Upgrading a Cheap Mic with a New Capsule
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- Опубликовано: 16 сен 2024
- My long and (slightly) tragic story of modding microphones for the first time, but in the end it all worked out! Here I compare the new K-47 capsule from Dachman Audio in my MXL 990 with the Stellar X2, which features a K-67 style capsule. Stay tuned for another video testing them on acoustic and electric guitar!
Matthew McGlynn's great talk on capsule types:
• Condenser Mic Capsules
Many thanks to Joshua of Dachman Audio for sending me this capsule
www.dachmanaud...
And thanks to Matthew McGlynn for answering my questions and helping me in my modding journey
microphone-par...
If you like the Stellar X2 and want to buy one, consider using my affiliate link here and get 10% off:
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Use code: NickLE10 for the discount
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Let me know which mic you prefer for voiceover!
Thanks Nick. I enjoyed your capsule mod journey. After watching your video comparison I ordered the Dachman Audio K-47 for my MXL 990. The capsule arrived last night. I've also been getting acquainted with my Stellar X2. So far I love it for my voice. From what I've read the K-47 should improve the signal to noise ratio on the MXL 990. I think the X2 and 990/K-47 make a complementary pair.
Great to hear it! It definitely will give you a better signal to noise ratio. Comparing the first video I did with the X2 and stock 990, especially on guitar, the 990 definitely had more audible hiss, after the new capsule, the SNR is significantly better.
@@NickLeonard I'll let you know how it sounds.
Don't use superglue on microphones . . . check
Also, don't use it on your lips.
Glad you do these experiments and post honest results and save us noobs from wasting time, effort and cash.
Cheers
Or your fingers! One time I glued my left thumb and index together while working on a piano. I was in the facility alone and had no solvent, so it took about 30 mins of hot water and very careful pocket knife work, but I didn't cut myself! 😂
Now I always wear gloves and carry solvent
@@NickLeonard I've also glued my fingers. It's a given it will happen. On the upside, with your index finger and thumb glued together, it gives the appearance that you are calm and meditating should anyone happen to catch you.
Gee, too bad you did not present a before and after comparison of the MXL capsule. While the replacement capsules sounds much like the Stellar S2, it would be nice to compare the replacement capsule with the original MXL brand capsule. Experience is often a tough teacher - I appreciate your humbly mentioning the speed bumps you experienced along the journey. Good A/B demo between the two microphones, just wish you had included a recording using the original MXL capsule. Good luck and prosperity. TT
I did originally make a video comparing the X2 and the unmodified 990: ruclips.net/video/2cpHyL_prKA/видео.html
Is it advisable to upgrade the 16mm capsule in my Maono AU-A04 microphone to a 22mm capsule?
That's an electret capsule, which would require some different circuitry. It's possible, but more difficult and expensive, so no, I wouldn't recommend doing it on that one. You could pick up a used MXL or something else similar, just check that it's not an electret capsule.
I'm sorry nick. No disrespect but when i heard the ( A and B) test for the Caps and the cap modification sounded better. You actually could slightly hear the harmonic characters of the finger strumming.
I didn't hear much difference, but if you can, great! I wouldn't usually recommend it for the cost and effort, but it's not super expensive anyways, so if you want to do it, go for it! I did leave in the new caps anyways, of course.
Thanks for the video. What type of capsule comes in the 990 originally?
It's a small diaphragm capsule, the same as the ones in the 991 actually, just with a brass trim ring around it that makes it look bigger at a glance. Perhaps a bit deceptive, but if you read the specs, it does say small diaphragm. It's not a terrible capsule, but after this mod, I was able to increase SNR about 10 dB, and the new capsule sounds much clearer!
Voici over is really Lovely with k 47 .. / for ambisonic records i think that k 12 is a better capsule ..
And If you have Time. I wait A comparison K 47 vs k 67 vs k 12 .. !!!!
The RK-12 capsule looks like it has a nice frequency plot, a bit like the combination on the K47 and K67 styles. If I build one, I'll certainly make a video about it!
I do hope to build a full kit or circuit mod with the Mic Parts stuff, it's not cheap, but I think it's a good value for what they are. Matthew McGlynn is an invaluable source of info on everything mic-related. I really appreciate him sharing all his knowledge through his various talks and streams.
Hi. Im using usb mic it has electret capsule, So does changing the capsule benefit with geound noise and voice quality or not?
I know it has a FET attached to the capsule, but I have no knowledge about it
by chance i found a thread 11 years ago there was a guy talking about replacing that FET with a better one but his instructions missing a picture
You can get higher quality electrets that would probably sound better, but the problem is usually noisy preamp/interface. I'd recommend just saving up for a proper audio interface + xlr mic. There are some good and affordable options that will definitely perform better than a usb mic. If you have a lot of ambient noise you may also be better off with a dynamic mic like the shure sm57/58.
So, can i use k47 capsule on an electret mic? I mean, if i want to mod my CM25 mk iii mic with the k47 flat capsule, will it work? Or if i use electret capsule on my AKG c3000, will it work?
It should work, but I would double check with the capsule maker and see what they think.
Please let me know. I want to mod my focusrite microphone.
@@gtgsinisterif it's an electret, it likely won't be compatible without a new circuit too. There are lots of cheap mics that can be upgraded though, just electret that have a different circuit behind them.
microphone-parts.com/pages/introduction-to-condenser-capsule-upgrades
@@NickLeonard thank you so much for your kind response.