I have two NOS K67 capsules. Now what?
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U67? 
I have a pair of NOS Telefunken EF86’s. I’ll trade you one for a capsule and we can each build a nice U67
Much easier and much cheaper. I was just making a joke.
Yes, okay... how do I do that?
Just kidding but kinda.... from scratch or a good clone/donor body?
If this is your first DIY build, I’d recommend you think about keeping things simple and maybe even getting a cheap capsule to practice with. I would hate for you to accidentally damage a vintage K67 while you’re still learning.
Beyond that, if you’re building mics around capsules as nice as those, you should really go all-out - meaning you should get bodies with the proper headbasket acoustics (can be found on AliExpress), proper transformers (I’d recommend @Moby’s transformers), and good tubes (like a pair of NOS Telefunkens). Currently, no one makes direct-fit PCBs for the accurately-sized bodies, so it wouldn’t be plug-and-play.
Of course, you can build them using @poctop’s PCBs in an SYT-5 donor body, but the headbasket isn’t right and you’ll be doing those capsules a disservice (solely my opinion).
You could also buy a pair of the Chinese U87ai clones, switch out the capsules and transformers and properly bias the FET’s, and you’d have a nice pair of mics.
This is very interesting. It makes sense but I haven't thought about the headbasket / grill etc making a difference
There are many threads about it here. The headbasket is certainly part of the U87/U67 sound. How much a part is up for debate of course, but I have certainly heard a difference when using the same capsule in different headbaskets.
ubxf
Well-known member
which one would you recommend for a good headbasket ? I have one in a SYT-5 and I get that it's not quite right
Recording Engineer
Well-known member
Right. But after years of wonder, still no thread on the actual sound differences of the SYT-5 vs original… Just it’s bigger, so not right. Thanks Captain Obvious. Ha!
That’s fair. I wonder if @kingkorg or @soliloqueen (or someone else with a good acoustic measurement setup) could test the frequency response and RT-60 of the same capsule in a U87-style headbasket vs an SYT-5 (or other, different mic).
No experience with SYT-5, however i know it has an issue as the circular plate at the bottom of the headbasket and ring going around it have 90° angle and create reflection that affects the response in any mic. In u87 this issue is not present.
I tried to illustrate the issue here.
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ubxf
Well-known member
Is the screen mesh acoustically transparent or does it create a slight enclosure with reflections?
In which body? If done properly like in u87 it should diffuse the sound and impact the sound minimally.
https://groupdiy.com/threads/new-u87-body.84622/post-1131740
ubxf
Well-known member
I see, so a diffuser is when the inner screen is lined up at 45 degree to the outside screen but a lot of cheaper mics screens have the same orientation and can create reflections.
Not an expert on grille mechanical construction, but IIRC from Neumann notes if the covered area blocking the capsule is under 50% and evenly distributed it shouldn't affect the sound. So even distribution is important and wavy nature of the wire helps. The whole grille acts as a diffuser, all 3 layers.
Recording Engineer
Well-known member
I have 3 empty ones sitting here… Wonder how much it’d cost to send one to you. Not cheap I’m sure.
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