Apex 460 Mod DIY Tutorial Video...

[speakercoil]

So I should be getting all the parts by friday, and I am going to do the mod... Capsule, Transformer, and Tube... The typical mod. I am going to record it for tutorial reasons for everyone who is interested in doing this super common mod. It is going to be the first of many "diy audio videos" I plan on making. I figure there are plenty of guides, but it helps to actually see someone do it.

I will post the link to the video when I post it on here!

Thanks to John Peluso for the quick responses to make sure I get the pieces in time for this weekend!

I am using the CEK-12 capsule, some custom Cinemag Transformer T/14/1 and an old RCA Tube.

Cheers,
-Grant

 

[funkymonksf]

That'd be really great! Please please do!

 

[Jim50hertz]

Nice Grant, I'll look forward to it 

 

[redddog]

Can't wait for this. I have 2 TNC 1200s begging for this.

 

[Kingston]

super common indeed:

http://www.morphproductions.com/apex460transformermod.htm
http://www.morphproductions.com/apexcapsulemod.htm

from META.

 

[Gus]

I just looked at the links in the above post.  IMO it is better to unsolder the capsule and transformer leads from the PCB and solder the new wires to the same pads.  I don't think cutting and splicing is a good thing to do.

Also change one part at a time.  This allows you to learn how the sound changes with each part AND it helps with troubleshooting, you only change one part not three so you have a better idea of where a introduced problem comes from.

 

[Kingston]

IMO it is better to unsolder the capsule and transformer leads from the PCB and solder the new wires to the same pads.  I don't think cutting and splicing is a good thing to do.

Indeed. We're talking extreme high impedance noise-prone area, and splicing gives us an extra solder joint with each every wire. That spot is now also weaker, and less future proof.

 

[speakercoil]

Awesome glad people agree this is a good idea... Parts should arrive tomorrow... I am thinking of doing this in three videos... One for the capsule, one for the tube, and one for the transformer. Debating (depending on my time schedule) on doing before and after tests of each component. In other words doing an audio test of before the capsule change, then after... Then the next video... With the new capsule before and with the new capsule and new tube after. Then doing the same with the transformer. I know I don't have the time or patience to do like... JUST the capsule differences, and then redo the capsule back to the normal and do JUST the tube, etc... However I think this will still be a good comparison as you will get to hear a before and after of each, and hear the compliments between the components one at a time.

The Tube btw... is a NOS RCA branded 6072, however I was informed it was actually manufactured by GE. The date code reads 5930, and is Triple mica spacer, black plate.

ALSO to be noted... The mic I am altering is not an actual Apex 460, but decided to label it this as that is the common name everyone goes by. This is actually a PPA LD-3... It's the same mic except with a 10dB pad on it which I don't think the Apex has (might be wrong). Other than that I have been informed it's the same stock chinese mic sold by many companies.

Very excited about this mod... If these videos get enough views I will start doing more mod/build videos. I wish I had my camera when I started my Drip Redd47 build. The next on the list will probably be a G7 or Sela ST12 build. The G7 I am sure would be more popular, but the Sela should be a REALLY simple build... I think it has like 2 resistors and one cap. Then maybe another drip build of some sort. Eventually I would LOVE to do his 670, but that would take A LONG time and a LOT of money I don't have.

Anyway cheers, and thanks for the support. Oh, and I am good with a camera so this won't be some ****** video. It will be full 1080p, professionally lit, etc... Ironically enough though I probably won't do professional sound, and just use the camera mic, except for the tests of course. Then it will be edited in Final Cut...

Well anyway I will keep you guys posted!

-Grant

 

[deuc224]

G7!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im really looking forward to this vid, we need more DIY vids here for the rookies like me :-[

 

[mrc]

Stellar is one of the re-brands.  I got 3 of them from a guy on evilbay, looks like he doesn't have any listed at the moment http://stores.ebay.com/Stellar-Sounds
mrc

 

[speakercoil]

Alright so the G-7 might be the next one... Especially since I can just propagate a board... For my next project though I will be using better parts... This is just sort of me getting into mic building. So the g7 would be a Beesneez Body (unless skylar's is ready by then), and thiersch M7, and I am not sure about which transformer yet... Also I will go with high end caps, resistors, etc... I was very tempted to switch out all the caps and resistors on this mic mod, but it's not really worth it. I don't want to make this an amazing mic, but just one that is a suitable option for if nicer mics are being used elsewhere. Also like it was said above... I want another flavor! It's like cooking, it's bland when you only have a couple of ingredients to blend together!

Mail and UPS should be arriving soon... Will keep you posted if everything arrives as it is supposed to today!

-Grant

 

[speakercoil]

DING DONG... MAIL MAN!!!!!!

Ok so I just got the tube, and hopefully UPS will have the other two. Also I got my shiny new Blackout Effectors Whetstone analog phaser!!!!!!! VERY excited to try this bad boy out!

-Grant

 

[rodabod]

Grant, this mic should sound pretty good with those parts, although the circuit as stock isn't optimal (cathode-follower is unnecessary, grid coupling cap may be a bit cheesy as well as transformer coupling cap).

Keep it clean and neat.

 

[speakercoil]

lol of course... I mean I am not going to do it sloppy for an instructional video... That would be embarrassing!

 

[deuc224]

I was wondering when u do the G7, are u gonna include the BOM?

 

[speakercoil]

I wasn't going to include a bill order of materials, but considering I have it on an XL file already I guess I could do that! It's an expensive BOM though... I am using all high end resistors and caps...

Good news... I got all the parts today as expected. Peluso came through in a BIG way! Keep in mind as I said this is not the normal Cinemag transformer I am using for this mod, but a custom one that Peluso has made... I guess it is a little more accurate to the C12 style.

-Grant

 

[speakercoil]

So.... I felt like I was disarming a bomb when doing the transformer... Jesus... Mainly because there are 2 red and 2 blue wires and all I got was a two sentence explanation of what to do. Red to tube and Blue to output... Which is VERY different from the normal Cinemag one... I was like triple checking all the schematics I had, but was still nervous! However... I just tested it and all is well. It sounds 1,000 times better!

I need to do the official test still, but the brief test was awesome! I noticed a difference right away!

I got decent video on the stuff... It needs some serious editing but I think the final product will be solid!

I will keep you guys posted!

-Grant

 

[Rossi]

Did anyone ever measure the stock tranny? Yesterday I measured a t.bone SCT700 transformer that may or may not be identical, and it was pretty good actually. Ratio was 11:1, secondary inductance 1.6H  i.e. it should work without the cathode follower stage. Does anybody have values for the cinemag replacement?

 

[Kingston]

Does anybody have values for the cinemag replacement?

16.5K : 150 (10.5 : 1)

http://cinemag.biz/mic_output/CM-2480.pdf

 

[rodabod]

I measured plenty of henries on the stock transformer's primary. Something like 50 or so. I'll measure again.