Takstar CM-60 and CM-63 capsule mods.

[jp8]

Good catch, those different model names. Maybe they are indeed different, but knowing that specifications on Aliexpress must be taken with a big grain of salt, I wouldn't be surprised they are one and the same. Even if they come from the same supplier. Just look at the description of the YL-2201: it's an RK-87, RK-47 and M7 capsule at the same time...

I haven't done any recording yet and would only use it in the KMS 105, btw. Doesn't make any sense with the frequency response as it is now, both modded and unmodded.

I've got a PCB ready for the KMS 105, because the stock counterfeit KMS 105 electronics is extremely noisy. Just have to assemble it, but got other priorities now.

Not at my PC now, but will post the frequency responses of the modded and unmodded capsules vs a 3U Audio cardiod capsule once I get to it.

 

[pmfalcman]

This one is YL-04, while the first one is YL-2201 - both made by "HI-LE".

Though the slots do not seem wider to me these have visibly different casings.
YL-04 has less pronounced or at least more rounded front lip and tighter mesh.
Also differently constructed backing plate

 

[jp8]

Ah, yes, I now see what you mean!

The one from my KMS 105 clone and the one I bought separately are at least the same: the YL-2201.

Jan

 

[pmfalcman]

Yup. That's the capsule @kingkorg wrote about and we, you and I, bought.
@glitterball found a different one. Must be a fresh offer on the market, I suppose.

 

[jp8]

I guess you're right. Thumbs up for @glitterball !

Jan

 

[k brown]

Not sure what to make of this, but I just became aware of the striking similarity between the CM-63 and AT4021; the body looks exactly the same and the capsule grille is very similar.

Interesting that the 4021 is an electret, though . . .

 

[pmfalcman]

The bodies are indeed identical. Outsourcing, I suppose.

Short description with pics of the PCB

https://drewbrashler.com/2016/at4021-vs-at3031-small-diaphragm-condenser-microphones/

 

[k brown]

An additional update to the omni mod of the CM-60 capsule:

Another difference between most SDC cards and omnis, is that omnis have a small gap in the spacer ring between the diaphragm and the backplate.

So I clipped out about an 1/8" bit of the spacer rings.

 

[jp8]

Interesting... Can you explain what the purpose of that gap is?

 

[Khron]

Interesting... Can you explain what the purpose of that gap is?

Pressure equalization (between the backplate-diaphragm space and the outside), i would imagine

 

[jp8]

If so, then it would only affect low-end response, wouldn't it? Hole too big would mean loss of low-end, right?

 

[k brown]

Pressure equalization (between the backplate-diaphragm space and the outside), i would imagine

Not sure reallly - I just noticed that all the SDC omnis I took apart had a small gap in the spacer ring, and none of the cardioids did.

 

[Khron]

If so, then it would only affect low-end response, wouldn't it? Hole too big would mean loss of low-end, right?

Very likely. Pretty sure the idea is strictly to avoid the inside air of the capsule becoming a sealed system, with the resonances of the diaphragms being dictated (more than normally) by the environment it happens to be in.

https://khronscave.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-litle-k67-microphone-capsule-fun.html

The capsules from AKG Perception 200's had a solid shim all around; the ones from sE2200A had gapped ones.

and none of the cardioids did.

Well, the cardioids "already" have an "open back"

 

[k brown]

Another discovery useful to some - one can get these capsules to about a 80 percent omni pattern without disassembling the capsule, by plugging all the rear vent holes (again, not the body slots) except one. This opens the pattern nearly to omni, but still allows sound pressure into the back of the capsule, making any further internal mods unnecessary. The frequency response sounds essentially unchanged. The frequency balance from behind is also far flatter than the stock form, nearly as smooth as an omni but less sensitivity from the back.

The rear sensitivity is clearly between omni and cardioid, but much, much closer to omni. I'm confident in describing the pattern as very close to the Schoeps MK 21 'Wide Cardioid'.

For those familiar with the four-way (dual-pair) Faulkner array, the MK 21 is his preferred capsule for the directional pair.

Leaving two holes open would likely be quite close to the Schoeps MK 22 'Open Cardioid'.


_______

Less successful with the 'KK12 v2' - with all holes plugged but one, the sound becomes noticably 'tubbier'. Works pretty well with Behringer B5; has a bit less bottom the the actual omni capsule.