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Post by brenta on Nov 20, 2019 18:57:12 GMT -6
I pulled the trigger on the MK67 kit. All of the clips I’ve heard of it so far sound a little too dark for a U67, but Max has added a new “reissue mode” in place of the linear mode. Should be brighter than the regular mode but less bright than the linear. He’s also including a Valvo tube with this batch. I bought a U87ai several months ago and this has been part of my long term plan. I might eventually replace the transformer with a Neumann and the tube with a Telefunken, but I’ll try it as is first. Might eventually get the innertube as well. Then I can switch between them all as needed. Is the end up price close to the re issue price? Cheers Wiz Ha, it might be. But it should be much more versatile, and cheaper than buying a 67 reissue and a u87ai. I got my 87 for about $2k. It is late 90’s version that has the more desirable FET instead of the daughterboard. According to Klaus the capsules got less consistent around the early 2000’s as well so my mine precedes that. Should hold its value. 87ai’s are controversial. My opinion is that they are rarely magical but rarely don’t work. I find them excellent for hip hop vocals and they are the standard for voiceover. There are a ton of ad agencies here in Minneapolis so I’m hoping to use it to increase my voiceover business. Ad agencies pay way better than artists. The MK67 should work well for all the rock stuff I’m doing these days although I’m skeptical it will have the magic of the U67s I’ve used. |
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Post by brenta on Nov 20, 2019 19:03:04 GMT -6
Is there a link for the version 2 max mod? Reissue mode? As far as I know the only info about the MK67 is the thread on GS. The “reissue” mode is new to this batch. He said he got his hands on reissue and a different, brighter vintage 67 and noticed what most of us have, that his mod is a little darker than what most of us are used to from a 67. All he did was add a capacitor, so it’s not a major tweak. I don’t really know anything about the Valvo tube, but Max seems to think it’s better than what he was including before. |
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Post by indiehouse on Nov 20, 2019 19:17:22 GMT -6
Is there a link for the version 2 max mod? Reissue mode? As far as I know the only info about the MK67 is the thread on GS. The “reissue” mode is new to this batch. He said he got his hands on reissue and a different, brighter vintage 67 and noticed what most of us have, that his mod is a little darker than what most of us are used to from a 67. All he did was add a capacitor, so it’s not a major tweak. I don’t really know anything about the Valvo tube, but Max seems to think it’s better than what he was including before. Pretty sure he posted directions for anyone to convert their MK67 from the linear mode to the reissue mode. And yeah, it’s just capacitor change. The valvo’s are still PF86’s. The kit I got from Max a while back came with a Valvo. It’s actually a nice tube. Very similar to my Telefunken EF86. Very close. I’ve got Neumann transformers and NOS Siemens output capacitors (same as used in vintage 67’s) in my pair. I had one capsule nodded by Klaus. I may do the other at some point. |
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Post by chessparov on Nov 20, 2019 22:59:03 GMT -6
FWIW the TLM67 is a better fit on my voice, versus the 87ai.
So it might be a nice eventual path,to do the Max Mod. Trying to learn more about what I already have first though!
Plus the Soundelux U99 seems "already to go" on me... For "only" around $2600.
Or I could get a used TLM 67 for less, and just stick with that. Hmm...
Chris
P.S. I like Vincent's U87ai>Demeter tube pre very much!
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Post by Vincent R. on Nov 21, 2019 6:55:11 GMT -6
I pulled the trigger on the MK67 kit. All of the clips I’ve heard of it so far sound a little too dark for a U67, but Max has added a new “reissue mode” in place of the linear mode. Should be brighter than the regular mode but less bright than the linear. He’s also including a Valvo tube with this batch. I bought a U87ai several months ago and this has been part of my long term plan. I might eventually replace the transformer with a Neumann and the tube with a Telefunken, but I’ll try it as is first. Might eventually get the innertube as well. Then I can switch between them all as needed. I did too. Mine is sitting in customs at the moment. I'm curious about his reissue mode, but I also have the Neumann BV12 here. I bought it a while back, but hadn't had the funds to grab another MK67 kit. I found the MK67 a bit too dark. It rolls off a touch too much, but also has a low mid bump that the U67 doesn't have. I'll see how the new "Reissue Mode" sounds and go from there. I pulled the trigger on the MK67 kit. All of the clips I’ve heard of it so far sound a little too dark for a U67, but Max has added a new “reissue mode” in place of the linear mode. Should be brighter than the regular mode but less bright than the linear. He’s also including a Valvo tube with this batch. I bought a U87ai several months ago and this has been part of my long term plan. I might eventually replace the transformer with a Neumann and the tube with a Telefunken, but I’ll try it as is first. Might eventually get the innertube as well. Then I can switch between them all as needed. Is the end up price close to the re issue price? Cheers Wiz Depends where you start. You need the Kit ($1100), If you need to grab a donor mic ($1600 - TLM67 is cheapest), add the cost of an NOS tube ($155), the Neumann BV12 ($300), mod costs if you can't do it yourself ($400+ I'm told it's tricky and requires some metal work, as Max's BV12 is smaller), then if you're a little vain like me and want it to look like a U67 you'll need the housing tube ($250), and black logo ($25.00).... Then you're looking at around $3830.00 give or take. I've seen the reissue sell second hand for $5000.
