Helpful ReplyMod a mic

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burgerproduction
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2018/11/16 11:06:54 (permalink)

Mod a mic

Here's a left field question:
Has anyone on here ever modified a mic?
I've done some low level circuitry work before such as pedals (I made a Fuzz/distortion pedal) and I've mod'ed a wah etc..
I was thinking of modifying a small diaphragm condenser mic into a big diaphragm condenser mic (seeing as I've got a big diaphragm mic with a circuitry issue) - anyone tried such a foolish thing?

Cakewalk by Bandlab, Sonar Platinum Lifetimer, Windows 10, HP Laptop, CPU i5, RAM 8GB. Audio interface: Edirol FA-101 Firewire interface with moded drivers. Microphones: Audio-Technica, M-Audio, Behringer, AKG. Pianos: Casio digital, Yamaha B1 upright.  Guitars: Dobro, Tanglewood, Danelectro, Fender. Hats: Fez
Check out my music :
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msmcleod
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Re: Mod a mic 2018/11/16 11:37:02 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby jude77 2018/11/26 17:19:01
I've not tried it yet, but have been thinking about it.
 
This looks like a good place to start though: https://microphone-parts.com/pages/mic-mods
 

Mark McLeod
Cakewalk by BL | ASUS P8B75-V, Intel I5 3570 16GB RAM Win 10 64 + Win 7 64/32 SSD HD's, Scarlett 18i20 / 6i6 | ASUS ROG GL552VW 16GB RAM Win 10 64 SSD HD's, Scarlett 2i2 | Behringer Truth B2030A / Edirol MA-5A | Mackie MCU + C4 + XT | 2 x BCF2000, Korg NanoKontrol Studio
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burgerproduction
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Re: Mod a mic 2018/11/16 13:06:18 (permalink)
Fantastic!!! That's great....but [ouch] the price!!!

Cakewalk by Bandlab, Sonar Platinum Lifetimer, Windows 10, HP Laptop, CPU i5, RAM 8GB. Audio interface: Edirol FA-101 Firewire interface with moded drivers. Microphones: Audio-Technica, M-Audio, Behringer, AKG. Pianos: Casio digital, Yamaha B1 upright.  Guitars: Dobro, Tanglewood, Danelectro, Fender. Hats: Fez
Check out my music :
https://53mph.bandcamp.com/album/like-water-to-the-sand
 
#3
msmcleod
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Re: Mod a mic 2018/11/16 23:20:21 (permalink)
Here's another resource - actually this is the one I was looking for originally, but was at work so didn't have much time to look further:
 
https://groupdiy.com/index.php?board=29.0
 
To keep costs down, you could look at using your big diaphragm capsule with different PCB circuits. The PCB circuits should be pretty cheap to make, assuming there's no transformers involved. ProtoType board or stripboard should suffice until you get a circuit you like.
 
But don't write off your existing smaller diaphragm capsule. Using better grade capacitors, or even trying out a different circuit altogether could radically improve/change your sound.
 
[Edit] - meant to add... if there are transformers involved, make sure you stick to tried & tested circuits / component values as there can be some crazy voltages involved. The last thing you want to do is fry your audio interface.

Mark McLeod
Cakewalk by BL | ASUS P8B75-V, Intel I5 3570 16GB RAM Win 10 64 + Win 7 64/32 SSD HD's, Scarlett 18i20 / 6i6 | ASUS ROG GL552VW 16GB RAM Win 10 64 SSD HD's, Scarlett 2i2 | Behringer Truth B2030A / Edirol MA-5A | Mackie MCU + C4 + XT | 2 x BCF2000, Korg NanoKontrol Studio
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burgerproduction
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Re: Mod a mic 2018/11/17 12:21:50 (permalink)
Wow! Thanks Mark...I'm gonna have to do my homework. There is a wealth of information there.

Cakewalk by Bandlab, Sonar Platinum Lifetimer, Windows 10, HP Laptop, CPU i5, RAM 8GB. Audio interface: Edirol FA-101 Firewire interface with moded drivers. Microphones: Audio-Technica, M-Audio, Behringer, AKG. Pianos: Casio digital, Yamaha B1 upright.  Guitars: Dobro, Tanglewood, Danelectro, Fender. Hats: Fez
Check out my music :
https://53mph.bandcamp.com/album/like-water-to-the-sand
 
#5
burgerproduction
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Re: Mod a mic 2018/11/21 15:22:17 (permalink)
Ok, after doing my homework (and playing around inside the mic) I've realised that the diaphragm has gone on the mic (probably my bad).
Sooooo, either I fork out 80 Euro for a second hand Nova, or spend that money on something better.
Any suggestions for mics in the price range of 80-100?

Cakewalk by Bandlab, Sonar Platinum Lifetimer, Windows 10, HP Laptop, CPU i5, RAM 8GB. Audio interface: Edirol FA-101 Firewire interface with moded drivers. Microphones: Audio-Technica, M-Audio, Behringer, AKG. Pianos: Casio digital, Yamaha B1 upright.  Guitars: Dobro, Tanglewood, Danelectro, Fender. Hats: Fez
Check out my music :
https://53mph.bandcamp.com/album/like-water-to-the-sand
 
#6
msmcleod
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Re: Mod a mic 2018/11/22 13:22:22 (permalink)
burgerproduction
Ok, after doing my homework (and playing around inside the mic) I've realised that the diaphragm has gone on the mic (probably my bad).
Sooooo, either I fork out 80 Euro for a second hand Nova, or spend that money on something better.
Any suggestions for mics in the price range of 80-100?


Two come to mind:
 
AKG P120
US: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P120--akg-p120-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone
EUR: https://www.thomann.de/it/akg_p120.htm
 
And the very popular AT2020:
US: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020--audio-technica-at2020-cardioid-condenser-microphone
EUR: https://www.thomann.de/it/audio_technica_at2020.htm
 
 
 

Mark McLeod
Cakewalk by BL | ASUS P8B75-V, Intel I5 3570 16GB RAM Win 10 64 + Win 7 64/32 SSD HD's, Scarlett 18i20 / 6i6 | ASUS ROG GL552VW 16GB RAM Win 10 64 SSD HD's, Scarlett 2i2 | Behringer Truth B2030A / Edirol MA-5A | Mackie MCU + C4 + XT | 2 x BCF2000, Korg NanoKontrol Studio
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