Microphone Mic Mod Kit for MXL 990 920 770 V63M V250 2006 1006 V57M MCA SP1

IMPORTANT: Please note that this mod only works on the versions of these mics that use through-hole components. Newer versions of some of these mics that were introduced in early 2013 use surface-mount components, for which this mod kit will not work (at least, not easily). If in doubt, open up the mic to ensure that the circuit use soldered, through-hole components (specifically for caps C3, C4, and C13 on most models). Note that if your mics were manufactured before 2013, the mod should most likely work for you.

Several years ago, I was researching the best mics for recording studios on a budget when I discovered MXL. MXL makes some very affordable mics, and many of them offer really good results, especially considering their relatively low prices. I later found out that MXL and a number of other manufacturers (CAD, Nady, Cascade, Apex, etc.) have released the same basic mic circuit (a copy of an original transformerless design by Schoeps) under literally dozens of different models and form factors. And here's the best part: many of these mics can be made even better with some very simple modifications, or "mods".

Here's how: high-quality capacitors can remove artifacts that lesser caps produce, that you only begin to notice once they're gone--because you thought they were part of the original signal. Transient response can also be improved, and distortion levels reduced. That's where this kit comes in. It includes the parts & instructions needed to modify/upgrade the mic models listed below. These mics share the same, or a remarkably similar circuit design, which allows the same basic procedure and parts to work for all of them. I've spent many long hours researching these mics, sourcing the replacement parts, and documenting the modification process in painstaking detail, so you don't have to. After performing this mod, you can be confident that your mic isn't what's holding you back from recording your next masterpiece! This kit works for the following mics:

MXL: 990, 920, 770, V57M, V63M, 2003 (the original 2003, NOT the newer 2003A), 2006, V250, MCA SP-1, 991, 993, 600, 603, 603S, 604, 441, 551, CR24P

797 Audio: CR1-4

Advanced Audio: CM-54

ADK: SC-1, SC-2, SC-T

Alctron: HSMC001

AKG: Perception 170 (the original "Perception 170", NOT the newer "P170" that replaced it)

AMT: 404

Apex: 180, 185, 435

Audio 2000: ACM1901

Badaax: CM40, MC001

Busman: BSC-1

CAD: GXL1200, GXL2200, GXL2200BP, GXL2400

Carillon: AXIS 1

Cascade: M37, M39

Eagletone: CM40

Felio: CR1-11, CR1-14

KAM: i2

Monoprice: 600700, 600800

Nady: CM90, CM95, SCM800, SCM900 (post-2002)

Peluso: CEMC-6

SE Electronics: SE1, SE1A, SE2A        

T.Bone: SC400  

This kit includes the parts needed to modify ONE MICROPHONE. If you are modifying multiple mics, you will need to order a SEPARATE KIT FOR EACH MIC. The following is included in each kit:

• (2) Metal Film capacitors
• (1) Polystyrene (styroflex) capacitor
• PDF download with 12 pages of detailed, illustrated instructions for performing the mod on each of the 3 basic variants of microphones represented above (small, medium, and large-bodied mics).
• BONUS: detailed instructions explaining the procedure for the popular "headbasket mod" for the medium and large-bodied mics (also included in the PDF download)

To perform the mod, you simply de-solder and remove 3 of the stock capacitors (which are often ceramic, and/or of dubious quality) and replace them with the high-quality capacitors included in this kit. These capacitors do not have a polarity, so it doesn't matter which lead you connect to which side.

Upon receiving payment, I will mail your kit/s along with a slip of paper that contains the download link for the instructions. Most who have performed the mod say it only takes about 15 or 20 minutes per mic, and makes a noticeable improvement in the sound quality. When I first discovered this mod, I had lots of experience soldering the connectors for my own audio cables, but very little experience soldering on printed circuit boards. I had never modified a mic before and was a little unsure of myself, so the first one took me about 20 minutes. Since then, I've modified dozens of these mics for myself, friends, and clients, and in most cases, I've had them done in probably no more than 10 or 15 minutes each.

If you've been wanting to try your hand at an easy, do-it-yourself mic mod, this is a great first-time project. These mics can be purchased for very little money, and their performance can be improved considerably with this simple mod. These parts are hard to find, and frequently out of stock at major electronics suppliers, but you can get them here while they last!

Note: This mod does require some basic tools and soldering skills! 

I also offer another mod kit for the MXL 2001, V67, V67G, CAD C400S, Nady SCM-900, Apex 420, 430, Joe Meek JM47, T-Bone SC-450, Audix CX-111, and ADK A-51. Check out my other listings if you're interested in a mod for one of these mics.

Feel free to ask questions. Sorry, but I don't offer International shipping at this time.