing happened to me on a job, like it was talent that damaged the mic, the production would be charged full replacement value for it.  I had this conversation many times.  They may not like it but there is no way you should be on the hook for this cost.  As was said, lav mics are an expendable.

 

Looking at the provided picture, the mic seems quite old and worn, not damaged by production. I might guess the damage is due to age, perhaps some lack of care, but mostly age. The plastic covering will continue to break off.

 

I have had lavs damaged by production and was reimbursed by production. I would never consider an attempt to be reimbursed for this one. It's time for a new lav.

 

Cheers,

Tim