A tube mic with CT12 capsule (pics later!)

pasarski · Aug 17, 2011

The mic isn't actually even finished but I couldn't resist to post, Tim Campbell's capsule is just so good.

(I tested it before in a apparently faulty circuit and thought it's a little dark but it's actually just perfect, very bright but not harsh. Tim, I will send you email after I've tested the other side of the capsule too

I've been in need of a mic for female pop vocals for a while but not any more. This mic blows the previous work horse 414 XLII away. Been doing three sessions now and it's amazing how little processing is needed (about none) to get the bright and airy pop sound I like. Circuit is simple, basic plate fed with 5670 tube (idea from David Bock's mic), Lundahl LL1935 transformer. It's cardioid only for now, before I get the PSU ready (using a China PSU for now, PSU design is not as simple I thought).

I will tell more and post pics and some clips (against 414) later, now I'm too busy recording with the thing.

The reason for this post: I couldn't wait to thank Tim Campbell for the superb capsule! And also David Bock for being kind and answering my PM and helping me with the the tube and the trafo choice . And Per Lundahl for helping me to choose the right transformer from his catalogue. And everybody else here who have answered even my stupidest questions.

dissonantstring · Aug 18, 2011

pasarski,
looking forward to hearing and seeing more of your build. i was looking to build a C12 circuit and using tim's CT12 capsule, but i am unsure of how to get him the funds. has anyone in the US bought a capsule from tim and if so how did you deliver the funds to him?
best,
grant

JamesW · Aug 18, 2011

Hi I bought one with international bank transfer from my local bank here in Canada. We have the CT12 in a G7 and it sounds great. Contact Tim buy email he will answer.

dissonantstring · Aug 19, 2011

thanks for the info james - very much appreciated.

i did contact tim once long ago and he was very quick to answer, but unfortunately the project fell off my radar at the time. i'll try bank transfer method when i do move on this again and contact tim for details.
best,
grant

e.oelberg · Aug 20, 2011

I have built mics with dale m7, beeznees k7 and ct12. The mics (Elam 250 circuit) with ct12 are my most often used mics, for stereo, voice, guitar. I love the open sound ! the voice here is recorded with ct12 capsule.

http://snd.sc/qOEPpJ

nicholas