Neumann Vintage U87 Clone : Build Thread.

[HellfireStudios]

I actually did mount a third switch for pattern switching were there wasn't one to begin with. It was no small task. From finding a switch the right size to fit to dremeling the body sleeve, to make the switch accessible, to "reshaping" the plastic to accept a switch everything was a pain to do.  Take my advice, buy a mic with all the switches and accessories. It may seem uneeded, but a case, shockmount, windscreen, and the like will be helpful in the long run. It will also cost less than buying all the necessary stuff individually.

-James-

 

[kante1603]

+1 !

 

[Cgaines]

Does anyone know how to check a transformer for shorts? Or to check it for any problems at all?

 

[kante1603]

Does anyone know how to check a transformer for shorts? Or to check it for any problems at all?

Hi,
Do you have a dmm?If so set it to read ohms and measure the pairs ( so the primary and the secondary). You'll get some results normally since you get the dc resistance of the coils now- not the impedance.So the dmm must read something.
Then measure the primary wires against the secondary wires-we're looking for shorts now.
Under no circumstance should there be a connection between those,your dmm will normally go out of range.If you get something like zero ohms here you have a short.

Hope to have helped,

Udo.

 

[DonnieDarko]

Me and my buddy just finished our pair of DIY U87.

Using all the vintage style caps, microphone-parts.com matched capsules and B1Pro donor bodies.

They sound very good in cardioid and omni mode. Really excellent in omni mode actually!

The eight mode is somehow not so good sounding…

 

[HellfireStudios]

I just got my U-87 finished up today. It is a Carvin CM87S with Peluso PK-87 capsule, a big Peluso BV8-PS (wired 11:1), styrene (all but two) and tantalum caps. The body has been modified to accomodate a polar pattern switch. I built a rubber mount for shockmounting and centering the capsule properly. The mic is re-oriented to have the pad and low cut switches in the back and the pattern switch on the front like the original U-87. Both the mic and its upgraded shockmount are painted metallic silver. I plan on getting black vinyl pattern-indicators for the switch labeling. I'll post pics, hopefully, after it's labeled properly (I hope I don't have to hand paint the labels). I can't wait to hear how this mic sounds in a mix...

-James-

 

[bigswole]

Does anyone know approximate price on the ami t13 transformer or will the peluso p-t87 transformer work in this build?

 

[HellfireStudios]

Does anyone know approximate price on the ami t13 transformer or will the peluso p-t87 transformer work in this build?

I'm using a Peluso transformer (BV8-PS) that was recommended for this build by John himself (but only if there is room in the mic for a BV8 sized transformer). I haven't heard of the p-t87. Where is the info about this one?

-James-

 

[bigswole]

here is a link to the transformers.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/170853754381?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_922

 

[HellfireStudios]

That looks to be John Peluso in the photo in the seller's profile. Just to be safe, I would call or email him to order the part. He doesn't list that transformer on his Peluso Microphone Lab website, but the transformer I'm using isn't listed either. At least make sure the seller is Mr. Peluso. I hope it works out.

-James-

 

[MagnetoSound]

'miketube' is indeed JP.

 

[HellfireStudios]

I figured it was John. I'm a little paranoid about ebay fakes, but history shows my paranoia is not unfounded. My only concern with the smallish transformers used in this project (the AMI, Peluso, and Cinemag are all similarly sized) is that they tend to distort with loud low frequencies. I even postulated earlier in the thread that this may be the reason the DIY U-87 seems tighter than a real U-87. I can only speculate, as I didn't use one of the smallish transformers, but the original U-87 used a much bigger transformer than the ones used for this project. Just a thought.

-James-

 

[poctop]

The actual U87 transformer has the same or a bit smaller core size than ami or pelsuo transformer just to set that right

 

[Marcocet]

Yep. I have three original U87 transformers on hand. They're essentially the same size as the cinemags I used in my first pair.

 

[HellfireStudios]

Thanks for setting me right.

 

[wave]

here is a link to the transformers.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/170853754381?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_922

These are the new U87 transformers John is about to launch. I spoke with him today. Not a high nickel content like the Cinemags.
A warmer sounding transformer and a price point of $75 USD.

I think I'm going to get one to experiment next week

EDIT: The P-T87 has a 9.45:1 ratio

Dave

 

[atticmike]

anybody tried either the:

http://www.aurycle.com/aurycle-a570t-large-diaphragm-multi-pattern-condenser-microphone.html

or

http://www.aurycle.com/aurycle-a630-large-diaphragm-studio-condenser-microphone.html

because they got all the switches needed?

 

[atticmike]

here is a link to the transformers.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/170853754381?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_922

These are the new U87 transformers John is about to launch. I spoke with him today. Not a high nickel content like the Cinemags.
A warmer sounding transformer and a price point of $75 USD.

I think I'm going to get one to experiment next week

EDIT: The P-T87 has a 9.45:1 ratio

Dave

let us know how it turned out, really intrigued whenever I hear warmer sounding

 

[Marcocet]

anybody tried either the:

http://www.aurycle.com/aurycle-a570t-large-diaphragm-multi-pattern-condenser-microphone.html

or

http://www.aurycle.com/aurycle-a630-large-diaphragm-studio-condenser-microphone.html

because they got all the switches needed?

I built a pair with the aurycle kit bodies, and I'm planning to build three more with the 570's when they come back in stock. I don't mind losing the low cut, but having the markings for polar pattern and pad right next to the grille means I can paint the bodies more easily

 

[HellfireStudios]

anybody tried either the:

http://www.aurycle.com/aurycle-a570t-large-diaphragm-multi-pattern-condenser-microphone.html

or

http://www.aurycle.com/aurycle-a630-large-diaphragm-studio-condenser-microphone.html

because they got all the switches needed?

The 570 has the polar pattrn switch and a similar shape to the U-87, but the -10dB pad would be mislabeled. Otherwise it seems right.