Hi folks after getting my 3 thread hit on the search function, I have a problem that's purely aesthetic with my MXL 9000.
Its fully functioning, has a MK319 capsule, Groove Tubes ECC81, Cinemag transformer a 5:1 ratio, grille mod and a replaced 1000pf capacitor 630v.
I used to have a Jensen trafo in there that was a 12:1 ratio, it sounded very clean, very articulate but warm (more like the way the capsule sounds under optimum) the only thing was the level was very very low and required the kind of preamplification you would use on an SM7 or a ribbon. I wasnt pleased, but did enjoy the sound.
I went to Cinemag and they recommended a 5:1.
Immediate jump in level, sounded like we have a winner. The only problem is the mic has alot of proximity effect now and some kind of really old school almost lo fi business in the low mids. So here's the issue.
What would be the culprit?
I think its the trafo ratio, which is fine, because I like the level out of the mic.
Do you think that maybe I should change the tube from an ECC81/12AT7 to a tube with less gain? I'm thinking maybe the trafo is soaking up level from the output of the tube??
Maybe there's a circuit mod that can be done to reduce the output from the tube to the trafo? Change a cap value? Or a resistor?
I'm PMd Gus and he is obviously busy with something because I haven't heard back from him.
Anyone care to chime in??
EDIT!! Samples posted.
Here is the old example of the mic before the mods you guys recommended.
Recorded about 6 inches back, no compression, into the line input on the EMU0404, right out of the output of the MXL9000 power supply.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/110952d1235059836-mxl-9000-dark-mics-hip-hop-sound-samples-mxl-9000-neg-1pnt7-n-proce.mp3
Here is the latest mods (C3 removed, C6 is now a 1uf 250V, R7 is 2.2k 1/2 W 5%)
Same deal as the previous mod. Notice the noise level has dropped.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/111311d1235262284-mxl-9000-dark-mics-hip-hop-sound-samples-mxl-9000-latest-mods.mp3
Peace
Illumination
Its fully functioning, has a MK319 capsule, Groove Tubes ECC81, Cinemag transformer a 5:1 ratio, grille mod and a replaced 1000pf capacitor 630v.
I used to have a Jensen trafo in there that was a 12:1 ratio, it sounded very clean, very articulate but warm (more like the way the capsule sounds under optimum) the only thing was the level was very very low and required the kind of preamplification you would use on an SM7 or a ribbon. I wasnt pleased, but did enjoy the sound.
I went to Cinemag and they recommended a 5:1.
Immediate jump in level, sounded like we have a winner. The only problem is the mic has alot of proximity effect now and some kind of really old school almost lo fi business in the low mids. So here's the issue.
What would be the culprit?
I think its the trafo ratio, which is fine, because I like the level out of the mic.
Do you think that maybe I should change the tube from an ECC81/12AT7 to a tube with less gain? I'm thinking maybe the trafo is soaking up level from the output of the tube??
Maybe there's a circuit mod that can be done to reduce the output from the tube to the trafo? Change a cap value? Or a resistor?
I'm PMd Gus and he is obviously busy with something because I haven't heard back from him.
Anyone care to chime in??
EDIT!! Samples posted.
Here is the old example of the mic before the mods you guys recommended.
Recorded about 6 inches back, no compression, into the line input on the EMU0404, right out of the output of the MXL9000 power supply.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/110952d1235059836-mxl-9000-dark-mics-hip-hop-sound-samples-mxl-9000-neg-1pnt7-n-proce.mp3
Here is the latest mods (C3 removed, C6 is now a 1uf 250V, R7 is 2.2k 1/2 W 5%)
Same deal as the previous mod. Notice the noise level has dropped.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/rap-hip-hop-engineering-production/111311d1235262284-mxl-9000-dark-mics-hip-hop-sound-samples-mxl-9000-latest-mods.mp3
Peace
Illumination