Soliloqueen's k87(k67) and k47 capsules

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Here is my pair of U87 Style Mics I built two months ago. I built a pair with Aris K87s using Igor/IGS UTM0587 transformers, VAMI's Milans/Jan "Vac11" PCBs and 939 Syt-5 mic bodies. I think these are the most versatile sounding pieces I own. In my opinion, it can't sound much better....👌
 

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Btw - Ari I have preorderd a pair "Half Flat" 47 Capsules (with a slight HF Boost in the upper frequency area +10khz). If it takes much longer, it takes much longer...! I can wait for them..... Thank you in advance. Sooo excited....🍺😂🤘 cheers
 
@soliloqueen sent me two of her k87 to compare with original Neumann's k67 and k87. TLDR all four capsules measure exactly the same in every aspect also capacitance values. They are indistinguishable.

Here's a measure of Neumann's k87 yellow, and Soliloqueen's k87.
I look forward to building a pair of U87's with these capsules and Mobi's transformers as soon as I am able.
 
Hi Ari,

Did I read that there would be a Version 2 release of the truly Flat 47 that improved some aspect(s)?
It seems that there are a number of capsule variations pending that interest many of us. Care to declare all of them all in one place as a roadmap? I know I'm confused but that's my fault. 52 pages!

-Chris
 
Hi Ari,

Did I read that there would be a Version 2 release of the truly Flat 47 that improved some aspect(s)?
It seems that there are a number of capsule variations pending that interest many of us. Care to declare all of them all in one place as a roadmap? I know I'm confused but that's my fault. 52 pages!

-Chris
I decided to migrate away from outsourced factory manufacturing several months ago. This whole business model isn't working out for me. It's not compatible with how I want to design my products. Originally I was planning to continue selling the Flat K47 while migrating the K87 away from factory production and launch the new K87 (along with bodies, imported transformers, other parts) with the new site, but there were issues with the most recent batch of flat k47s that revealed serious and insurmountable procedural issues that make me uncomfortable using my old manufacturer again, even to order a replacement batch. So instead of doing that, we'll be transitioning the flat k47 immediately too. In the meantime, I will sell through the old stock of K87s, which I'll be reassembling with custom screws to fix the shorting issue, probably in some kind of clearance sale.

Currently, the timeline looks like this:
Original K87s back in stock & possible clearance sale: Within 2 weeks
New website and new-manufacturing K87: Late September
Flat K47 production resumes: Hopefully also late September
Accurate K47: December.

I'll have to pay cash to replace all of the capsules affected by the issues in this batch of the flat K47 since the factory won't take responsibility for the loose ring screw problem, so that's slowing things down a bit.
 
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I decided to migrate away from outsourced factory manufacturing several months ago. This whole business model isn't working out for me. It's not compatible with how I want to design my products. Originally I was planning to continue selling the Flat K47 while migrating the K87 away from factory production and launch the new K87 (along with bodies, imported transformers, other parts) with the new site, but there were issues with the most recent batch of flat k47s that revealed serious and insurmountable procedural issues that make me uncomfortable using my old manufacturer again, even to order a replacement batch. So instead of doing that, we'll be transitioning the flat k47 immediately too. In the meantime, I will sell through the old stock of K87s, which I'll be reassembling with custom screws to fix the shorting issue, probably in some kind of clearance sale.

Currently, the timeline looks like this:
Original K87s back in stock & possible clearance sale: Within 2 weeks
New website and new-manufacturing K87: Late September
Flat K47 production resumes: Hopefully also late September
Accurate K47: December.

I'll have to pay cash to replace all of the capsules affected by the issues in this batch of the flat K47 since the factory won't take responsibility for the loose ring screw problem, so that's slowing things down a bit.
To be honest, everyone should be able to solve the short-circuit issue of the two backplates on the K87 capsules themselves. It doesn't take a minute, a multimeter and a screwdriver thats it. If you can't do it yourself, you shouldn't even attempt DIY microphone construction. It's such a simple, banal problem that even an 8 year old can solve... Would be really sad, a shame..
 
Its does seem a waste to bin all the previous capsules ,
Definately second what Herb said ,
people should have checked the clearances involved in fitting the parts before torquing the capsule down on the mounting . In any case a small grove cut in the mounting saddle is the simple way remedy it .
Theres an old saying , dont throw the baby out with the bath water , its a very solvable problem for anyone who has the initiative , in almost every case when your designing and building a tube mic theres problems of this kind to overcome .

Again ,you've come so far with the previous factory , in a sense training them up to make proper capsules , if there offering to fix the problem , and perhaps give some discount over the mess up , maybe its worth reconsidering doing business with them again .
 
Doesn't matter how easy it is to fix a problem, it shouldn't occur. It wouldn't be an issue if the rings were tightened down properly, which they weren't. They're barely attached. They aren't willing to take responsibility for the issue or refund me, nor are they willing to fix the problem in subsequent batches.
 
Doesn't matter how easy it is to fix a problem, it shouldn't occur. It wouldn't be an issue if the rings were tightened down properly, which they weren't. They're barely attached. They aren't willing to take responsibility for the issue or refund me, nor are they willing to fix the problem in subsequent batches.

TBH the whole thing was stinking to me when they told you they "lost" the frequency response charts. Lol! Of course...
They just couldn't/wouldn't produce to the same standards.

I hope you will find a proper manufacturer, preferably in the US, where given word still means something hopefully.
 
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Hello @soliloqueen
I don't know if it has been discussed in the 51 previous pages here, and I am sorry if it has ... but do you plan to make a CK12 type capsule in the future ?
Thanks, and amazed by your work ! A pair of U87 is super tempting !
 
TBH the whole thing was stinking to me when they told you they "lost" the frequency response charts. Lol! Of course...
They just couldn't/wouldn't produce to the same standards.

I hope you will find a proper manufacturer, preferably in the US, where given word still means something hopefully.
Many a time when I was auditioning manufacturers years ago I had gotten completely perfect samples from a company only for them to chicken out when it came to the production batch because they just didn't want to bother. Hopefully now that I have control of everything things will be a little better.
 
Many a time when I was auditioning manufacturers years ago I had gotten completely perfect samples from a company only for them to chicken out when it came to the production batch because they just didn't want to bother. Hopefully now that I have control of everything things will be a little better.
Better? I have understood that I am allowed to get insights into the process of a new, really very high-quality capsule manufacturer. I got really good capsules in my hands, can give feedback, and have built the coolest mics ever with them. And so easy-going that I can witness problems and learn solve them. Hell, what an awesome experience that no one can ever take away from me.👌
 
They aren't willing to take responsibility for the issue or refund me, nor are they willing to fix the problem in subsequent batches.
I completely understand. As you know, I have been a Director of a national charitable service organization that designs, builds, and delivers unique therapeutic tricycles for disabled persons. We tried offshore manufacturing in the past, and encountered similar problems with quality consistency coupled with a concomitant refusal to take responsibility for manufacturing errors. Doing business long distance is a real challenge. Good Luck as you regroup. James -K8JHR
 
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