You, my friend, have some of the best examples of how an electronic build should be laid out. Easy to understand, I play an idiot in my spare time, and fun to watch. The music, the pictures, the voice, all come together so well, it's hard not to watch. Loved every minute.
Hey there. thanks for an interesting yet quite technical video. Fascinating. I would seriously consider one of these kits. but, I'm confident I speak for many of us viewers in saying : Too technical to assemble. If most of the bits and pieces were mostly already soldered. With minimal assembling. then I personally would be happy to purchase and assemble a kit. I guess what comes to mind, is the saying : Good things don't come easy. It sounds Excellent. Thanks lovely Vocalist.
You my friend hit the nail on the head. I am working on releasing kits that only require soldering a few wires. The PCB is already fully populated. FIve wires and few other things and you are good to go. We are on the final part of getting everything together.
@@SoundSleuth That's excellent. I would like one absolutely. I reside in UK though. I think I may of heard your accent being USA. Either way. Best wishes.
great video. and when you said “lets go out in the field” i thought you meant to a recording studio, then you went to an actual field! 😄. srsly, great mic build instruction
WOW!! Thank You So Much🙏💐 This video is absolutely Professional and has beautiful calm, also with high quality footages and great knowledge Transfer method, You are Great Sir, and I'm really happy to learned this instructable. One of the few truly best Premium tutorial videos I've ever seen on UA-cam and also in my life. I really enjoyed the end piece, in fact this is more than a tutorial video, better to say really coming out of the heart into one video! God Bless You Sir, And Be Prosperous🙏
6:23 there's a typo, the audio is R5 and R15 but the screen has R5 and R9. I had to go through a few times to make sure I wasn't losing my mind. This is my first video of yours and I subscribed due to the excellent transfer of knowledge. Oh, and please tell Kady that I prefer her version.
Great video but if that whispering at the beginning of the video would have went on any longer I would have just shut the video off, there's a lot of people out there including myself who find ASMR and people whispering into a microphone to be very disturbing and creepy and super unpleasant to listen to I'm actually thinking about trying to build a microphone but on that super good at soldering so I'm not sure if I'm going to do it or not
Hooray, last weekend the boards arrived and I assembled two microphones with Rk-12 capsules. I used them to form the stereo atmosphere of the TV broadcast of MMA. The overall impression is a great sound. The only thing I didn't have time to solder the Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors since the delivery from mouser was later. But I really wanted to just hear them - super. An interesting detail on the first day of the broadcast, everything was just perfect, but on the second day, when changing the site on one of the microphones (with Gain +25 db), noise appeared (a slight crackle) - 63 dbfs and the signal became weaker by 9 db relative to the second, exactly the same. It was not critical, but unexpected. Now I'm waiting for new xlr connectors (the Chinese quality is just terrible) and I'll solder Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors to them, and then I'll listen and figure it out. But in general, I am insanely satisfied, thank you for your work!
The caps on the XLR are important. For the one that is glitching, make sure the housing is screwed together tightly and makes a good connection between the parts. Sometimes there is paint on the edges that causes an intermittent shielding connection.
Thank you for this incredible video I've been looking into diy mics for ages and was looking at trying to make an xlr variant of the diy perks diy usbsc mic and learned so much more :)
Hi there. Very interesting an awesome video. The mic builds are amazing! I would like to try and build a few of my own mics! Could you perhaps do a video on converting a cheap battery powered Lav like a Boya BY-M1 to allow powered connections to "plug in power" mics. I have a Rode Video Micro which is really awesome but you cannot connect it to a mixer directly to line in given that it requires plug in power. The Boya BY-M1 uses a tiny battery which allows it to work as a line in device but can also work with plug in power. Would be really cool to see if the circuit can be made into a "plug in power" system. So instead of a Lav mic at the end, it would instead have a 3.5mm female connector? Thanks again for the awesome content.
