Large Diaphragm Capsule Head for SDC Bodies

[Michael_Joly]

Michael Joly, award-winning microphone engineer and founder of OktavaMod has announced the MJE-K47H large diaphragm capsule head for small diaphragm bodies. The MJE-K47H (Michael Joly Editions, K47-type LDC capsule head) attaches to popular SDC mic bodies such as the 603/604, CM-90, 180/185, M39, 404 and A51SC-T.

The MJE-K47H capsule head allows recordists to convert their small diameter microphone to a large diaphragm mic with classic “47” style midrange-rich timbre for sibilance-free vocals, punchy acoustic guitar tracks and big-sounding drum overheads.

The K47 capsule used in the U 47 and other classic Neumann mics is one of the most revered large diaphragm capsules ever made - its spectral response provides rich upper bass, very low phase shift mids and a gentle presence peak followed by a natural top end free of exaggeration. Some of the greatest vocal tracks of all time were cut with talent singing into a K47 capsule.

The new MJE-K47 capsule is the result of Joly’s search to find a specialized capsule manufacturer that could produce a K47-type capsule to his specifications for timbre voicing, electro-acoustical performance, quality control and price. The MJE-K47 capsule tracks an actual K47 capsule response within +/- 1.5 dB across the entire operating frequency range for true-to-original fidelity.

The MJE-K47H headbasket design is the result of Joly’s long term research into headbasket acoustics. The headbasket uses a classic, non-parallel shape to avoid standing wave coloration and features his signature single-layer grille design for maximum acoustic transparency with fast and accurate transient response. In addition, the dimensions of the headbasket were chosen to provide an extra touch of the lower-midrange presence that has become a hallmark Michael Joly’s signature sound.

The MJE-K47H capsule head employs a unique “body cone” that creates a secure fit between capsule head and pencil mic body – the mic body is held captive by both the capsule head threads plus the body cone’s friction fit. The body cone has an internal rubber fitting that prevents marring the surface of the pencil mic when it is screwed into the capsule head. The body cone also acts as a shock isolation barrier to reduce transmission of mechanical noise to the capsule.

Every MJE-K47H capsule head is individually assembled by hand and personally tested by Michael Joly in his boutique microphone studio and lab in Springfield, Massachusetts. Each capsule head comes with a signed and dated Certificate of Performance that includes the capsule’s individual anechoic chamber frequency response curve.

Several different package configurations of the MJE-K47H will be available: The MJE-K47H Stereo Set: aluminum carrying case, two MJE-K47H capsule heads, two shock mounts and empty spaces for two user-supplied pencil mic bodies and four small diaphragm capsules; the MJE-K47H Mono Set – aluminum carrying case, one MJE-K47 capsule head, one shock mount and empty spaces for one user-supplied pencil mic and two small diaphragm capsules; and the MJE-K47H Solo – a single capsule head only.

The three package types can be purchased as listed above, or users can send their mic pencil mics to Michael Joly to be modified then be returned within a MJE-K47H Stereo or Mono Kit to make a complete, world-class small and large diaphragm microphone package.

Consistent with Michael Joly’s strategy of providing cost-effect upgrade paths to recordists, the MJE-K47H capsule head packages allows them to grow their microphone lockers sensibly and economically – by adding large diaphragm capsule heads to the small diaphragm mic bodies they already own.

The MJE-K47H packages are available direct from Oktavamod - Your trusted source for modified microphones or Michael Joly Editions - Affordable Boutique Mics and more. Prices start at $349 for the MJE-K47H Solo. Available 4th quarter 2009. See web site to obtain special limited time, pre-release discount.

[Brad McGowan]

Damn, you've outdone yourself Michael. This looks bad ass! I want one. No make that two.

Will it fit the Oktava MC012 bodies as well?

Brad

[Michael_Joly]

Thanks Brad! I've been working on it for quite a while.

The MJE-K47H capsule head is designed to fit the popular 22 mm pencil mics (603, 604, CM-90, etc etc) and does not fit the Oktava MK-012. Oktava (and others) offers some nice capsule heads for their '012 bodies.

I wanted to concentrate on offering an after-market product for mics that do not have LDC heads.

[Brad McGowan]

Thanks for the clarification. This looks very exciting.

Brad

[Tomer1]

Brilient idea,
So it all comes down to which cheap SDC offers the best components...

[Michael_Joly]

The ones that are modified

But seriously, my capsule head will work with stock 22mm bodies just fine.

[flute player]

Michael,

What combination will give the most sound improvement with this body.
I am not aware with only the SDC numbers you are naming.
Can you be more specific.
I have heard the sound samples and seen the poll.
Congrats with that result.
Sound samples on my website are again made with the modded MK319

greetz,

Paul

[LaLaFaV]

Michael,
Will these work with the cheaper ADK SC-1?
You mentioned the ADK A51SC-T...

[drBill]

Nice Michael! If they sound like the caps you're puttin in the modded mics, you should sell a boatload of them!! Congrats!

bp

[illacov]

Looks like Mike should start offering a sub mini tube mod for the MXL, ADK, Apex SDCs and then you'd have something like those bayonette RFT mics with tube preamp bodies with a K47 head!