I’ve got my U87ai right now, so this still makes sense to me. Admittedly, I’d love to grab another donor mic for it down the road, especially since, as chessparov points out, I now have a solid chain that I really like with the U87ai. Is there a link for the version 2 max mod? Reissue mode? |
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Post by brenta on Nov 21, 2019 7:37:04 GMT -6
I’ve got Neumann transformers and NOS Siemens output capacitors (same as used in vintage 67’s) in my pair. I had one capsule nodded by Klaus. I may do the other at some point. How would you describe the difference using the Neumann transformer and NOS output caps compared to the stock MK67? |
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Post by EmRR on Nov 21, 2019 8:17:23 GMT -6
I’ve got Neumann transformers and NOS Siemens output capacitors (same as used in vintage 67’s) in my pair. I had one capsule nodded by Klaus. I may do the other at some point. How would you describe the difference using the Neumann transformer and NOS output caps compared to the stock MK67? I'm not indiehouse, but....huge. There is proper treble now. The stock transformer was darker than an old school ribbon mic, even with the traditional capacitor high boost mod done. The amplifier did not pass the Neumann response test described in the manual, it was about 4dB down from where it should be at 15kHz. The stock transformer also did not measure anything like a Neumann transformer in terms of inductance or resistance of the windings, and it's physically shorter with fewer laminations. It’s great now that I've replaced it. |
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Post by indiehouse on Nov 21, 2019 9:52:12 GMT -6
How would you describe the difference using the Neumann transformer and NOS output caps compared to the stock MK67? I'm not indiehouse, but....huge. There is proper treble now. The stock transformer was darker than an old school ribbon mic, even with the traditional capacitor high boost mod done. The amplifier did not pass the Neumann response test described in the manual, it was about 4dB down from where it should be at 15kHz. The stock transformer also did not measure anything like a Neumann transformer in terms of inductance or resistance of the windings, and it's physically shorter with fewer laminations. It’s great now that I've replaced it. This. I was shocked. I had two MK67's up at the same time, one with the stock tranny and one with the Neumann. I was like "ahh, there's that top end!" |
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Post by EmRR on Nov 21, 2019 10:00:17 GMT -6
Read Klaus Heyne's U67 reissue report. If he faults anything, it's the capsule, tube, power supply and power supply audio cable. He specifically says he hears no difference or problem with the new caps, resistors, or transformer.
I build that out further, the MK67 kit is effectively identical to a set of Neumann electronics once you get the Neumann transformer in it. I'm pretty sure most of the circuit boards are interchangeable with Neumann circuit boards, the layout is mostly dead on. There are other minor things you could do of course, but Klaus isn't feeling it at that level....at that level, he's feeling #1 THE CAPSULE, and that's a bit luck of the draw within Neumann tolerances.
In my camp, I have not found the need to tweak much else. I tried about 8 different new and vintage tubes, every single type had a different quality, and I picked the one that most complemented the capsule I have.....because the capsule is VERY interactive with the tube and the amplifier feedback path. The Bugle Boy and Mullard and Telefunken I had were NOT first pick in my mic. I can imagine swapping capsules and wanting to go through tubes again. I really don't think you can throw top dollar at 'the' tube and get there reliably, there are too many variables for that.
Buy a used TLM67, with or without the Neumann shock mount. I think the shock mount sucks, so sell it and buy the much better Rycote for less than half. Forget the body tube, the dumb round badge isn't visible in a Rycote anyway!