I was just curious if you were going to build a mic for voiceover which capsule would you pair with the alice circuit? I am probably going to go with the JLI Electronics capsules and I was thinking of doing the TSC 1 capsule but wasnt sure. I see they have the CK 12, RK 47, and 86U. Do you think it would be worth it to go for any of these over the TSC 1? Or even just go cheaper with the 2555BXZ3 and not even worry about the polarization board. I am just trying to weigh my options before starting the build. I know its different for everybody so I just wanted to ask if it were up to you and you were doing the build is it worth the extra money to upgrade from the TSC 1 or even the 2555BXZ3 to those more expensive capsules for voiceover? Can't thank you enough for all of these great videos.
Wonderful, definitely going to try and build this one! With the pre-assembled PCB's and parts from JLI this looks very doable, just a matter of assembly and soldering connections to the capsule, the XLR and between the inverter PCB and main board, am I right? Really want to try a dual output mic and use it with the Austrian Audio plugins (stereo creator and polar designer). Such a cool idea. Sadly can't find the mini U87 bodies anywhere. I will see if I can find a body somewhere. How do I know if it fits / mounts? I would prefer something relatively small and with a simple screw mount (so I can mount it without a shockmount), so it's easy to place in an ms or blumlein configuration and it won't be that wieldy. But I figure something out. Thanks for the great video!
@@SoundSleuth Thanks! Will hunt down a BM800 body for the easiest build first. Found a couple in the neighbourhood, but I don't need the desk-arm and other accessories. I would prefer a direct body mount instead of a shockmounted one. Will check the craigslist for a broken mxl or u87 first. Have a nice holiday!
@@SoundSleuth Yeah, I got all the parts and received the preassembled boards from JLI! I'm a noob in doing this kind of stuff, and I'm not sure which 22nF caps I should use for the EMI and RF noise suppression . I'm guessing 100V? (To cope with the Phantom Power, 2 x 48v?) I'm missing all the basics here I know.
Hey DJJules, I have a question from this build. I do not have the same base microphone that you did, but i have followed the build the same way and have a crafted finsged product. My question comes to audio interface, what would you recommend as I am still just getting into good audio recording/live streaming. Do i need an amplifier or does the phantom power from something like the Focusrite scarlet? Im lost when it comes to the other end of the xlr. I dont need a full answer, but if you can guide me to a place where i can start reading up on this would be just as great. There is a lot of information from all over and I dont know where to start without skipping anything.
Such a beautiful and full sounding mic - your singer is of course doing a great job as well. Really interested in building this. Are there any advantage to adding the trimpot to the hex inverter board?
Hi Jeff, I thought there would be which is why we included it. I never use them. The output is 80VDC and it adds just a few more dB signal to noise ratio to an already fantastic mic. With the "old school" style votage boosters in mics that used inductors, you could adjust upwards of 100VDC so they needed one much more and of course to allow for component tolerances that we dont have with this one.
Greetings, I am very interested in the previous mic build you are referring to @5:12. I've seen a video of yours with the "Alice" mic, is that what you were referring to? If so I see a few extra components in this diagram for both sides of the circuit. Mainly the capacitors and diode located at VCC_A1 and VCC_B1 and the once by VCC_A2 and VCC_B2. Can you let me know or point me in a direction to know what those do in for the circuit?
They are donor bodies I ordered from Aliexpress. U87 "clones". I discovered they were bronze material and cleaned the paint off. I've never been able to find them lije that afterwards.
Love the videos, but one question. You always seem to solder you 1G resistor high off the PCB, is that just down to the cost and being able to clip and reuse?
@@SoundSleuth ah, that makes sence. Is there a practice in industry to do anything like potting that with a non conductive epoxy to prevent first or condensation for accumulating over the years?
These are better. The noise floor is great and dynamic range is really good. I’m about to post specs I’m heading into a acoustic test chamber next Tuesday
Love the builds on your channel! I wonder how these would hold up against big brand condensers in an A/B shootout. I haven't found anyone that has done a comparison like that.
Love your work . I am a Neanderthal but if I wasn’t , I would try this build . So what is a price range for these complete kits ? T Hanks you made my day .
