6802 Mods

  • Thread starter Thread starter Marik
  • Start date Start date
Finally, the transformer showed up and over weekend I had a chance to install it.

Here are some pics:

Enlarging the "window" for the transformer:

http://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/6802Cutting Window.JPG

That's how PCB looks after cutting. To make the transformer fit the R5 is installed on the other side of the board. The C5 is a tight fit, you might need to pull it little bit out to be able to bend away from the lamination.
C2 and C3 removed for good. R4 replaced with 830K to lower the voltage on capsule to required 60V:

http://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/6802ModedPCB.JPG

The trafo is installed. You can see I use a free hole of C2 for one of the leads. On the other side it is soldered to a nice capacitor:

http://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/6802TrafoInstalled.JPG

The tube is rotated to minimize the length of the signal wire. Pay attention how nicely the Wima fits that space in the base holder:

http://home.comcast.net/~markfuksman/6802TubeInstalled.JPG

Stay tuned for more.
 
Yeah looking really good. You're making the most of the space.
 
Very nice job, sir! Looking forward to audio test results. I'm sure this was asked before but could we get a total cost for this mod at some point? Thanks.

Paul:D
 
Gentlemen,

Thank you for your nice words.
A couple days ago I was at my friend's studio and we made a few audio tests, comparing the mic on acoustic guitar. I used my favorite modified 797 capsule. Remachined and voiced specifically for use for solo piano, it has enormous bass response, so I wanted to see how the transformer handles it. For that test I put in 6072 5star tube and for comparison we used Brauner VM1 ($6.000) I just serviced, as a reference mic.
In a few days I will make a few more tests, with different tubes and different capsules (incl. PK47, of course :)) and then post it here.

Best, M
 
Marik said:
Gentlemen,

Thank you for your nice words.
A couple days ago I was at my friend's studio and we made a few audio tests, comparing the mic on acoustic guitar. I used my favorite modified 797 capsule. Remachined and voiced specifically for use for solo piano, it has enormous bass response, so I wanted to see how the transformer handles it. For that test I put in 6072 5star tube and for comparison we used Brauner VM1 ($6.000) I just serviced, as a reference mic.
In a few days I will make a few more tests, with different tubes and different capsules (incl. PK47, of course :)) and then post it here.

Best, M
Click to expand...

Looking forward to this!:eek::D
 
Hey Mark,

I spent about 4 hours sitting and talking with Tony Merrill from Stephen Paul Audio last week! We caught up on a bunch of old times, played with all sorts of microphones (I had no idea how light a U47 is) and talking all things microphone. He knows who you are and thinks highly of you, especially in regards to ribbon mics. He showed me the prototype for the new Stephen Paul microphone (which should be a fabulous mic) and showed me his new shop and equipment, which he is still in the middle of organizing and getting ready. He's also fixing some capsules for me and in exchange I'm going to help get his new website going and possibly help with getting set up for production.

Next time you are in L.A., let me know and we can all hang out!

Phil
 
Tony iz da best!!!

I was in his old (Stephen Paul's) shop (I think it was in Burbank). Where is his new place?

Speaking of the mics, the friend of mine with a studio is quite busy right now, so some guitar recs might be little bit postponed. Would it be helpful just to record my speaking voice?

Best, M
 
I think so, yes. That's really all I was able to do before I sent it off, too, although I do have my daughter "singing" some with it.
 
Marik said:
Tony iz da best!!!

I was in his old (Stephen Paul's) shop (I think it was in Burbank). Where is his new place?
Click to expand...

It's kind of near the same location, but now he's got his own complete space. It's in North Hollywood on Burbank Blvd.
 
Marik,

Do you have any further opinions on the sound of the 6802T, both modded and unmodded? I'm trying to decide whether to get one or two on this current group buy. I plan on using them stock for a while if they sound decent and then eventually doing some mods. Thanks!!
 
nuitronic said:
Marik,

Do you have any further opinions on the sound of the 6802T, both modded and unmodded? I'm trying to decide whether to get one or two on this current group buy. I plan on using them stock for a while if they sound decent and then eventually doing some mods. Thanks!!
Click to expand...

It is hard for me to say something specific here. From my memory the stock 6802 seriously lacked bass--I just measured the transformer and it has only 45H inductance, which explains it. The stock capsule also does not have too much of bass response, so both together do not sound that good to me, unless close miked, where proximity compensates for it.
On the other hand, for under $100 a TUBE MIC sound like a phenomenal deal. With this thread I am trying to find the best possible solutions for people who know at least how to hold a soldering iron to make this mic to sound better.

For a moment I am waiting for my friend to get some time free to get together and record some acoustics tracks.
Unfortunately, I play piano only and my instrument is seriously out of tune, so it will sound terrible.

Best, M
 
Thanks for all the great info, Marik. Have you posted anything about the 310 mods you've done? Search didn't turn up anything. Thanks

Paul:D
 
P. Glaser said:
Thanks for all the great info, Marik. Have you posted anything about the 310 mods you've done? Search didn't turn up anything. Thanks

Paul:D
Click to expand...


I started posting about 310 mods, but it did not seem to generate too much interest...
 
Marik said:
I started posting about 310 mods, but it did not seem to generate too much interest...
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I suspect the biggest mod that would do the most good would be a better (non-Chinese) capsule, but I've never been able to find sources for SDC capsules except for electrets. Any hints in that area? Dismantle an MK-012 head? :D
 
dgatwood said:
Unfortunately, I suspect the biggest mod that would do the most good would be a better (non-Chinese) capsule, but I've never been able to find sources for SDC capsules except for electrets. Any hints in that area? Dismantle an MK-012 head? :D
Click to expand...

Freaky stuff and not that expensive:

http://www.atlasproaudio.com/mbho.html

The remachined stock capsule is not that far away, either.
 
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