How is the cable wired? Standard XLR wiring is not correct for Astatics. How long is the cable? Anything over 20' is too long. The crystal could also be dead. They don't take a licking and keep on ticking. If it's been dropped chances are it's dead. Diminished output could be caused by any of the above. Astatic crystal mic's should have high output that's why harmonica players like them. FJM