AKG Perception P220 to Neumann u87 5 min mod ( p200, p100, p400, p420? )

[Paul W]

Caps with a much lower voltage rating will have thinner leads that are rather easier to deal with (no need for 100V).

What voltage rating would be appropriate for that capacitor?

 

[TIDStudios]

Anyone used a 820 film cap in it yet? According to KingKorg it gives more 67 vibes which is what im looking for. I cant wait to see how it sounds with a 820 cap.

 

[donaldw7]

I have built two. One with a 680 and one with a 820. The 820 is clearly a little darker. I think I prefer it of the two. But I've never got my hands on a u67 so I can't say how it compares.

 

[Sqimer]

Thank you for this thread. I had a perception 220 for a very long time and just searched online for possible mods, because I didn't liked the sound of it. Then I discovered this forum...
So I bought another 220 and a 420, three 470pf capacitors (soldered in parallel of the stock ones), and now I have a very solid set of LDCs.

btw, is there similar known cases of impressive cheap mods for SDCs ? (Feel free to send PMs)

Thanks again !

 

[Jonas Mattebo]

Hi all,
I've done this mod to a newer black P400 with success. I also have an old (light blue) perception 100. but the layout of the parts don't look the same when I remove the chassi. Has anyone here modded a P100? Where should I put the capacitor on this mic? Thanks for your help!

 

[Khron]

I also have an old (light blue) perception 100. but the layout of the parts don't look the same when I remove the chassi. Has anyone here modded a P100? Where should I put the capacitor on this mic?

That looks pretty identical to the 200/220 (pictured in the first post in this thread), if your photo shows the Perception 100 you mention..? So that shouldn't be a mystery..?

 

[mafach78]

Hello,
I did the mod on P100 following info I found on Youtube.
I was trying to sell this mic for a long time, but finaly decided to keep it after mod (680pF)
Cap highlighted on your picture.
Regards,

 

[kingkorg]

View attachment 141466
Hello,
I did the mod on P100 following info I found on Youtube.
I was trying to sell this mic for a long time, but finaly decided to keep it after mod (680pF)
Cap highlighted on your picture.
Regards,

But p100 doesn't have the same capsule, it's an electret right?

 

[mafach78]

Section 3 applies to both the PERCEPTION
100 and the PERCEPTION 200.
The microphone uses a true condenser
transducer designed for 48-volt phantom
powering to DIN 45 596/
IEC 268-15. Neither the diaphragm nor
the backplate are permanently polarized,
so the microphone needs an external
power supply.

 

[Khron]

But p100 doesn't have the same capsule, it's an electret right?

Perception 120 / P120 is electret; the original Perception 100 should be basically the 200 minus pad & low-cut switches.

 

[kingkorg]

Perception 120 / P120 is electret; the original Perception 100 should be basically the 200 minus pad & low-cut switches.

That's awesome. I missed on buying a bunch of cheapie P100 in that case.

 

[Khron]

That's awesome. I missed on buying a bunch of cheapie P100 in that case.

http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/AKG-Acoustics/Perception-100

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/akg-perception-100-mic-repair.258813/

As it turns out though, the 120, while being an electret, has pad & low-cut...

 

[k brown]

http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/AKG-Acoustics/Perception-100

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/akg-perception-100-mic-repair.258813/

As it turns out though, the 120, while being an electret, has pad & low-cut...

Like 'em; I put JLI-3412s in both of mine (one a "P120", the other a "Perception 120"; same boards.

 

[zzzzz]

Picked up a basically new 420 for $85~ shipped and did the 680pf mod right out of the box. The old SMD cap fell right off when I tried to tack-solder a 470p cap in parallel lol… big old 680p Wima cap it is.



First impression: sounds way better than a $100 mic should. Impressed that it doesn’t fart out when slammed with a big kick drum transient and that the capsule can take the low end just fine. Will shoot out later with some of our higher end LDCs.



Goal was to have this available to loan out to local clients if they need to record a simple overdub themselves at home but don’t own a good mic.

edit: Also tried it out on a very loud guitar amp and a very loud bass amp. Really impressed, kept up just great with mics that are worth 10x ~ 20x as much. Just bought another and I am sort of surprised that the spot hasn't blown up on this mod yet.

 

[Khron]

big old 680p Wima cap it is.

For longevity's sake, and especially in front of a kick drum, you might wanna consider relocating it perhaps in that emptier spot between the nearby switch and the chassis, on top of some double-sided tape, or hot-glue. Just a thought...

 

[zzzzz]

For longevity's sake, and especially in front of a kick drum, you might wanna consider relocating it perhaps in that emptier spot between the nearby switch and the chassis, on top of some double-sided tape, or hot-glue. Just a thought...

absolutely. I did make sure it was very mechanically solid, but am interested in trying out the higher value cap too before committing to glueing it in! Or I’ll just sub in a proper fitting SMD lol…

 

[k brown]

It all kinda alters your reality of Perception . . .

 

[Jonas Mattebo]

View attachment 141466
Hello,
I did the mod on P100 following info I found on Youtube.
I was trying to sell this mic for a long time, but finaly decided to keep it after mod (680pF)
Cap highlighted on your picture.
Regards,

Big thanks!

 

[LevinGuitar]

Perception 120 / P120 is electret; the original Perception 100 should be basically the 200 minus pad & low-cut switches.

The perception 100 is exactly what you describe. Same capsule and pcb/components as the rest of the 200 series (without pads)

 

[LevinGuitar]

Perception 100