This is my own mic mod meta for the purposes of consolidating information on the three specific Chinese microphones I bought through the TNC Musicians Workshop “Group Buy.” When all is said and done, there will be this thread containing links and quotes from outside sources and a tread for each of the three microphones I will be addressing (I will try to credit my sources as best I can, but to all those who get snubbed, I apologize). The individual threads will cover my own personal experiences in the mic mod process. I will be updating this post throughout the process.
ACM-1200
The ACM-1200 is a rebrand of the same mic as is the Apex 450, Nady TCM1150, Avantone CV-12 and the Telefunken R-T-F M16. The mods for these mics are vast and well documented. My goals are:
- Replace Tubes (Chinese 12AX7B)
- Replace Transformers (Chinese Unbranded 10:1)
- Remove unnecessary parts (Filter Caps to compensate crap transformer, etc)
- Replace important parts (C8, etc)
- Remove Cathode Follower (Unnecessary after transformer swap)
- Replace multipin cable (Not first priority but definitely needs to happen)
- Replace Capsule (Dale’s M7 is what I’m thinking but not ruling out Peluso’s)
Links:
http://studioforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1526095781/m/2111089522/p/1
Main Apex thread on StudioForums.com
http://studioforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1526095781/m/2111089522?r=4971028262#4971028262
A specific set of mods with schematic
http://www.prodigy-pro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21266
Mic Mod Meta
http://www.prodigy-pro.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27793
ACM Specific mod thread
ACM-70
Seems to be an Apex 210 in a slightly different case. It came with a shock mount and case. I overall like the sound of these mics but some mods are going to be needed:
- Change transformer
- Remove inner headbasket? (Not sure about this one)
- Re-Ribbon (I may send them off for that one)
Links:
http://www.hometracked.com/2007/08/17/ribbon-mic-mod-part-1-apex-205/
A ribbon mod how-to thread.
http://www.morphproductions.com/apex210transformermod.htm
Another ribbon mod how-to thread.
http://www.hometracked.com/2007/08/28/ribbon-mic-sag-and-repair/
Ribbon Sag Repair article
http://www.lkmusic.co.nz/ribbonfix.htm
Ribbon Replacement Article
ACM-3
This is an obvious rip-off of a Royer R-121 or a Bang and Olufsen ribbon mic. It sounds a bit dark and wooly as is. I’m looking forward to hearing different transformer options on this.
- Change transformer
- Remove inner headbasket? (Again, not sure about this one)
- Replace ribbon (Again, a more experienced tech might be called upon)
Links:
Suppliers
http://www.tubedepot.com/
Where I got my 5751s.
http://cinemag.biz/mic_output/mic_output.html
One set of transformer options ($40 range)
http://www.edcorusa.com/products/transformers/rmx/index.html
Another ribbon transformer option ($20 range)
http://www.lundahl.se/catframe.html
Another tranformer option ($80 range)
http://www.tab-funkenwerk.com/id2.html
Another tranformer option ($180 range)
Mic Mod Techs
http://www.oktavamod.com/
Michael Joly
http://www.aamicrophones.com/
Dave Thomas
