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I'm looking into getting a new modded MK-319 mainly for vocals, and I'm wondering what people have to say about them or if anyone here has a song I could listen to in which the singer uses one of these.

Any recommendations would be helpful!

Thanks

Comments

Davedog Wed, 10/10/2007 - 17:02

I have not heard a modded one. My interest in this is also peaked...

I have an older Russian made one that was obviously built on a Wednesday since, other than the amount of output, it sounds suspiciously like my early 80's Neumann U87.

I wouldnt mod this one at all but would like another simply for 'something different' and also because I cant help myself......... :shock:

RemyRAD Wed, 10/10/2007 - 21:08

Why purchase a microphone only to have it modified? This is kid stuff. Especially if you're dreaming about cheap Russian microphones. Can I interest you in a good used powerplant in Russia? Three of the four reactors are still working. You'll need to modify #4 since somebody poured concrete into it. WTF? What were they thinking? All you have to do is wash it off into the ocean and let the fish deal with it. I think it would be really cool to have some vodka that would make you glow-in-the-dark after you consume it. Wouldn't the kids love that? I think it would be really spectacular to watch one of you guys write your name in the snow after drinking that vodka? Talk about a hot knife through butter.

Not your mother's vodka
Ms. Remy Ann David

PS
I recommend a Shure SM58 for you since it already sounds good on vocals.

ecc83 Fri, 10/19/2007 - 05:18

mic, sort of,

I have not logged in for a while, prob' be a while 'till I do again!

Why anyone would reccomend a dynamic when the whole question is about an LDC I cannot fathom.

If the "pros" are going to comment in the noobs area they should leave their egos and "habits" out of it.

Dave.

RemyRAD Fri, 10/19/2007 - 10:02

Well geez, Dave, strangely enough some of us professionals, might try to direct some folks into the use of certain other technologies that we feel are more beneficial to them. Small diaphragm condenser microphones all sound like small diaphragm condenser microphones and are just one of the many flavors of microphones available. People at the beginnings of their careers may be confused why a professional would recommend a dynamic when the question was about a small diaphragm condenser microphone " modification". Obviously, you are in that camp.

Bottom line is, with a cheap Russian or Chinese made product, quality control is rather dubious. You might get a good sounding capsule? You might get a crappy sounding capsule? So any modifications to a microphone with a crappy capsule is still a crappy capsule microphone with modifications. And what sense does that really make? Not much. You'll still be disillusioned by the lack of sound quality you think you should be getting. With something as inconsequential as an SM57/58/56, any of those, you absolutely know what you're getting. Known sonic textures that can be relied upon. Learn how to make superior recordings with a bag full of SM57/58's and you'll learn how to be a really good engineer without screwing around with modifications.

I'm sure there are some simple modifications that can and do perhaps improve the performance of cheap small capsule condenser microphones. Even people like George Massenburg, back in the 1970s, for instance, he liked the Neumann KM 84 microphones. But he did not like their electronics. He liked the capsule. So he had custom electronics designed for his KM 84 capsules which are probably more reminiscent of the KM 184 today? Is this a modification for a newbie, inexperienced beginner? Absolutely not! And thus, my reason for changing " directional patterns" within this thread.

I purchase something for the way that it sounds. Not to modify it because I can't afford better stuff. That's what you're supposed to save your money for. Like we all have. That's simple math. Practical sensibilities in the recording industry seem to be diminishing exponentially. I learned from an old world practical engineer and I'm passing on that old world practical knowledge to others. Sorry you haven't gleaned anything from my over 38 years of experience in professional broadcasting and recording at the highest level. Obviously, you already have all the answers? You must have gone to a "recording school"? Were they teach you that ribbon microphones are noisy. (i.e. "Full Sale")

Always making good noise
Ms. Remy Ann David