Just my $0.02-- I've had several mics modded by Michael Joly (and one that I got that was already modded by him for the original owner) and they are all excellent sounding mics that I'd match up against any of the other production mics of the same type I've had-- including some nice BLUE's (Kiwi, Mouse, Blueberry) that I've owned and others.
Com’mon, on the same manner, the 32mm Chinese capsules are derived from K67/K87… and we all know their value. As I wrote on another board, the first batch of MXL603 capsules was machined differently and indeed, was very good. After that they just started cutting corners. No wonder that the main complaint about MXL603s is lack of bass, and brittle sound. No circuit upgrade can cover that, so there is no need to mislead people. Besides, if we are talking about KM84 and Schoeps, their respective capsules were specifically designed and mated for SPECIFIC electronic CIRCUITS, so connecting a KM84 with Schoeps circuit is the same as Brad Pitt’s chin put with Angelina Joly’s lips, to make the result sexier.… many folks recognized this mic has a very good-sounding capsule (derived from the Neumann KM-84) and a solid circuit based on the well-accepted Schoeps design.
Like the MK-012 mods, I have my own ideas how best to upgrade the circuit via parts types, values and topology changes to create results I find euphonic…
Oh, most of my knowledge-sharing around mic mods has been done here on homerecording and over at www.TapeOp.com. People can search on my name to find advice I've offered
His mod?
Some of us have done this kind of stuff years ago and shared.
Google 603 mods search at DIY the lab and Zanspark(sp) at yahoo.
Also, at times like these I am reminded of Brent Casey's remarks re: the Schoeps circuit. It was designed for electret capsules . . . and I don't even like it too much on those . . . if the Chinese are universally applying the "Dorsey" mod to all condenser mics, that could be to their detriment . . .
Hi Marik. Which 603 are you retooling? The older model or the newer one? The newer model has a much lighter weight (thinner) body. Thanks.Yo.
I am not sure what came first, the "Dorsey mod" or Chinese use of Schoeps, but to those who chearfully say about "Dorsey's published accolades and tweaks", may I remind that the "Dorsey mod" is a stripped Schoeps circuit version, intended for DIYers, and is much inferior to the real thing (and even to Chinese copies), having much smaller headroom.
His use of it with a LD capsule just doesn't make any sense.
In any case, right now I am working on sourcing a certain type of lamination, for a custom transformer I designed myself, which would fit in the MXL603 body. I am converting the MXL603 into KM84 type of the circuit (i.e. transformer coupled).
I also re-machine and re-tune the capsule and soon will be offering it along with the "KM84 conversion" as a service. The capsule has a few db higher output, as well as a much tighter cardioid pattern than MXL603.
Here is a track recorded with the prototype, i.e. MXL603 converted into KM84type of circuit, with re-machined capsule:
http://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/MXLmodifiedCapsuleII.wav
It was recorded during the same session as previous tracks, so you can compare and see the differences.
Best, M
Hi Marik. Which 603 are you retooling? The older model or the newer one? The newer model has a much lighter weight (thinner) body. Thanks.
Thanks Marik. I'll keep an eye on this.Paul,
As you could hear from the samples the "original" capsule has a sound of its own and I would recommend to keep it unmodified... just to have it for different flavor.
It does not seem to be any connection between old and new models vs. use of "original" (old style backplate) and "newer" capsules. For example many old ones have the "newer" backplates, but on the other hand one customer just sent me two brand new mics he got from the last MF stupid deal, and one of them had an "old style" backplate, so go figure. You can tell only after visual inspection.
Right now I sent my modified capsules for a few independed evaluations. Ones the results are back and if approved, I will be offering the capsule conversion as a service.
Also, ones I find a source for trasformer lamination to fit these mics I will be offering the transformers (along with the complete instructions) to DIY oriented folks, who wants to convert their MXL603 into KM84 style mic (i.e. transformer coupled). I will be also offering it as a service to those who does not have enough DIY skills.
Best, M
So 3 yrs later I'm unable to find this information... Can anyone help? I'm interested in any specific mod recommendations. I've posted a new thread on it.. Thanks.His mod?
Some of us have done this kind of stuff years ago and shared.
Google 603 mods search at DIY the lab and Zanspark(sp) at yahoo.
So can I find these somewhere?Paul,
Also, ones I find a source for trasformer lamination to fit these mics I will be offering the transformers (along with the complete instructions) to DIY oriented folks, who wants to convert their MXL603 into KM84 style mic (i.e. transformer coupled). I will be also offering it as a service to those who does not have enough DIY skills.
Best, M