| The Alctron-manufactured HRM-8B sold as the Apex 205 (et al) for $99 from a number of on-line retailers (not me) is a great deal. Works pretty well right out of the box and can be improved if you're experimental. This mic seems to have better HF response than its bigger and earlier brother.
Lately I've been putting Lundahl transformers in them in addition to the acoustical / mechanical mods I've written about. The Lundahl gets rid of the stock transformer-induced midrange peakiness, resolves harmonic chordal information better and improves HF transient response detail.
I did a full mod on one yesterday and compared it with my Coles 4038. The fully modifed 205 was every bit as good as the Coles and then some. The Coles has a very flat and extended HF response (unusual for a mic of its age), the modded 205 matched it nicely. Midrange was as smooth also. The deep bass on the modded 205 was better than the 4038 but that is to be expected when all the acoustic filtering is removed during mods.
This small body mic has other benefits - has less mechanical resonance than its big bodied brother and is easier to place. |