Hi, I am looking for a DIY condenser microphone. In Germany I only find the RK87 capsule at ebay. All other capsules are nameless. My goal ist to build a mic and a preamp with phantom power for less €. I will record ambient noise in a room setting. Can I use your build for that?
Can capsules with electrical connections on both sides (like the rk 47) be hooked up in single channel for cardioid pattern only if you just don't hook up the back side or do they still require dual channel boards?
I have the single sided mic board and voltage multiplier board. I don't understand where the connections to the mic capsule are made. Mic board signal - goes to the diaphragm of the capsule. But the capsule housing is ground right? does that connect to ground on the mic board. Then where does "pol" the polarization power connect on the capsule. There are only two "wires" on the capsule ??? Please help.
The Pol goes to the capsule common. That keeps the fixed plate or backplate of the capsule at the polarizing voltage. Because that is referenced to common ground between the two boards, there isn’t a “ground” connection to the capsule. The signal then goes into the OPA board.
@@SoundSleuth Thanks for the lightning fast reply - just to be clear : Pol - to - Capsule common. Vcc (Voltage Multiplier) - to - Vcc1 (mic board). Gnd (Voltage Multiplier) - to - Gnd T(mic board). Sgnl (mic board) - to - capsule diaphragm GND (top of mic board)- Not Connected Vcc_2 (top of mic board) - Not Connected I hope I have this right - and once again thanks for your time and great plans etc.
@@SoundSleuth - finally got my capacitors (last component). Put them in today , packed it up and tested. Sounds Great! One of the most fun and straightforward audio builds I have done (I have put together a bunch of modular synth kits in the past). Thanks for your help!
Her Name is Kady. I was a nuclear engineer the Navy, did sound on the side. Then product development and marketing for two Med Device companies. Sound has always been a passion of mine.
Ummm, I had to look this one up. Based on the selling price, there are probably corners cut on several things. Also, I am not sure what 22mm capsule you are referring to. I cant really suggest an upgrade path here.
Excuse me, but what audio interface or phantom power would I use, and can I have price ranges for both? not sure how you would connect this to a computer, thats my only problem
I use a Focusrite scarlett. I have owned multiple over the years and have the 18i20 now. Any two channel USB audio interface will work just fine as long as it has Phantom Power with it. Most do, but check the specs. They run about $100 to up in the thousands for multi channel studio ones. The Scarlett 2i2 is about 170 USD.
I understand basic circuitry but this seems like rocket science.What if i just buy the capsule to replace the capsule in my bm700 would it work,if yes then how much improvement can one expect?
Hi I would like to understand how much it will be in terms of savings. Currently building this microphone is around 70 euros for me in Italy, can you tell me how much would cost a similar mic already built?
@@lucasc5622 Sorry! I actually forgot to mention. I could do it. But the noise had increased a bit. By the way, I'm currently using the cheap AKG P120. It has more self noise than other microphones. As you surely know, it has 3 female pins. The way you used 4x 22nF on 5 pins to make the True Condenser Microphone, would it benefit this AKG's microphone? Please answer me- If you are sure of it. Or give me any other advice to reduce its noise. Thank you!
I really want to draw your attention... Firstly , where can I find the schematic diagram of preamplifier circuit... Secondly, why are we using opamp , we can also make a preamplifier using JFETS and BJTS which are perfectly linear for acoustic range..... Whereas OPamps are too harsh in higher frequencies, ..... I would like to request you to make another part of this video using High end jfets and bjts.... Hope you'll do this
Roshan, this is part of an Instructable which has the schematics and a lot more information. It is here: www.instructables.com/True-Condenser-OPA-Mics/ I already have built mics using JFETs and BJT's that is here: www.instructables.com/Modify-a-cheap-LDC-Condenser-microphone/ I'm not sure what you mean by "Harsh" The whole reason I went to an opamp is the dwindling availability of good JFETS and BJT's They are a dying breed. Not because they are bad, because no one is using them in new designs so it is a supply. and demand thing. Oh, and that Opamp? It is really good and all the JFETS and BJT's are all inside it. :-)
You wire the metal housing of the capsule to the polarizing voltage "POL" on the hex inverter.The saddle for the capsule insulated it from the mic body.
