U87 is this a mod?

[TBlack]

I just bought a 72 U87 and compared it to to another that's around the same year. Is this a mod and if so any idea who did it? My U87 is the first and third photo.

[yotonic]

It looks like someone modded the HF attenuation/filters to make it a little more open. That entails replacing the polystyrene capacitor that you are noticing as well as the value of one of the red WIMAs that you may not have noticed. It's a pretty common mod that a lot of people do and it's reversible.

Does it sound a little more open in the high end? Have you used them both on the same vocal?

[Marcocet]

Looks like they removed part of the battery holder as well. Maybe to make room for some other mod they tried?

Anyway it looks fairly close to stock. How's it sound?

[Fletcher]

From the photos - one capacitor seems to be missing from photo two and one seems to have been added to photo 4... why - I'd have no idea... but as mentioned - give them a listen and hear if you like them.

[TBlack]

It (pics 1 and 3) definitely sounds more "open" than the the other U87. It sounds good. But at that age I'm sure they all sound different depending on what they've been through.

Any idea who did the mod or is it too common as yotonic said? Also any mod recommendations in the LA area with not too long of a waiting list?

[yotonic]

What do you want to mod? The other 87 to open it up as well? If so it's really simple follow the link below to order the two parts and you or anyone who can solder can do it for you, doesn't need to be a mic tech. Isn't quite as easy as changing a tube but nothing requiring you to leave your mic with a tech for 3 months.

Simply replace the small red WIMA cap and the clear polystyrene cap with these:

.047uf 250v
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/...QxyWTRiQ%3d%3d

100pf 160v
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100pF-160V-5...item1c14fef74f

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by TBlack

I just bought a 72 U87 and compared it to to another that's around the same year. Is this a mod and if so any idea who did it? My U87 is the first and third photo.

I would send these photos to Martin Schneider at Neumann Berlin and ask him.

Or - post the question on the Neumann PinBoard and ask the question there posting the links to the pictures here.

John

[REX]

Changing the filter values on the HF is a very, very common mod on the 87. Not sure why you would need to contact Neumann. But to each his own. I know some people call the manufacturer before they even change a tube.