Really loved this video! I’ve been wanting to get the S87 Build kit. Watching your video really confirmed that I’m doing it. I feel like if I follow the instructions and not rush things I’ll be able to do it. Excellent video. Pace was great. Your speech was steady and easy to listen too. Very engaging. Thank you so much for sharing this :) blessings from Australia.
I went with the .01uF at C14 which was the manuals recommendation for the RK-87. I didn't notice as much of a rolloff as is mentioned in the manual but it was enough that the highs weren't as piercing.
True, but, in all fairness its not meant to compete with that. The circuit is nothing like a U87, just the capsule is similar. The mic as is though is REALLY good for the price. Id recommend it to anyone looking to get into building gear. Thanks for checking out the video!
I sincerely like your channel! I've been building a studio (but just a tracking 'scratchpad' in a basement) for 30 years.. I'm almost there. You've given me many things to think about. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Cool thanks for checking out the channel. Fun fact, the studio in the video is a basement studio in my home. I started back in ‘97 (different location) but we’re not too far off! If you have any questions feel free to hit me up!
The more mics i work on or build the more I'm finding that less to be true, especially with the newer, current line of mics. They're consistent as anything, which is what you're really paying for (tight quality control) but IMO, a new 87ai doesn't hold a candle to an older u87. The sound was just more rounded and smooth, the newer mics tend to be a little bright and forward (and not in a pleasing way). We gutted our AI and put a vintage circuit into it.
@@meistudiony That’s so intense.. That would be so scary .. Their still so expensive to just tear apart lol .. I’d just prefer to leave microphones in original condition.. It’s been a hard lesson personally. I’m sure your situation is different and obviously successful having a larger studio to cater for & diversity etc.. cheers 🎙
@@astralaudio101 i normally do as well. There was just something not right about the mic. It can easily be put back to original with minimal effort. Whenever i mod something i try my best to make sure the mod is reversible.
This is a great kit to get you started. The instruction booklet that comes with the mic is great and everything is very clearly and cleanly laid out! If you're looking to build a different mic, please, share your thoughts after you build yours!
ANYONE would be hard pressed to tell the difference on the upright bass. The piano was just rounder all-around with the original U87, but the S87 definitely competes for 1/6th the price. It's between an S3-87 and a TLM193 for me right now. Very tough decision.
Anything from Neumann that ends in a 3 im afraid of lol. The 103 is a nightmare to work with if you've ever had the dis-pleasure. Admittedly, I have not heard the TLM193. Interestingly, the two mics in the video only have a similar capsule in common. The circuit in the S-87 is a Schoeps type design and it handles the top end really nicely. I felt the S-87 had a bit more body than the U87, which was exactly what I was looking for. If you wind up going with the TLM193, please report back! Thanks for watching!
@@meistudiony Look into the 193. It's one of the flattest mics out there and takes EQ like a champ, but it doesn't sacrifice detail. Suuuper smooth. It's the -3 version of the TLM170. Basically identical to it in cardioid according to frequency response charts, but 1/3 the price and no switchable polar patterns.
Ive had 3 different mics from gtz. I would say the MP is definitely better quality. But the MP S87 isnt trying to be a U87. It just uses a K87 style capsule.
I do believe that I will cut my mic building cherry on a pair of these. I need them in my mic locker. I have LDC's but they are all tube except for one cheap MXL.. and I got it because I ordered the wrong thing (yea, old guys who need glasses, should not internet shop on their telephone) LMAO LMAO oh well.. it's a cool mic (for 100 bucks-- I was after another of the ribbon..the R44 I think or something like that). You are pretty good on that bass.. very cool groove lol.
Mic Parts kits are REALLY great! I have done 3 or 4 of them now and the documentation and quality are just top notch. Make sure you have a nice pointy tip soldering iron. Cant really use one of those gun ones, not fine enough to get up in there. As long as you follow the directions to a T, you'll have a really great mic that will punch way above its weight class price wise.
I may very well have forgotten to add it. (Still getting used to putting video together, it probably my least favorite activity lol) But i can do a follow up and make a quick test in the next week or so.
I’m building one of these S87’s for my senior project. Do you have a suggested temperature I should have my iron set to to ensure I don’t melt or damage any components?
Im usually between 6-700. (my irons max is 900 and im usually on like 3-4 out of 5) The only components you need to worry about are the inductors and FET for the most part. Make sure you have a nice clean tip and flow the solder on the tip as you bring the iron to the component. Should be able to make the solder joints on most parts within a second or two. The only ones you'll have to use more heat on is any connection thats on a ground plane (more surface area to heat up). Good luck, if you have any questions, let me know be happy to help.
Their stuff is really good for the money! We have a video coming up probably in jan of another one of their mods. Our Mini K47s get used for just about every piano session. Thanks for checking it out!
@@meistudiony Couldn't agree more. I've been very happy. Look forward to the Mini review if you do one in the future. I've been eyeing that and the Mini K87.
