MCA SP1 Microphone mods, If any....

Anyone have any mods for these mics. As far as I understand it is the same capsule as the 603. SD capsule. If there are no mods for the electronics can I use this capsule in a G7 varient or should I only use LD capsules for the G7?

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I just partially recapped my MCA SP1. Replaced all .22uf caps and .022 caps with polyester because I had some of those around. This really has opened this mic up as far as I can tell with my voice, I can't sing though. I think if I replace the 1000pf caps with polystyrene caps I may be on to something. This mic was very gritty sounding to me at first, now it is a lot smoother. i think this is the same capsule as in the 603 if I am not mistaken. I may now find some uses for this mic.

What kind of circuit does this have? Can you put up some pics?

it's a fet circuit, not sure of the exact type. As soon as I get my new digital camera I will post pics.

[quote author="jeroddumas"]it's a fet circuit, not sure of the exact type. [/quote]

It is a Schoeps circuit, found in many mics--MXL603, 990, 991, and many others. The mods would be essentially the same, with an exception that there is much more room for good quality 1-2.2MF film caps.

Not to hijack the thread, but I have an MXL2001 can these be mod'ed also?

Is there any websites that show how to dissassemble the MXL mics?
(there is no screws showing externally)

Not to hijack the thread, but I have an MXL2001 can these be mod'ed also?

Is there any websites that show how to dissassemble the MXL mics?
(there is no screws showing externally)

Not to hijack the thread, but I have an MXL2001 can these be mod'ed also?

Is there any websites that show how to dissassemble the MXL mics?
(there is no screws showing externally)

I have one of the mca pieces of junk. I upgraded the caps sounds a little better still crap.

I think that side address small dia stuff in a big grill is not a good design. Who started this and why?.

The baffle ring and grill refections are the problems my ears don't like that. The capsule was designed without a baffle I would think.

the capsule looks like one in a 603 but mine does not sound good, overloads to easy I think maybe the tension is not enought.

I don't know Gus. My microphone sounded like pure crap before I upgraded some of the caps. Now it is usable. Maybe you have a bad one? i don't know. i mean it doesn't sound like a high grade mic, but it sounds more like the other shanghai ics now. I can't wait untiol i get my G7 done though.

Not to hijack this thread, but I want to add more input. Yeah, it's totally a piece of junk, but for $50 can you really complain? I've embraced it's lack of detail and veiled, rounded, sound for certain applications and like it better than some of the comparable MXL mics - including the 1006 which has the EXACT same circuitry. If I had real mics in my home studio I would get rid of it. In the dirt cheap LDC department I don't think you can beat a CAD, particularly the M179. With upgrades it might sound even closer to a 414 or something like that. I think I'll try some mechanical mods around the capsule first.

[quote author="Gus"]I have one of the mca pieces of junk. I upgraded the caps sounds a little better still crap.

I think that side address small dia stuff in a big grill is not a good design. Who started this and why?.

The baffle ring and grill refections are the problems my ears don't like that. The capsule was designed without a baffle I would think.

the capsule looks like one in a 603 but mine does not sound good, overloads to easy I think maybe the tension is not enought.[/quote]

I agree with gus on this one. I had one that I temporarly moded into a tube mic, but it didn't really sound too good. Then I took the capsule out and mounted it in an old Peavy handheld body with a big open grill and the sound was so much better. I think the baffle and the grill really kill the capsules potential in that mic.

[quote author="RedHouse"]Is there any websites that show how to dissassemble the MXL mics?(there is no screws showing externally)[/quote]
Disassemble the MXL mics by twisting the bottom of the body near the XLR connector. You'll notice that it's a separate piece which unscrews anti-clockwise.

Family Hoof
Disassemble the MXL mics by twisting the bottom of the body near the XLR connector. You'll notice that it's a separate piece which unscrews anti-clockwise.

Click to expand...

Thanks, that did it.

BTW, sorry about the multiple posts folks, I was getting some kind of database error yeaterday and I tried to repost unknowing it was actually working.

Find a real good kk47 capsule and use a good tube transformer circuit.

FWIW I like the look and specs of the new E49.