Microphone mods
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Other music related lounges
Forum Name: Tech Talk
Forum Description: Discuss musical instruments, equipment, hi-fi, speakers, vinyl, gadgets,etc.
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=111434
Printed Date: June 06 2024 at 09:29
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Topic: Microphone mods
Posted By: Davesax1965
Subject: Microphone mods
Date Posted: July 01 2017 at 08:22
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Hi folks, I'm vaguely thinking of modding an MXL 990 to take a larger capsule (RK-47) and possibly doing some circuit board changes. Anyone done anything like this and do the results justify the outlay and work ? Cheers Dave ------------- |
Replies:
Posted By: pitfall
Date Posted: July 02 2017 at 16:05
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Most certainly - I'd say that 80% of the sound of a microphone comes from the capsule, 10% from the electronics (as long as they are reasonably designed), and 10% from the housing. The MXL 990 is not a bad mike - but the diaphragm is actually not a large one - it's about a half inch, and is, typically for a far eastern one, a bit on the bright side. You should end up with a mike which performs as well one costing several times as much. Alternatively, you could opt for something like an Oktava 219 or 319 secondhand - these sound phenomenal on a lot of sources, and have even been compared to a Neumann U47.
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Posted By: Davesax1965
Date Posted: July 05 2017 at 04:08
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Fantastic, thanks, Pitfall. I'll replace the capsule with an RK-47. It's just finding the anvil the capsule sits on. Yep, I thought the PCB was not worth bothering with- most mods I've seen just change a few capacitor values and replace some of the caps with plastic film ones. Won't have much effect. I'll swap over the capsule and get a modified headbasket with a more open weave. Thanks !!! ------------- |
Posted By: Davesax1965
Date Posted: July 06 2017 at 05:58
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And I've found some valve mic kits in the interim. Soldering iron out. ;-) ------------- |
Posted By: Davesax1965
Date Posted: July 07 2017 at 03:43
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Coming along. New headbasket. RK-47 capsule replacement next, followed by a capacitor upgrade. And I'm looking into 12AX7 based valve microphone kits.  ------------- |
Posted By: Davesax1965
Date Posted: August 29 2017 at 05:54
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End result ? Pretty good. Sensitivity went through the roof. Not given it a proper tryout yet, but it's transformed the microphone. ------------- |