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

[micolas]

Do you know guys a "similarly good" - not harsh, smooth - sounding alernative with less self noise? Rode NT1 with capsule swap or even a DIY mic?

https://groupdiy.com/threads/a-good-mic-pls.90113/post-1191652
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In order not to pollute this thread and to make it easier to search for information, in the case of another topic, you must open a new thread with a title that reflects exactly what it is about.

 

[Masiusima13]

Just got my new P420 modded, replaced the stock cap with a 680pf smd 50v NP0 cap. Sounds glorious! Compared it to a Rode K2 with a telefunken tube that costs 3-4x the price of this mic and the akg fared well in the shootout, doesnt sound cheap at all.

One question for all you that have a newer P420, i noticed the capsule slightly leaning towards the back of the mic in the headbasket, is it anything to worry about? Its nothing too dramatic but it's messing with my ocd. Is this normal, can anyone compare with their newer p420?
Heres some pics attached

 

[k brown]

Just got my new P420 modded, replaced the stock cap with a 680pf smd 50v NP0 cap. Sounds glorious! Compared it to a Rode K2 with a telefunken tube that costs 3-4x the price of this mic and the akg fared well in the shootout, doesnt sound cheap at all.

One question for all you that have a newer P420, i noticed the capsule slightly leaning towards the back of the mic in the headbasket, is it anything to worry about? Its nothing too dramatic but it's messing with my ocd. Is this normal, can anyone compare with their newer p420?
Heres some pics attached

As long as the capsule is securely attached to the yoke, and the yoke to the head base, no issue at all; in fact it's micro-preferrable - the diaphragm is a bit less parallel to the grille, which is all to the good.

 

[micolas]

Just got my new P420 modded, replaced the stock cap with a 680pf smd 50v NP0 cap. Sounds glorious! Compared it to a Rode K2 with a telefunken tube that costs 3-4x the price of this mic and the akg fared well in the shootout, doesnt sound cheap at all.

One question for all you that have a newer P420, i noticed the capsule slightly leaning towards the back of the mic in the headbasket, is it anything to worry about? Its nothing too dramatic but it's messing with my ocd. Is this normal, can anyone compare with their newer p420?
Heres some pics attached

As long as the capsule is securely attached to the yoke, and the yoke to the head base, no issue at all; in fact it's micro-preferrable - the diaphragm is a bit less parallel to the grille, which is all to the good.

@Masiusima13

I looked at the 2 black P420s. The capsule is vertical. Through the mesh you can see the protective hat on top. It's an optical illusion.
If OCD doesn't let you sleep peacefully, open the headbasket and check if the capsule's mounting screws in the saddle are tight.

 

[Masiusima13]

The capsule seems attached tightly, no rattling or any moving, it just seems like the post is angled towards the back a bit.

 

[micolas]

The capsule seems attached tightly, no rattling or any moving, it just seems like the post is angled towards the back a bit.

Sometimes the capsule is not perfectly seated in the saddle.
Loosen the screws, fix the capsule perfectly vertical and tighten the screws again while keeping the capsule in the correct position.
I have done this many times with all kinds of capsules.
And often the hat is carelessly fastened
(Made in China)

 

[micolas]

If the rod is tilted , then place a thin plastic tape, foil, etc. (one layer or more), under the capsule, under the half that is tilted down.
*****
Some Rode microphones have capsules tilted a few degrees, but the Perception does not.

 

[Masiusima13]

Thanks for the help! The rod is definitely at a very slight angle along with the saddle of the capsule thats attached to the rod. Im not that bothered by it as long as the few degrees of tilt wont affect the sound at all so ill just leave it alone instead of messing and potentially damaging something

 

[micolas]

Thanks for the help! The rod is definitely at a very slight angle along with the saddle of the capsule thats attached to the rod. Im not that bothered by it as long as the few degrees of tilt wont affect the sound at all so ill just leave it alone instead of messing and potentially damaging something

Ok. You will have a slight imbalance between Front and Rear in Omni or Figure8.

 

[k brown]

Ok. You will have a slight imbalance between Front and Rear in Omni or Figure8.

I seriously doubt this would be audible.

 

[Masiusima13]

Ill be using it in cardioid 99% of the time so its not a problem, ive tested figure of 8 though and both sides sound normal, with smaller sonic differences as its usually expected from two sided capsules

 

[micolas]

Ill be using it in cardioid 99% of the time so its not a problem, ive tested figure of 8 though and both sides sound normal, with smaller sonic differences as its usually expected from two sided capsules

I seriously doubt this would be audible.

It makes no sense to feed the OCD.
The differences are within the allowed tolerances.
Even Neumann admits +/-2%.