Gee. I wonder whether the board replacement kit represents good value for his hard earned brass. It replaces the entire original circuit for a whopping $129, which is double the cost of a used MSL990, and not that far from double the cost of a new one. The cost of a replacement capsule ranges from $120 (Arienne Audio) and $160 (MicParts) for a total cost exceeding $300. Would we (he and I) not be better served spending $300 on a new Sennheiser MK4, AKG C214, Shure Beta 27, Shure SM27, or another really good mic in that price range? While it obviates the heady sense of self-satisfaction one gets from a successful home brew project, I suspect the overall performance of one of these microphones exceeds that of the rebuilt MXL990. I presume the capsules, circuits and bodies of these models outperform the modified MXL990. Or am I missing something?
Considering the number of experts who say the capsule is 95% of the final sound, and the circuit board contributes only 5% to the final sound, I wonder whether the original poster would be better served with just a capsule upgrade, which could provide a substantial improvement at a much lower cost. It seems, to me, a rather high price for such a modest improvement.
I do NOT intend to rain on the gentleman's DIY parade, but I seriously wonder whether the circuit kit provides enough improvement to warrant its hefty price tag. Would it truly represent good value overall? (... notwithstanding the kit building experience.)
Therefore, I as to the original poster, I sugget a capsule upgrade and not a full kit, saving the balance of the cost for a higher quality microphone or a more cost-effective rebuild that would produce a more substantial improvement at lower cost later.
Or am did I miss something along the trail? James