WTB: Tube Vocal Microphone (on a budget)

johnbegone · Post by **johnbegone** » Wed Jul 10, 2013 3:34 pm

Looking to pick up a tube vocal mic, something that will get me closer to that 3D sound of the C12 that I adore so much. Really interested in mics like the Stellar CM6 and the MXL Genesis. That 300-700 price point is where I'd like to be.

I'll consider trading an AKG C414 XLS towards it as well (plus or minus cash). Let me know what you've got.

Thanks!

UPDATE: I found a used Stellar CM6 so I am all set.

honkyjonk · Post by **honkyjonk** » Wed Jul 10, 2013 6:18 pm

Well,

I don't know how handy you are, but there's this project which would probably come in under $700

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=51377.0

agershon · Post by **agershon** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:02 am

plz delete double post

agershon · Post by **agershon** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:02 am

Or this http://www.avantonepro.com/Avantone-CV- ... phone.html

johnbegone · Post by **johnbegone** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:04 am

Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that clone project. I don't think I'd trust myself to build that but it looks amazing. I've done some DIY fuzz pedals and a re-amp box, but those kits cost less than $50.

Something to think about though, for sure.

vvv · Post by **vvv** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 12:28 pm

You could UTSF here for a cuppla threads (well, at least one) where Jim Williams posts about getting a close to C12 sound. One thread is here.

I believe he used capsules from here to modify an Apex 460.

EDIT: fixed link.

Gregg Juke · Post by **Gregg Juke** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 5:44 pm

Probably any Michael Joly mod.

Not for nothing, but I A-B'd a C12 with the Sterling tube mike that I have, and chose the Sterling (and I went to GC to "buy a C12").

GJ

idylldon · Post by **idylldon** » Fri Jul 12, 2013 11:30 am

Find yourself an MXL V77. One of the best low-dough vocal mics I've heard. When they come up on ebay, they usually sell for less than $200.

Cheers,
--
Don

Gregg Juke · Post by **Gregg Juke** » Fri Jul 12, 2013 12:33 pm

Actually, I have a V67 with Scott Dorsey mod-- in many situations it is outstandingly perfect. But it's not a tube mike, which is what the OP was asking about. I'm not sure about the V77 though...

GJ

ott0bot · Post by **ott0bot** » Fri Jul 12, 2013 10:47 pm

I highly recommend the M-Audio Sputnik. Great clear & presents tone without harshness, and handles sibilance quite well. Great reviews online and in tapeOp.

Once for sale on tomb for $400:
http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=83404

johnbegone2 · Post by **johnbegone2** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 10:43 am

Thanks for all the responses, unfortunately my main account is listed as "inactive" because I changed my email address on my account and never got the email to confirm it. So if you've sent me a PM, I'm really sorry because I haven't seen it. I've emailed the admin's twice about it, so hopefully they'll be able to help me unlock that account.

Anyway, this has been really helpful and has inspired a lot more research for me. I hadn't ever seen that Avantone but that got me looking at similar options from Advanced Audio as well as the base Apex 460 that can be modded. Those seem like great options, though I may have found a lead on a Stellar CM6 and I think that might fit the bill best. If you've got something for sale, please PM that to me here or email me at john@johnbscott.com Thanks!

idylldon · Post by **idylldon** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 11:15 am

Gregg Juke wrote:Actually, I have a V67 with Scott Dorsey mod-- in many situations it is outstandingly perfect. But it's not a tube mike, which is what the OP was asking about. I'm not sure about the V77 though...

GJ

The V77 is a tube mic and is perhaps one of the best MXL mics ever made.

Cheers,
--
Don

johnbegone · Post by **johnbegone** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 6:06 pm

My main account got reactivated so feel free to message me here again or the email from above.

Those MXL mics have always interested me. I have a 990 that obviously sucks but the V series seems cool. I'll check out the ones you guys suggested.

getreel · Post by **getreel** » Sun Jul 14, 2013 7:30 am

I have a V69M for sale here on TOMB. It's not exactly what you're talking about, but it is inexpensive.

johnbegone · Post by **johnbegone** » Mon Jul 15, 2013 10:48 am

So, the update is that I just bought a mod kit and RK-47 capsule from microphone-parts.com for my MXL 990 which hasn't seen any use in 7 years. Figured for $150 I might get some Neumann flavor out of that for home use.

I'm still in the market for a higher end tube mic in the C12 variation. If this mod goes well, my next step will probably be to pickup a cheapo tube mic like one of the MXL's or the Apex 460 and start modding that. Should be fun. In the mean time, let me know what you've got in terms of ready-to-go mics or mod worthy tube mics.

I'd still love to grab one of the Stellar mics if anyone has one for sale, my deal fell through for now.

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WTB: Tube Vocal Microphone (on a budget)

WTB: Tube Vocal Microphone (on a budget)

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