Neumann Vintage U87 Clone : Build Thread.

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Hello, Everyone,

Trying to wrap up a pair of M version PCB builds and I somehow forgot to order the 47uH inductors even though I remember clearly thinking I needed to make sure that I don't forget them since I did not have any on hand. The ones I do have laying around are 4.7uH. I noticed in the Version 16 schematic that L1,2 positions were sometimes bridged for certain versions. I am just wondering if using this low of a value will either create an undesired filter effect or if there will be insufficient EMI suppression.

Thanks!

Paul
 
Hello, Everyone,

Trying to wrap up a pair of M version PCB builds and I somehow forgot to order the 47uH inductors even though I remember clearly thinking I needed to make sure that I don't forget them since I did not have any on hand. The ones I do have laying around are 4.7uH. I noticed in the Version 16 schematic that L1,2 positions were sometimes bridged for certain versions. I am just wondering if using this low of a value will either create an undesired filter effect or if there will be insufficient EMI suppression.

Thanks!

Paul
Many times I didn't even put these inductors.
 

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Did you notice any unwanted effects such and RF interference when using a jumper instead?

Thanks!

Paul
In short, No.
I have never had any problems with RF interference although there is a local FM radio station nearby (which I personally founded in 1996 😀) which has 100W power in the antenna. In addition, I live surrounded by dozens of wi-fi routers, and probably hundreds of switching sources of devices,several cable television networks and towers with mobile phone antennas.
In addition, I live in a block built over 60 years ago and the grounding of the electrical network is no longer efficient.
 
In short, No.
I have never had any problems with RF interference although there is a local FM radio station nearby (which I personally founded in 1996 😀) which has 100W power in the antenna. In addition, I live surrounded by dozens of wi-fi routers, and probably hundreds of switching sources of devices,several cable television networks and towers with mobile phone antennas.
In addition, I live in a block built over 60 years ago and the grounding of the electrical network is no longer efficient.
Good to know. Thanks!

Paul
 
Where on this board would I measure to verify the polarization voltage?
If you refer to the polarization voltage of the capsule: in point 6.
If you mean the jFET bias: at point D - drain.
Measurements are made against GND, with a DMM with sufficiently high input resistance.
Better post a clear picture of your PCB and have someone physically point out the measurement points for you.
 

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Gotcha. Based on that I was able to measure it. I was trying out a small daughter board that would increase the polarization voltage from 48 to 60V but in my situation it didn't really make much of a difference (in terms of increasing sensitivity of the mic). I still have to crank my preamp way up before it matches my other microphones' sensitivity.
 
Gotcha. Based on that I was able to measure it. I was trying out a small daughter board that would increase the polarization voltage from 48 to 60V but in my situation it didn't really make much of a difference (in terms of increasing sensitivity of the mic). I still have to crank my preamp way up before it matches my other microphones' sensitivity.
The vintage version U87i has lower sensitivity than the current version U87ai, and than other modern condenser microphones, ie it provides a lower output level, the gain of the preamplifier will have to be increased.
 

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Right. Maybe I should restore this back to the stock D-87 circuit and just sell it off and build another Fuchs u87a? Or, maybe the ORS 87 ... did I see somewhere that someone had figured out how to get more sensitivity out of that build?
 
Right. Maybe I should restore this back to the stock D-87 circuit and just sell it off and build another Fuchs u87a? Or, maybe the ORS 87 ... did I see somewhere that someone had figured out how to get more sensitivity out of that build?
ORS87 is cardioid only.
If it is enough for your studio purposes, then you can easily convert D-87 into ORS87, using the same electronic/mechanical construction, (body, pcb, capsule),
giving up some components and connections.
You don't have to invest a cent more.
 

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