OK! Moving on...

[PhilGood]

I think I have exhausted my search for the best vocal mics for my collection. I have built several U47 style mics, which are all amazing sounding. I have built an Ela M clone and a C12 clone. I have several Royer mics that I have hot-rodded to their limits. I have made several other hot rodded LDCs that all sound fantastic to my ears. I think I'm done with LDC's for a while.

Now I am on a different pursuit! I need to build some really accurate pencil and instrument mics. Many capsules available on eBay, but here's where I start the new learning curve: What do you believe are the best SDC mics out there?

And I could always use pointers in what to choose for dynamics. I'm considering the SM7, the RE20, the 421 and others.

Educate me, oh brilliant folks out there!

Suggestions?

 

[drBill]

Phil, I'm envious.... Nice collection. And building them yourself makes it all the more sweet!!!

The dynamics you mentioned - SM7, RE20, and MD421 are all classics and should be in every mic locker. In addition, you might want to check out the Sennheiser 441 - another classic, and some would say the best dynamic ever made.

Heil also makes some really good new dynamics. The PR20 is great for snare, the PR30 & 40's great for all around dynamic use.

Also, don't overlook the Beyerdynamic M201. Killer snare mic.

And Audix. The list goes on and on. The i5 is a great SM57 option/replacement. The D6 is the classic scooped EQ curve BD mic.

Need more???

After that, you'll need to start thinking about ribbons. The GB would be a good place to start if you have some cash in the next day or so as it's closing soon. The ACM2, 3, 4, 200, 300 all look interesting and modding ribbons is pretty easy. The 200 & 300 are phantom and will give you something more to work with.

Have fun!

bp

PS - I got the caps today. Thx!!!!!!!!! (On to a mod job for myself.)

 

[Marik]

No SDC collection of a well respected DIYer will be ever full enough without Gefell M94, MK221/MK202, and AKG CK61 capsules. If you are on a high end mode, the MBHO is a must as well, and are pretty affordable, considering their quality.

For rather budget options, the SP C4 would be a nice start and if you can find low enough noise 5840, that baby can really shine.

And of course, Oktava 012 is a good option, as well. In fact, since the capsule has a pretty high output, that puppy might be the best pretendent for toobing.

Don't overlook MXL603/991, etc. You could contact somebody named 'Marik' who could give you some advices as for what to do with those. Known for their rather shy bass, but there are a few neat tricks to restore the LF response in its full glory.

Best, M

 

[RightOnMusic]

i'm a very big fan of the gefell m300. not sure if that has the m94 capsule in it, but that mic REALLY shines on a number of applications, acoustic guitar being my favorite.

 

[drBill]

Oh yeah, I forgot you mentioned SDC's......

My two favorites:

The venerable KM84

Second Fav,

The Gefell 692/M70 Nickle cap combo. Very sweet.

 

[kojdogg]

i'm interested to hear what people think of the telefunken m80 dynamic once it gets into circulation.

 

[Daisy]

I think you should go with your instincts on this one.

You know what sounds good. And you seem to have a firm grasp on what mics out there are well-respected and useful. And I'm sure you've researched the topic pretty well.

I realize that's not a very exciting answer.

 

[elenore19]

You're all geniuses!

Reading one thread like this blows my mind with interest. Not to mention how much I learn.
Thanks!

Just thought I'd throw that out there. I know it has nothing to do with this thread really.
I wish I had the money and tools to make my own microphone.

 

[PhilGood]

Well guys, I spoke too soon. It looks as though the SDC's will have to wait.

I'm going to be back on LDC's for a while. A few weeks at the least.

 

[PhilGood]

No, I didn't make those.


But I'm going to finish them!

 

[juan162]

Well guys, I spoke too soon. It looks as though the SDC's will have to wait.

I'm going to be back on LDC's for a while. A few weeks at the least.

Dude, where do you find this stuff!?! Happy building,

Juan

 

[rockinrocker]

Dude, where so you find this stuff!?! Happy building,

Juan

yeah, that's the question i had too....

 

[PhilGood]

Dude, where do you find this stuff!?!

Well, I didn't. Not directly anyway.

I bought some capsules off a guy on eBay and after discussing things he asked if I would install a capsule for him and essentially refurbish a mic for him. After I agreed he informed me that he bought a palette of stuff from a liquidator and thought it was going to be junk. It was some of the leftover repair parts from a certain sound company that shut down their microphone division. The delux part. He doesn't know anything about mics and thought he might sell the capsules and a few other things and the rest would get tossed. These are the internal components already assembled, but they don't have shells, grills or capsules. We're going to be buying capsules to install, I'm having the bodies made at a machine shop to my specs and have grill material on order. Then I'm going to finish them up and have them all in almost new condition. The guy will have quite a mic collection when we're done.

He's letting me have a few as payment.

 

[Gus]

Looks like soundelux stuff

e250?
Ifet?
E49?
E47?

 

[ausrock]

Damn......you've got most of what I'm missing.

I've got brass mesh, a lathe and I just listed the two capsules I have on local Ebay

 

[PhilGood]

Looks like soundelux stuff

e250?
Ifet?
E49?
E47?

Very good Gus!

Weird how the left one has E250 written on the circuit board, but the base says U99.

 

[PhilGood]

OK, been working on the e49's. Got one done so far. What do you think?

 

[PhilGood]

Here's an original for reference:

 

[P. Glaser]

Very nice work, Phil.

 

[kidvybes]

...man, you never cease to amaze me!...I'm impressed!!!...