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Post by ben on Oct 29, 2014 20:49:52 GMT -6
So, after much research on which DIY mic project to pop my DIY cherry on, I think I've decided on the Poctop U87i. It seems fairly straightforward, and doesn't work with voltages that can kill me. So far, I've found all the parts except for a cheap shock mount and a case, but those are not essential to functionality. Chunger has the body, vintagepcb has the pcb and BOM, and Beesneez has the K8 capsule. Unless I'm missing something, I think that's about it.
Anything I should consider before I pull the trigger?
If this project goes well, the next is the Chunger/Matador based C12.
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Post by jcoutu1 on Oct 29, 2014 20:55:15 GMT -6
So, after much research on which DIY mic project to pop my DIY cherry on, I think I've decided on the Poctop U87i. It seems fairly straightforward, and doesn't work with voltages that can kill me. So far, I've found all the parts except for a cheap shock mount and a case, but those are not essential to functionality. Chunger has the body, vintagepcb has the pcb and BOM, and Beesneez has the K8 capsule. Unless I'm missing something, I think that's about it. Anything I should consider before I pull the trigger? If this project goes well, the next is the Chunger/Matador based C12. What's the total cost on this? |
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Post by ben on Oct 29, 2014 20:58:38 GMT -6
Between $600-$700, depending on the parts I end up choosing
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Post by jcoutu1 on Oct 29, 2014 21:05:27 GMT -6
Not bad at all. What about a fet 47? There must be some of those kits around. Might be something else to check out.
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Post by tonycamphd on Oct 29, 2014 22:23:08 GMT -6
id go with the Eric Heiserman K67 capsule, it sounds better than a beez k6, i have both, the original u87 used a 3 wire k67 capsuled if memory serves.
edit; i was wrong, the K87 is a k67 with 4 wires and a nylon isolating shim between backplates, still i'd recommend EH's capsule, they really sound nice.
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Post by mdmitch2 on Oct 29, 2014 22:24:55 GMT -6
So, after much research on which DIY mic project to pop my DIY cherry on, I think I've decided on the Poctop U87i. It seems fairly straightforward, and doesn't work with voltages that can kill me. So far, I've found all the parts except for a cheap shock mount and a case, but those are not essential to functionality. Chunger has the body, vintagepcb has the pcb and BOM, and Beesneez has the K8 capsule. Unless I'm missing something, I think that's about it. Anything I should consider before I pull the trigger? If this project goes well, the next is the Chunger/Matador based C12. I did a couple of these with gxl2200 bodies which are about $60 new, and included shock mounts. I used Cinemag 2480 transformers direct from Cinemag. I think they were about $50 each. I also ordered the polystyrene caps from vintage mic pcb. The GXL bodies don't have switches but you can change patterns via internal jumpers, wihich wasn't a big deal for me. Build cost was about $350/mic. Oh and I also used the rk-87 capsule from microphone parts, which was developed specifically for this build. The mics sound great btw. |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Oct 29, 2014 22:32:50 GMT -6
So, after much research on which DIY mic project to pop my DIY cherry on, I think I've decided on the Poctop U87i. It seems fairly straightforward, and doesn't work with voltages that can kill me. So far, I've found all the parts except for a cheap shock mount and a case, but those are not essential to functionality. Chunger has the body, vintagepcb has the pcb and BOM, and Beesneez has the K8 capsule. Unless I'm missing something, I think that's about it. Anything I should consider before I pull the trigger? If this project goes well, the next is the Chunger/Matador based C12. I did a couple of these with gxl2200 bodies which are about $60 new, and included shock mounts. I used Cinemag 2480 transformers direct from Cinemag. I think they were about $50 each. I also ordered the polystyrene caps from vintage mic pcb. The GXL bodies don't have switches but you can change patterns via internal jumpers, wihich wasn't a big deal for me. Build cost was about $350/mic. Oh and I also used the rk-87 capsule from microphone parts, which was developed specifically for this build. The mics sound great btw. Obviously the above is a 'budget' build, which I wanted for a stereo pair. My original plan was to also do a more high end build with the heiserman capsule and the ami tranny as well as chunger body. I might still do that eventually but it's kinda hard to justify since they sound so good as is. Probably after I do a u47 clone.... |
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Post by ben on Oct 30, 2014 7:37:30 GMT -6
Not bad at all. What about a fet 47? There must be some of those kits around. Might be something else to check out. That crossed my mind, but I already have two 47 clones. Besides, if I'm going to buy anything, it's going to be the new 47 FET reissue  |
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Post by ben on Oct 30, 2014 7:43:37 GMT -6
id go with the Eric Heiserman K67 capsule, it sounds better than a beez k6, i have both, the original u87 used a 3 wire k67 capsuled if memory serves. edit; i was wrong, the K87 is a k67 with 4 wires and a nylon isolating shim between backplates, still i'd recommend EH's capsule, they really sound nice. Yeah, the "vintage" 87 uses the k87 cap. I've heard clips of some of the other budget caps and the BN k8 really does shine. I'll ask Eric about any K87 style he may have in the works before I make the final purchases. I just bought an HK12 from him and that should be here shortly  Really great guy to deal with. Anybody have a CT12 they want to lend for a shootout? |
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Post by ben on Oct 30, 2014 7:50:41 GMT -6
