BM800 capsule mod

[MicMaven]

more interested in what my ears tell me than measurements; can't tell you how many mics or capsules I've seen that measured great and sounded, shall we say, unpleasant - and the TSB2555 was one of them.

Now, in MY studio, MY WIFE prefers the JLI 2550B over either ersatz KK12 models. And she knows EVERYTHING!

Parenthetically, CAD uses the 2555B in some of its models, so has some support. I recently purchased a new CAD E40 for a mere $29 and replaced the original 16mm capsule (which appears to be the ubiquitous BM800/800 type) and my WIFE and I agreed the 2555B sounded smoother, less airy, less harsh with better low end than either KK12 model (i.e, one with and one without the mesh front screen.) Contradicting my young bride is definitely contraindicated relative to long happy life!

Ultimately, you are correct, it turns on one's application and subjective judgment as to which capsule is the better choice for a particular use. I generally use it for spoken word, so a bright , airy high end simply does not matter to either capsule.

Just MY take ... your mileage may differ. James

 

[MicMaven]

Has anyone bought and opened one of these? https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007316631896.html

Yes - absolute junk. James

 

[MicMaven]

Dear Mr. @Technotech - Reading the entire thread, I worry you have your cart before your horse, seeking a solution without clearly defining the problem.

I am NOT being critical or snarky.

A shotgun approach is rarely a good plan. I believe you should clearly define the issue or objective you wish to attain. Initially, you mentioned seeking a low cost way to record your horn without distortion. While I am NOT a qualified recording engineer, I suspect this may be more a matter of proper gain staging than using the wrong microphone or audio interface.

This thread has bounced all around, at one point focusing on replacement capsules, at another point focusing on USB audio interfaces, and at yet another point focusing on very low cost microphones that mimic famous microphones used in recording studios, before mentioning cheap internal circuit boards, and so on.

My recommendation: Step back and take time to specifically define what you wish to accomplish, and identify what is preventing you from reaching that objective. Sleep on it for a few days - the subconscious mind is often a better problem solver than the conscious mind. Keep a notepad on the nightstand so you can record any flashes of genius or inspiration that awaken you at 4 AM (so you can remember later in the morning!)

Do not buy anything unless and until you are certain it solves a specifically defined problem. Modifying microphones for the sake of making modifications is an expensive, often misguided course. You may spend more to modify a cheap microphone, than to buy one that is specifically suited to the task.

Again, I am not being critical or snarky. It just sorta seems you are looking for a solution before clearly defining the problem. And I sorta, almost suspect it is more a matter of proper technique than proper equipment. Happy trails to you. James

 

[k brown]

Now, in MY studio, MY WIFE prefers the JLI 2550B over either ersatz KK12 models. And she knows EVERYTHING!

Parenthetically, CAD uses the 2555B in some of its models, so has some support. I recently purchased a new CAD E40 for a mere $29 and replaced the original 16mm capsule (which appears to be the ubiquitous BM800/800 type) and my WIFE and I agreed the 2555B sounded smoother, less airy, less harsh with better low end than either KK12 model (i.e, one with and one without the mesh front screen.) Contradicting my young bride is definitely contraindicated relative to long happy life!

Ultimately, you are correct, it turns on one's application and subjective judgment as to which capsule is the better choice for a particular use. I generally use it for spoken word, so a bright , airy high end simply does not matter to either capsule.

Just MY take ... your mileage may differ. James

Well, nearly anything would be a big improvement over that little piece of junk capsule that most 'BM800's come with. Though I imagine the CAD comes with a genuine TSB 140A, whereas the BMs I've seen come with what appears to be an even worse Chinese knock-off of it.

 

[MicMaven]

I imagine the CAD comes with a genuine TSB 140A,

Um ... perhaps not, as the original E40 capsule measures 16 mm diameter x 6.3mm , while the 140A measures 14.0 x 6.3 mm. / James

 

[k brown]

Um ... perhaps not, as the original E40 capsule measures 16 mm diameter x 6.3mm , while the 140A measures 14.0 x 6.3 mm. / James

Yes, I misspoke; I meant TSB (JLI) -160.

 

[MicMaven]

Yes, I misspoke; I meant TSB (JLI) -160.

Roger - no worries - just use your "Daily Mulligan" and, just like a friendly game of golf, it will be forgotten like it never happened!

[My wife and I each get a fresh Mulligan every day, which is like having a Monopoly Game Get-out-of-Jail-Free card, but way better because it works in any situation and we don't have to play that awful game to use it! Happy trails to you, old man. James

 

[pmfalcman]

just use your "Daily Mulligan"

I'm (already, somehow) used to not understanding what you guys write. All these fancy, exotic words, this acoustically-electronic abrakadabra. But this time, James, you simply and brazenly exaggerated!
Really, mate! No need to shamelessly show off in front of newbies and uneducated.
I can barely (and on a good day) tell pcb's impedimance from a HF resistractor and you go "Daily Mulligan" all of a sudden? On a Sunday morning?!

 

[k brown]

I'm (already, somehow) used to not understanding what you guys write. All these fancy, exotic words, this acoustically-electronic abrakadabra. But this time, James, you simply and brazenly exaggerated!
Really, mate! No need to shamelessly show off in front of newbies and uneducated.
I can barely (and on a good day) tell pcb's impedimance from a HF resistractor and you go "Daily Mulligan" all of a sudden? On a Sunday morning?!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulligan_(games)

 

[rock soderstrom]

I'm (already, somehow) used to not understanding what you guys write. All these fancy, exotic words, this acoustically-electronic abrakadabra. But this time, James, you simply and brazenly exaggerated!
Really, mate! No need to shamelessly show off in front of newbies and uneducated.
I can barely (and on a good day) tell pcb's impedimance from a HF resistractor and you go "Daily Mulligan" all of a sudden? On a Sunday morning?!

Ha ha, I had to google that first too. Now I'm a bit smarter again, thanks to Groupdiy!

 

[pmfalcman]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulligan_(games)

"Why so serious?"

 

[rogs]

.... I can barely (and on a good day) tell pcb's impedimance from a HF resistractor......

You really need to get the technical details of those things sorted out in your head ..... especially if you intend to build more advanced projects - like a Flux Capacitor, for example ?