confused by background radiation

A really weird thing is happening with the crystal mic. I do NOT understand this.

The same circuit board taken from another box and put in this box is much noisier. Like, 15-20db noiser. Both boxes are metal or metal-lined, and I’ve checked – repeatedly -the metal lining on this one is grounding.

This is true even with no crystal element attached.

Also, any board put in this box is quieter – less signal. This makes even less sense.

I’m so confused.
 
 

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This is part of a collection of posts on building microphones and microphone-related kit, such as mic pre-amps.

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