You really want to tweak the thing? Over time buy/sell a half dozen TLM67's and keep swapping heads, picking the better one as you go. You'll eventually wind up with a better than average capsule.
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Post by brenta on Nov 21, 2019 10:20:56 GMT -6
Thanks, that’s super helpful. Sounds like my next order of business is saving up for a Neumann transformer.
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Post by rob61 on Nov 21, 2019 22:35:44 GMT -6
Last time I checked I couldn't find a source here is the USA. I think it was a replacement part available in Europe. Anyone have a source in the US for a Neumann transformer for the U67?
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Post by brenta on Nov 22, 2019 9:28:17 GMT -6
Last time I checked I couldn't find a source here is the USA. I think it was a replacement part available in Europe. Anyone have a source in the US for a Neumann transformer for the U67? The only source I know of for the transformer is the UK based Sennheiser Spares website, but they do deliver to the USA. |
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Post by indiehouse on Nov 22, 2019 9:37:18 GMT -6
Last time I checked I couldn't find a source here is the USA. I think it was a replacement part available in Europe. Anyone have a source in the US for a Neumann transformer for the U67? Try calling Full Compass. |
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Post by indiehouse on Nov 22, 2019 9:37:57 GMT -6
Costs a bit more than direct, though.
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Post by ragan on Nov 22, 2019 10:23:59 GMT -6
Before I redid the body/badge myself, I was looking at buying the parts and Guitar Center was able to get them. I assume if they can get any Neumann replacement parts they can get them all.
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Nov 22, 2019 11:54:23 GMT -6
Doesn’t Telefunken USA provide Neumann parts ?
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Post by Vincent R. on Nov 22, 2019 12:49:28 GMT -6
I would also look at Zen Pro. I know they sell the capsule.
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Post by m03 on Nov 22, 2019 13:45:55 GMT -6
FYI, Alto Music has a number of B-Stock Reissues for a very appealing price on Reverb at present (the tax for Cali residents took away some of that appealing price though). I've had good experiences with them on other items in the past.
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Post by indiehouse on Nov 22, 2019 15:19:42 GMT -6
FYI, Alto Music has a number of B-Stock Reissues for a very appealing price on Reverb at present (the tax for Cali residents took away some of that appealing price though). I've had good experiences with them on other items in the past. Dag, you ain't kiddin'! Fantastic price. I mean, it's still not chump change, and tax really takes away some of the thrill of the deal. I've been finding it easier to talk myself down from a purchase now that Reverb started collecting tax. I'm definitely buying less. |
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Post by drsax on Nov 22, 2019 20:33:35 GMT -6
FYI, Alto Music has a number of B-Stock Reissues for a very appealing price on Reverb at present (the tax for Cali residents took away some of that appealing price though). I've had good experiences with them on other items in the past. Oh man... I blame you. Been eyeballing the reissue for a while but not for 7k... gonna give one of these a shot  Thanks for the heads up m03 |
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Post by saltyjames on Nov 22, 2019 20:55:55 GMT -6
FYI, Alto Music has a number of B-Stock Reissues for a very appealing price on Reverb at present (the tax for Cali residents took away some of that appealing price though). I've had good experiences with them on other items in the past. Those prices are only for B Stock 67's. Supposedly used as demos, or they had some issue that needed sorting out.
btw...
There is one less of those available. Hence my giant sale here in the classifieds. Flea 48, or a plate reverb anyone?
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Post by Martin John Butler on Nov 22, 2019 22:04:08 GMT -6
The guys at Alto Music have been great to me. I'd trust what they say. Good luck drsax and saltyj.
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Post by Mister Chase on Nov 23, 2019 9:44:00 GMT -6
I've bought mics from alto this way before. I couldn't find any flaw in my case and saved money.
That is a great deal. Wow.
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Post by drsax on Nov 23, 2019 10:27:53 GMT -6
With a 30 day return policy, it looked like a no brainer to me. I’ll try it along side my max mod 87 and see what the differences are. I may still have indiehouse do the transformer swap on my max mod at some point as well
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Post by ragan on Nov 23, 2019 10:58:34 GMT -6
I've always toyed with the idea of the Neumann transformer swap but in the clips I heard last year of Adam's I actually prefer the sound of the MK transformer with a high shelf added to it (to match the response of the Neumann) to the Neumann. Every once in a while I still pull up the session and blind AB and I always pick the EQ'd MK transformer. I may get a second MK67 at some point and do the mod to that one.
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Thanks for the heads up 