In the meantime, the 603 has some pretty easy mods that can be done to the existing circuit which would merge well with the K47 capsule. I know that the MXL 990 has a really great pairing with darker capsules like the MK319, once you mod the circuitry in the 990 to have a much more open top end and transient response!

Peace
Illumination

[rumleymusic]

Do you know if it will fit the Rode NT5/NT55?

[column17]

Would these capsules work with the Groove Tubes GT33/GT44 bodies?

[flute player]

So ones again the question to specify all mics that are suitable for this capsule.

[Michael_Joly]

The MJE-K47H uses the same capsule that faired so well in Dr. Bill's recent "Mic Mod Madness Shootout" and is designed to work with 22 mm diameter SDC mic bodies. Some of these are:

MXL 603 / 604, CAD GXL1200, Nady CM 90, Apex 180/185, AMT 404 and ADK A51. Its almost impossible to keep up with all the various brand iterations of this mic design. If you have a mic other than the ones listed above, and it has a screw-on capsule, remove the capsule and measure the diameter of the body tube at the threads. If it measures 22 mm there is a good chance the MJE-K47 capsule head will work. The ADK SC-1 is specified as having a "20 mm capsule" - I believe this refers to the diaphragm diameter, but the body of this mic looks like a standard 22 mm China-manufactured mic. Perform the measurement above.

The variables that might prevent my new capsule from working with an SDC not listed above are - the body tube is 22 mm but the thread cut is slightly larger or smaller than the mics listed above and thus would prevent the capsule head from attaching properly. Second issue is the recessed depth of the spring-loaded capsule contact pin - it may be too far forward or too recessed to make proper contact with the capsule head connection point.

I would be happy to evaluate any "MXL 603 type" SDC mic (22 mm, tapered XLR connector) not listed above for suitability with the MJE-K47 capsule head and pick up the shipping both ways for the opportunity to do this. Send me an email if you're interested.

[SANDS]

wow, nice job

[McPhaul]

Originally Posted by column17

Would these capsules work with the Groove Tubes GT33/GT44 bodies?

+1 on the GT44

[Michael_Joly]

Originally Posted by flute player

Michael,

What combination will give the most sound improvement with this body.
I am not aware with only the SDC numbers you are naming.
Can you be more specific.
Paul

Hi Paul! I just checked the Thomann site for T.Bone mics. It appears none of them are the exact same mic my MJE-K47H capsule head works with. The two points: body must be 22mm, XLR connector must have a taper at the cable end.

[column17]

Haven't had a chance to remove the capsule and measure, but since the Groove Tubes GT33/44 mics don't have the tapered body near the xlr does that mean I can rule it out?

[Michael_Joly]

Probably so. The GT-33 is spec'd at "3/4" inch while the mics I designed the MJE-K47H for are 22mm (.866") so it is likely they are indeed different body / thread dimensions.

[mastermix]

I take it the M39 is the Cascade?

If so, dayum, another thing to buy...

[meestro]

Hello Michael,

I am highly interested in these for stereo overheads. I have a quick question regarding quality of SD mic, as well as features in the SD mic base and how they might translate w/ the modified capsule...

My Peluso CEMC6 has a pad and cut on it. Will these still function properly with your LD capsule?

Does the quality of the base SD mic make much a difference? Would there be a discernible difference between my Peluso's and say a Nady or Apex w/ your capsule upgrade? Just thinking if I should pick up a couple cheap pencil mics for this, or use my existing Pelusos (which I could use on hats, or other things).

Thanks!

[vonrichter]

Anyone have sound examples of this on vocals?

[Michael_Joly]

Originally Posted by meestro

Hello Michael,

I am highly interested in these for stereo overheads. I have a quick question regarding quality of SD mic, as well as features in the SD mic base and how they might translate w/ the modified capsule...

My Peluso CEMC6 has a pad and cut on it. Will these still function properly with your LD capsule?

Does the quality of the base SD mic make much a difference? Would there be a discernible difference between my Peluso's and say a Nady or Apex w/ your capsule upgrade? Just thinking if I should pick up a couple cheap pencil mics for this, or use my existing Pelusos (which I could use on hats, or other things).

Thanks!

Two requirements - 1.) The Peluso CEMC6 capsule must be physically interchangable with an MXL 603. 2.) The switches must not protrude from the body of the CEMC6 or if they do, the must do so at a point on the CEMC6 body that is below the bottom "body cone" of the MJE-K47H capsule head. If you want to send one of your CEMC6 mics to me for evaluation I'll pick up the shipping cost. Just email me.

All of the MXL 603 etc mics use the same circuit inside so I recommend getting the least expensive models, the Nady CM-90 or CAD GXL 1200 to use with the MJE-K47H capsule head. The Premium Electronics upgrade will improved bass response, lower midrange distortion and offer smoother top end compared to the stock body electronics.

Originally Posted by vonrichter

Anyone have sound examples of this on vocals?

Uncle_Duncan might have some. See his review here. I just been so busy filling orders that I havn't had the time to support all my new products and mods with sound samples. I need a dedicated assistant just to handle this activity!

[Blinddot]

Hello Michael

I'm wondering if you have ever thought about a dual-diaphragm version with a cardiod/omni switch

It would be very tempting indeed!

[Finnish]

How much is the new head for Rode NT1000? And how to get it in Europe (Finland)?