Question Fix sagging mic arm on a Yellowtec Mika ?

[Molecule3681]

My Yellowtec Mika mic arm suddenly "broke" from one day to another, it cant hold itself anymore with a mic attached (Shure SM7B).

Obviously I tried tightening the joints as much as I could, but that didn't help.

Also contacted the seller who offer repair services, but since I bought it about 6 years ago, obviously this isn't a warranty case, and considering I would have to cover shipping to and from, as well as their repair fees and there is no guarantee they can fix it, I doubt that is worth it.

So I wonder if there is any way I may be able to fix it myself? Maybe someone have had similar issues with the same or similar mic arm?

Appreciate any help!

 

[Ralston18]

Suggest that you provide some photographs showing the arm and break.

Photographs can be posted here via imgur (www.imgur.com > green "New post" icon).

Likely (sight unseen) you can splice the arm in some manner - depends on the location of the break.

In any case, being able to see what has happened will help with getting ideas and suggestions.

 

[Molecule3681]

Suggest that you provide some photographs showing the arm and break.

Photographs can be posted here via imgur (www.imgur.com > green "New post" icon).

Likely (sight unseen) you can splice the arm in some manner - depends on the location of the break.

In any case, being able to see what has happened will help with getting ideas and suggestions.

It didn't break in the sense of actually breaking, but it just stopped holding, and keeps sagging down.

Here's 2 clips showing it just flops down on both joints:

https://imgur.com/a/Q1WY6QR

View: https://imgur.com/a/Q1WY6QR


When I detach the mic, it holds up no problem, which makes me believe it didnt break per se, but whatever mechanic is used in those arms has lost its strength.

 

[Ralston18]

And turning/tightening that small "lever" on the joint no longer tightens the joint down enough?

 

[Molecule3681]

And turning/tightening that small "lever" on the joint no longer tightens the joint down enough?

Yea, I tried tightening them as much as I possibly can, even a little with some pliers, altho tried to be careful to not damage it with them, but that sadly did not help.

 

[williamjeremiah]

I looked at the manual and the yellowtec website, and saw nothing pertaining to the service of the joint tensioners.
However, I did stumble upon this video explaining how to replace the microphone adapter, and it shows unscrewing the tensioners completely to take them apart.
One could try taking the affected joints apart and give their internals a good cleaning, as there may be a buildup of moisture or oils impeding on the effectiveness of their clamping force.

View: https://youtu.be/h0kSqxqkn2k

Giving the washers and internals a good rub down with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner would do well and prevent leaving any residual residue.
If it still doesn't hold after the cleaning, you could give the internal surfaces a light scoring with sand paper.

After researching this, the Yellowtec M!ka appears to be unusually overpriced.
I'm a part-time musician, played with a blues band for over twenty years and competed at the international level, so I'm familiar with pro-audio equipment. I run sound for the band that I'm currently in.
If this stand continues to be troublesome, I recommend looking elsewhere for a replacement.
Exorbitant prices often over hype products.
A $350 desktop-mount microphone arm should have no issue holding a 1.69 lb / 766.57 g microphone.

View: https://youtu.be/k18DYmbQy38

 

[Molecule3681]

I looked at the manual and the yellowtec website, and saw nothing pertaining to the service of the joint tensioners.
However, I did stumble upon this video explaining how to replace the microphone adapter, and it shows unscrewing the tensioners completely to take them apart.
One could try taking the affected joints apart and give their internals a good cleaning, as there may be a buildup of moisture or oils impeding on the effectiveness of their clamping force.

View: https://youtu.be/h0kSqxqkn2k

Giving the washers and internals a good rub down with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner would do well and prevent leaving any residual residue.
If it still doesn't hold after the cleaning, you could give the internal surfaces a light scoring with sand paper.

After researching this, the Yellowtec M!ka appears to be unusually overpriced.
I'm a part-time musician, played with a blues band for over twenty years and competed at the international level, so I'm familiar with pro-audio equipment. I run sound for the band that I'm currently in.
If this stand continues to be troublesome, I recommend looking elsewhere for a replacement.
Exorbitant prices often over hype products.
A $350 desktop-mount microphone arm should have no issue holding a 1.69 lb / 766.57 g microphone.

View: https://youtu.be/k18DYmbQy38

Thanks for that! While trying to do what you suggested, I think I found the problem, and actually something did break.

There are these little cables inside connecting to springs, and one connection broke:

https://imgur.com/a/NsOP5gS

View: https://imgur.com/a/NsOP5gS


Any chance one is able to get those anywhere? Considering has to be the correct width/length. No clue where or how I would even try to look such things up..

I sent an email to Yellowtec, hoping they might be able to provide it, but I doubt it since there are no real replacement parts available in their shop to begin with.

 

[williamjeremiah]

Any chance one is able to get those anywhere?

Would probably need to make one that's similar.
This might work:
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-16-Wire-Rope-Construction/dp/B0DLKS4ZHW/ref=sr_1_4_mod_primary_new **

And if the ring needs to be thinner, to accommodate wherever it's fastened, use these ring terminals.
Typical ring terminals are made of tinned copper and would easily break when stressed.
These are steel:
https://www.amazon.com/Morris-Products-High-Temperature-Terminals/dp/B00AJSAJA4/ref=sr_1_3 ,
Thus, a better crimping tool may also be required.
If you don't already own or have access to some..
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-1005-Connectors-Non-Insulated/dp/B0006M6Y5M/ref=sr_1_9

**You may want to try using the existing cable, shortening it a half inch or so, to increase the stretch of the spring. If it is no larger than 1/16" diameter, the above ring terminals will work.

Have Fun !