instructables
Electret Mic Preamp
by Bantam Tools
In this project guide, we show you how to use your Desktop PCB Milling Machine to make an electret mic preamp. This
circuit, based on an LM358 operational ampli er, is essential for a number of audio-reactive projects. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools, Materials, and Files
TOOLS
Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine
Computer with Bantam Tools Desktop Milling Machine Software installed
Flat end mill, 1/32"
Flat end mill, 1/64”
Alignment bracket
Soldering iron
Diagonal wire clippers
USB cable
Bit fan
MATERIALS
PCB blank, FR-1, single-sided
Nitto tape, high-strength, double-sided
Resistors, 100K (2)
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Resistors, 10K (2)
Resistors, 1K
Ceramic capacitor, 0.1uF
Electrolytic capacitor, 470uF
Electrolytic capacitor, 10uF
Screw terminal, 1x2
Dip socket, 2x4
Potentiometer
Horizontal audio jack LED
Electret mic
FILES
Electret-Mic-Preamp.brd le downloaded
https://youtu.be/ZcExJIiPEr4
Step 2: Set Up Your Job
Turn on your Desktop PCB Milling Machine, open the Bantam Tools Desktop Milling Machine Software, and home the
mill. Next, install the alignment bracket onto the spoilboard. In the Bantam Tools software, under Fixturing, select Locate
and follow the instructions on the screen. Using the alignment bracket will ensure that your board is perfectly squared.
Note: If you haven’t installed the alignment bracket before, follow the steps in this support guide.
Now it’s time to set up your job. We’re going to run through these steps quickly. If you need more guidance on how to
load your tool or enter information into the software, refer to the Light-Up PCB Badge project.
1. Double-check to make sure it says Bracket under Fixturing.
2. Select the 1/32” Flat End Mill, load it into the mill with the bit fan attached, and locate the tool.
3. In the Material Setup tab measure and enter dimensions in the X, Y, and Z values under Material for the
FR-1.
4. Then apply high-strength, double-sided tape on the backside of the PCB, and place it onto the spoilboard
so it aligns with the corner of the alignment bracket.
5. Be sure to account for the tape’s thickness (Z height) in Material O set Z. The thickness of the high-
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strength, double-sided Nitto tape we sell in our store is typically 0.006 in.
Step 3: Import Your File
Under Plans, click Open Files and select the Electret-Mic-Preamp.brd le. Then, select the 1/32" Flat End Mill and the 1/64”
Fat End Mill. Your mill time will vary depending on the speeds and feeds recipes you use. For this project, we used the
following recipes.
For the 1/32" at end mill:
Feed Rate: 59 in/min
Plunge Rate: 15 in
Spindle Speed: 25,000 RPM
Stepover: 49%
Pass Depth: 0.010 in
For the 1/64” at end mill:
Feed Rate: 50 in/min
Plunge Rate: 15.00 in
Spindle Speed: 25,000 RPM
Stepover: 50%
Pass Depth: 0.007 in
If you’d like to adjust your speeds and feeds to match ours, click File > Tool Library > Add Tool. Name your new tools and
then input the speeds and feeds recipes. Learn more about customizing your Tool Library in our dedicated guide.
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Step 4: Start Milling
When you’re ready, click Start Milling.
Remember, this job will require a tool change. When prompted, install your 1/64” at end mill with the bit fan attached,
locate the tool, and select Start Milling to nish your circuit board.
Step 5: Solder the Components
Time to solder! Grab your components and your soldering iron. It’s easiest to solder the components in the following
order:
1. 100K, 10K, and 1K resistors
2. 0.1uF ceramic capacitors
3. Electret mic
4. 2x4 dip socket
5. LED
6. 10 uF electrolytic capacitors
7. 1x2 screw terminal
8. Potentiometer
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Step 6: Design Notes
While this is a dual operational ampli er, you’re only relationship between R2 and VR1 establishes the
utilizing one of the ampli ers on Pins 1, 2, and 3 in this potential gain of the signal being. This is represented by
circuit (see schematic below). Pin 4 is the ground and pin Gain = VR1/R2. There is a potential gain of up to 200x of
8 is VCC. Pin 8 is powered by a 5V source through two the original signal (200K/1K = 200) in this circuit,
capacitors (C2 and C3) for ltering out high and low- allowing for a wide range of adjustment. Two 100K
level noise. resistors (R4 and R5) are connected to GND and VC prior
to connecting to Pin 3 for setting the potential voltage
The electret mic is powered through a 10K resistor (R1) (2.5V). The circuit also has an LED to show when the unit
where the signal goes through a coupling capacitor (C1) is powered on.
and the 1K resistor (R2) before entering Pin 2. A 200K
variable resistor (VR1) serves to create feedback, and the
Step 7: Start Recording!
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You’ve done it! You’ve built your own electret mic preamp using your Desktop PCB Milling Machine. Record a drum solo.
Build a voice-activated light. Sky’s the limit!
Electret Mic Preamp: Page 6
