Lube on an MKH-50 xlr input

[jwill]

One of my MKH-50s' is getting difficult when disconnecting the XLR from my boom pole?

Any suggestions for a solution?

[The Documentary Sound Guy]

It'd probably be the latch on the boom cable connector, no?  I'd swap out the cable (if not internal), or change the connector (if it is).

The only part of the microphone that could make a difference is there may be a rubber grommet in the socket that has bunched up, but it should be obvious by looking.

I suppose a bent pin is a possibility as well, but it's not something I've ever encountered.  XLR pins are pretty solid in my experience.

[Matthew Steel]

If you think it is the particular mic and not the boom connector then check for damage/misalignment of the shell/pins.

 

I've not used the MKH50 but I've used lots of MKH40s and I think the connector is the same.  I've never encountered a stiff one, but I have seen plenty of bent metal XLR shells which can make plugging/unplugging stiff.

 

From the diagram at https://spares.sennheiser.com/catalog/product/003109-mkh-50-p48 it also looks possible that the plastic connector insert/shell piece could become misaligned with the pins. Maybe loosen the screws and retighten them while an XLR is plugged in?

 

I have had an MKH40 out of the metal case and I remember something about the grille around the capsule was finnicky when reassembling (so be careful).