I did a couple of these with gxl2200 bodies which are about $60 new, and included shock mounts. I used Cinemag 2480 transformers direct from Cinemag. I think they were about $50 each. I also ordered the polystyrene caps from vintage mic pcb. The GXL bodies don't have switches but you can change patterns via internal jumpers, wihich wasn't a big deal for me. Build cost was about $350/mic. Oh and I also used the rk-87 capsule from microphone parts, which was developed specifically for this build. The mics sound great btw. Obviously the above is a 'budget' build, which I wanted for a stereo pair. My original plan was to also do a more high end build with the heiserman capsule and the ami tranny as well as chunger body. I might still do that eventually but it's kinda hard to justify since they sound so good as is. Probably after I do a u47 clone.... Yeah, I'm not doing a budget build. I want mine to look and sound as close to the original as possible. I may even try to source some original style caps, maybe even an original tranny. Go big or go home! lol. Seriously, though, there's a good possibility that I will sell it once it is finished and I'm sure I can get at least what I paid for the parts if I do. I'm anxious to compare it to my u87ai. Once, I do I may decide to keep it though. lol. |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Oct 30, 2014 9:30:13 GMT -6
Obviously the above is a 'budget' build, which I wanted for a stereo pair. My original plan was to also do a more high end build with the heiserman capsule and the ami tranny as well as chunger body. I might still do that eventually but it's kinda hard to justify since they sound so good as is. Probably after I do a u47 clone.... Yeah, I'm not doing a budget build. I want mine to look and sound as close to the original as possible. I may even try to source some original style caps, maybe even an original tranny. Go big or go home! lol. Seriously, though, there's a good possibility that I will sell it once it is finished and I'm sure I can get at least what I paid for the parts if I do. I'm anxious to compare it to my u87ai. Once, I do I may decide to keep it though. lol. It would be really interesting to hear the difference between my mics and your 'go big' version. If you have any interest, I'll send you one of mine for comparison once you have yours built. |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Oct 30, 2014 9:50:37 GMT -6
Yeah, I'm not doing a budget build. I want mine to look and sound as close to the original as possible. I may even try to source some original style caps, maybe even an original tranny. Go big or go home! lol. Seriously, though, there's a good possibility that I will sell it once it is finished and I'm sure I can get at least what I paid for the parts if I do. I'm anxious to compare it to my u87ai. Once, I do I may decide to keep it though. lol. It would be really interesting to hear the difference between my mics and your 'go big' version. If you have any interest, I'll send you one of mine for comparison once you have yours built. If this goes down, maybe I can meet up with Ben and my BN Frank to compare with his 47's/BN mics at the same time too. |
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Post by ben on Oct 30, 2014 15:25:36 GMT -6
It would be really interesting to hear the difference between my mics and your 'go big' version. If you have any interest, I'll send you one of mine for comparison once you have yours built. If this goes down, maybe I can meet up with Ben and my BN Frank to compare with his 47's/BN mics at the same time too. Both of your offers sound fantastic. Now I'm very excited. Anyone know where I can get a used 87 tranny or capsule? If I have to buy those new, I may as well just buy an authentic 87 lol. |
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Post by ben on Nov 1, 2014 18:06:44 GMT -6
Parts ordered!
Chunger body, AMI T13 tranny, poctop PCB with Poly caps.
The only thing left is the Capsule. I've been listening to samples of the Beesneez K8, Peluso k87i, and the RK87. Granted, I'm only listening to samples but I think the Peluso is the closest (which surprised me since I don't like his CK12). It seems that all of the caps, (like I said Peluso is closest) are missing that thick low midrange that makes the u87 famous. The BN has a great bottom and top end, but again, missing that thick low mid. I don't like the RK87. I spoke with Eric H. (who is sending me his HK12) about his k87, but he indicated that it's like a cross between the k87 and k67, which would not be a "clone" of the vintage u87. He did say that he could make a k87 for me with vintage specs, however, I have no way of hearing it before he makes it. I'll talk to him about it more before I make the final decision.
Anyone else have input/suggestions?
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Post by ben on Nov 5, 2014 20:37:27 GMT -6
Snagged an original K87i capsule. Needs a re-skin. Hmmm... |
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Post by ben on Nov 14, 2014 15:56:21 GMT -6
I've got all of the parts in except for the PCB. Dan confirmed he sent it two weeks ago, but it's coming from Canada, so who knows. AMI T13 tranny, Chunger body, and a vintage K87 capsule!
Just ordered a Chunger C-12 also for my HK-12 Cap. Looks like November is going to mic building month!
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Post by ben on Nov 17, 2014 20:31:30 GMT -6
Only took a few hours and almost done. Just need screws for the PCB (were not included), calibrate, mount the tranny and test capsule and done! Attachments:
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Post by jayson on Dec 29, 2014 11:30:56 GMT -6
I wanted to bump this thread a little so I could do some consensus-fishing. Apologies if I'm going a little OT.
I'm thinking I'd like to take a crack at building a few 87 clones but I'm really hoping to source everything through a single vendor as a package. Being a relative noob to DIY this would be a first mic for me, so I'd like to find a really good all-in-one kit to start out with, once I've built one then I'll be a lot more comfortable with shopping around and buying parts a-la-carte. That being said I'm not looking to cut corners on components; I'd really like to build it right the first time but I don't want to make any rookie mistakes in the component scavenger hunt. At least to get my feet wet I'd like to get everything I need in one box.
So whaddya think; Is there an amazing soup to nuts 87 kit that really stands out to you?
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Post by ben on Dec 29, 2014 13:33:28 GMT -6
I had to source my parts separately, though there are a couple of build threads that make it easier. The body was from Chunger, the PCB from Poctop, Transformer from AMI and the capsule was vintage. The BOM was full of parts that are not necessary. If you are looking for a complete "KIT" with no extra effort, this mic is probably not the way to go. I'd try for a complete C12 kit from Chunger. It's a fairly easy build and everything you need is included. There's one company I know of that sells a complete U87 kit, but it is much more expensive than buying on your own, you can't choose your own components and the company does not stand behind it's products.
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Really great guy to deal with. Anybody have a CT12 they want to lend for a shootout? 
