Capsule options for MXL 990 & 991

[skmando]

Hi all,

I just finished my first mod; an AKG C1000S. I used the 3D printer file made available by MEI Studios to move the capsule away from the body and misaligned vents:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5926255

And added the capacitor to reduce LF attenuation.



I'm really happy with the results. Someone posted on gearspace that post mod it was their favourite mic on mandolin. As a mandolin player, I needed to test this. I've a Kimble mandolin and mandola, so used these for a shootout. I've attached audio examples.

Anyway, the mic mod bug has bitten. I've bought the bundle pair of an MXL 990 and 991 on eBay very cheap. I'm looking for options for capsule replacement for the two of them. I was hoping someone on the forum could confirm some details before ordering parts...

Does the Arienne Audio Flat 47 fit into the MXL with just the saddle that's supplied, or would you need to order additional parts?

https://store.arienneaudio.com/microphone-capsules/20-arienne-audio-flat-k47-microphone-capsule.html

Also, I'm looking to replace the capsule on the 991 with a hyper-cardioid cap, as I don't have a hyper-cardioid in the mic cabinet. It's clear in the description that the Mic Parts SDC cap fits on the MXL,

https://microphone-parts.com/products/sdc-capsules

Would the Peluso SDC cap fit the MXL 991?

https://pelusomicrophonelab.com/product/single-cemc-6-hyper-cardioid-capsule/

Are there any other options for replacement capsules for the 991?

Any advice gratefully received

S.

 

[Icantthinkofaname]

I would ask Peluso about the capsule, but personally I wouldn't touch anything with his name on it.

The Mic Parts capsule should be good because IIRC it's made by 3U Audio.

I would just look for a used Oktava MK-012 film set myself though.

 

[kingkorg]

Hi all,

I just finished my first mod; an AKG C1000S. I used the 3D printer file made available by MEI Studios to move the capsule away from the body and misaligned vents:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5926255

And added the capacitor to reduce LF attenuation.

View attachment 137805

I'm really happy with the results. Someone posted on gearspace that post mod it was their favourite mic on mandolin. As a mandolin player, I needed to test this. I've a Kimble mandolin and mandola, so used these for a shootout. I've attached audio examples.

Anyway, the mic mod bug has bitten. I've bought the bundle pair of an MXL 990 and 991 on eBay very cheap. I'm looking for options for capsule replacement for the two of them. I was hoping someone on the forum could confirm some details before ordering parts...

Does the Arienne Audio Flat 47 fit into the MXL with just the saddle that's supplied, or would you need to order additional parts?

https://store.arienneaudio.com/microphone-capsules/20-arienne-audio-flat-k47-microphone-capsule.html

Also, I'm looking to replace the capsule on the 991 with a hyper-cardioid cap, as I don't have a hyper-cardioid in the mic cabinet. It's clear in the description that the Mic Parts SDC cap fits on the MXL,

https://microphone-parts.com/products/sdc-capsules

Would the Peluso SDC cap fit the MXL 991?

https://pelusomicrophonelab.com/product/single-cemc-6-hyper-cardioid-capsule/

Are there any other options for replacement capsules for the 991?

Any advice gratefully received

S.

That's the second mod I came up with, alongside Perception mod that guy makes a video about and fails to mention either me or this forum as a source of the info. Nothing really against it, just think it's intriguing.

Mark did maybe come up with this mod, but he didn't explain what the mod was about at the time.

Totally unrelated, and unaware of the mod at the time, i came up with the same mod years later, shared it here.

Mark and me clashed bigtime because i didn't think the mod was worth paying any money for, and Mark felt he should have been credited for the mod. I didn't think so, as one can't own idea about mic modification. We just came independently to the same conclusion. It happens a lot, also with inventions. If there's something wrong about a product, chances are multiple people will figure out what can be done about it.

Nothing but deepest respect for Mark here, it's just we have different views on certain things.

 

[skmando]

Thanks for the info kingkorg. I did also see your video, and found it very insightful. The only reason I mentioned the other video was that it was my source for the 3D printer file for the capsule spacer, which I found very useful and avoided the need to use any tools to trim the vents from the pre existing body.

We've a bunch of AKG perception 220s at work. We let our first year students practice on these before allowing them to use our more expensive mics. I intend to do your mod to a pair of these. Both to improve their sound, but also to make students aware of the possibility of modding mics, as this seems to be a really cost effective way of building up a diverse mic cabinet on a budget (always a concern to students!) I'll be sure to accredited you, and highlight this board, to the students whenever we use or discuss these modified 220s.

Thanks for all your work in this area, and for sharing it with the community.

 

[kingkorg]

Thanks for the info kingkorg. I did also see your video, and found it very insightful. The only reason I mentioned the other video was that it was my source for the 3D printer file for the capsule spacer, which I found very useful and avoided the need to use any tools to trim the vents from the pre existing body.

We've a bunch of AKG perception 220s at work. We let our first year students practice on these before allowing them to use our more expensive mics. I intend to do your mod to a pair of these. Both to improve their sound, but also to make students aware of the possibility of modding mics, as this seems to be a really cost effective way of building up a diverse mic cabinet on a budget (always a concern to students!) I'll be sure to accredited you, and highlight this board, to the students whenever we use or discuss these modified 220s.

Thanks for all your work in this area, and for sharing it with the community.

No problem whatsoever. I am just amazed all the time how things evolve on the web. If I publish something for free, my only hope is as many people as possible will find it useful.

 

[kingkorg]

@skmando as for the SDC capsules for 991 i would recommend capsules from 3U audio. Just make sure you pick the ones with right screw length. Also make sure the thread is right. There have been discussions about these here a lot.