# Assembly Guide — Talas One Condenser Microphone

> **Status**: Work in progress. This guide will be completed and validated through fresh rebuilds as part of the open hardware publication process.

## Prerequisites

### Tools
- Soldering station with fine tip (e.g., Toolcraft ST-100D or equivalent)
- Stereo microscope or magnifying lamp — required for SMD component inspection
- Multimeter with continuity mode
- Oscilloscope (recommended for debugging)
- Tweezers (for SMD placement)
- Solder wire (0.5mm recommended for SMD, 0.8mm for through-hole)
- Flux (no-clean)
- Isopropyl alcohol + brush for cleaning

### Components
See the [BOM](../bom/) for the complete parts list with sourcing links.

### PCBs
Both PCBs can be ordered from any PCB fabrication service (e.g., PCBWay, JLCPCB) using the gerber files in [`hardware/gerbers/`](../hardware/gerbers/).

Specifications:
- 2-layer PCB
- 1.6mm thickness
- HASL finish
- Standard FR4

## Assembly Order

### Step 1 — Preamp Board

1. Start with SMD components (OPA1642AIDR op-amp)
2. Then through-hole resistors and capacitors
3. Finally connectors

### Step 2 — Hex Inverter Board

1. SMD components (TC4584BF)
2. Through-hole passives (resistors, capacitors, diodes)
3. Connectors

### Step 3 — Mechanical Assembly

1. Mount both PCBs in the microphone body
2. Connect inter-board wiring
3. Connect capsule leads
4. Close body (standard screwdriver — no glue)

### Step 4 — Testing

1. Connect XLR cable to audio interface with 48V phantom power
2. Verify bias voltage with multimeter (~60V DC expected)
3. Check preamp output with oscilloscope
4. Audio test in DAW

## Debugging

If the microphone produces no audio output, follow this systematic approach:

1. **Visual inspection** — Check all solder joints under microscope for bridges or cold joints
2. **Continuity test** — Verify all connections match the schematic netlist
3. **Voltage rails** — Measure phantom power delivery (48V), bias voltage (~60V), and preamp supply
4. **Signal tracing** — Use oscilloscope to follow signal from capsule through each stage

See also the hex inverter test guides in `hardware/hex-inverter/` for board-specific testing procedures.