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DIY Studio Condenser Mic

By bigdatapimp in Circuits > Audio 99.997 52 18

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Build a studio quality +48v phantom powered Condenser Mic for under $35! -
http://www.diycondensermics.com

These Mics are highly sensitive, and be setup to use a 9v battery if you don't have phantom
power. You can put them into pretty much anything, and they can be made pretty small.

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Step 1: Phantom Power?

Phantom power is a +48v (typically) dc current that is applied to two of the pins on an XLR
connector, that is used to create a reference for the Mic capsule. Condenser Mic elements
work similarly to capacitors, who's capacitance varies when the diaphragm vibrates.
Condenser Mics use this to produce a signal, as opposed to Dynamic Mics, which use
magnetic vibration to produce a signal. Because Condenser Mics use the capacitance
variation to create the signal, the element must be electrically charged. Thus we have
Phantom Power! Most newer Mics that require phantom power, also have the option of
using a (or sometimes 2-3) 9v batteries, just in case phantom power is not available.

The schematic below shows the 9v circuit. You know that you'll always be able to use
phantom power with you mic, you can just leave it out to make it simpler.

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Step 2: Build It!

Once you have all the parts, get your soldering Iron out and start building. Use the
schematic as reference. I have found it easiest to try to assemble it as close to the
schematic (in actual layout) as possible, at least if not using a printed board.

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Step 3: Build It!

Here is a view of the bottom side of the board, so you can see how I soldered everything.

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Step 4: Try It Out!

Once everything is inplace and soldered down, give it whirl! Try it out. If it works congrats!
If not, go back and check everything.

For more info, and more detailed instructions, check out this web site:
http://www.diycondensermics.com

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18 Discussions

allegfede 3 years ago

Reply / Upvote
Hello!
Nice project, but i need more detailed informations about the 9v power supply.
At the moment http://www.diycondensermics.com is gone .... could you provide a mirror or give us
more info on that circuit?
thanks,
Federico

SzabolcsK 3 years ago

Reply / Upvote
The site is down!

PedroL2 5 years ago

Reply / Upvote
Where are the outputs of the circuit to connect to the pc?

PedroL2 5 years ago

Reply / Upvote
Where are the outputs for connecting the microphone ?

jim5150jvc 5 years ago on Introduction

Reply / Upvote
I always wanted a side-address small-diaphragm condenser mic just for visuals, like the Neumann
KM56 that John Lennon is singing into on the cover of the LET IT BE album. I might try this project!
Thanks for the Instructable; hope the website link gets re-activated.

lambofwrath95 5 years ago on Introduction

Reply / Upvote
Hey mate,
The link destination doesn't exist anymore... Have you got any other means of info we can read up on
in relation to this?

Also, what would the schematic be if you wanted to just have this as a normal condenser mic that is
powered by the desk Phantom power?

Cheers bro

mryan11 8 years ago on Step 2

Reply / Upvote
Hi there, the website you link no longer exists, and I'm finding in very difficult locating useful
information on a simple condenser mic like this.
Your schematic in the first step simply describes four 10uF caps, but not their types. Judging from this
picture:
- C3 is tantalum, but what is it's orientation? And it's voltage rating?
- C3 and C4 are identical, but notably larger than C1, even though they both appear to be metal-poly
caps. What's going on there? Are you sure that your schematic correctly labels these three values?

Thanks, Mitch.

traxonja 10 years ago on Introduction

Reply / Upvote
You have got to be kidding me :-) "...phantom power. You can put them into pretty much anything, ..."
3 replies F

xadevox 9 years ago on Introduction

Reply / Upvote
Where can i get the xlr pin thing with leads so i can put it on my circuit?

REKAMBERGERAK 9 years ago on Step 1

Reply / Upvote
What about the head room...is it quite good?. Thanks

BearNecessity 9 years ago on Step 1

Reply / Upvote
Is there any way we could get this circuit with better resolution.. i try to zoom in but it just blurs it all..
Great work tho.. I cant wait to have my own
1 reply F

Macyoshary 10 years ago on Introduction

Reply / Upvote
In your final link I think it should be http://www.diycondensermics.com (you missed out the s) :)

2 replies F

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