It seems no one else has asked, maybe you state it in the video but I can't find it. Is there an estimate of the total cost of building one of these mics? I'm trying to price out a u87 clone build or buy. Not sure what route to take. My aim is for the closest approximation at the lowest cost. I'll put in the hours if necessary.
Here is a breakdown. U87 style donor body (search Aliexpress) $50-$75, the TSC-1 capsule $30, the two PCB's from JLI $60. All in $165 or so. Well worth it. I just built a pair for my college kid who is in a band. His bandmates were amazed.
@@SoundSleuth thanks so much for the replies. Is the TSC-2 closer to the full sound of a u87 than the TSC-1 because of the flexibility of the polar patterns? I guess it doesn't have to be exact, I just want a voiceover and vocal mic that has a rich full tone. Cardioid is enough. Would love to see an A/B comparison with a TSC-1, TSC-2, and a factory Neumann u87.
@@SoundSleuth Very excited for this. Contemplating buying a Blue Baby Bottle SL, or just hanging onto what I have and getting ahold of the parts to build this and assembling during Christmas Break.
Hi. For building the microphone with the JLI-2555BXZ3-GP capsule what other parts should I get from jlielectronics? The OPA Alice - Single Channel and anything else? Thank you.
Yes. The 48V coming from phantom power supplies the OPA Board. At that point it is dropped to about 20VDC at the XLR input. The hex inverter takes the regulated 12V supply from the OPA board and turns it into a clean filtered bias voltage for the capsule.
@@SoundSleuth Okay, that's a lot! I'm going to try to use a Behringer C1 and gut it to replace the entirety of the electronics and turn it into a true condenser. Unfortunately, I've only worked with PC/laptop and guitar electronics in the past, so this is quite an adventure.
The 10K resistor and the 1nF capacitor form an RC circuit and the hex inverter is a schmitt trigger. It is ballparked at 100K but measures pretty close. www.changpuak.ch/electronics/datasheets/AN-118.pdf
I welcome you! Recently I have a great interest in diy microphones and very often people on forums refer to Alice. And now I'm glad I found you on pcbway and instructables For several days now, I've been watching videos, translating texts, and trying to figure it out. I have a few questions, please tell me: 1. Do I understand correctly that when using only Front capcul only, we get a cardioid orientation? 2. And when using Mix Front-Rear, we get an Omni orientation. 3. And with Mix Front-Rear out phase, we get a curly eight.
Is it true that using the "ORA Alice Dual Channel v1. 0" board and the TSC-1 membrane, we get a classic cardioid? At the same time, we use a 3Pin Male XLR in the microphone body, right?
@@SoundSleuth Thanks! I have a small question about the element base. You specified 4 pcs. 47uF 63V (667-EEU-EB1J470SJ) and 6 pcs. 47uF 35V (667-EEU-EB1J470SJ) - is this a typo and meant 6 pcs. 667-EEU-FC1V470? And the second question that confuses me. 12V Zener (78-TZX12D), but it's 12.45 volts. Is this true or use TZX12D-TAP-where exactly 12 volts
Hi there, I'm a little confused, on the Alice op amp circuit, there are 2 grounds is that correct? because on the simple schematic pdf seems its common ground, unlike the step by step pdf there are 2! Now regarding a single side condenser, the signal wire goes to the Alice input and the backplate (condenser ground) is connected to Bias voltage? Now I am using the phantom power to power the mic so first a go through a LDO to send the 12V to the hex for the 80V!! Please need some light! Thanks in advance!
Here are the DC voltages (and grounds). The incoming P48 is used to create 12VDC (actuall 11.8ish). The opamps need a split supply so we create a "virtual ground" that is half of that. That lets the opamps work normally. We also tie the 1Gig resistor to that. That actually biases the first opamp stage. Which puts 6VDC(ish) on the diaphragm of the capsule. We also take the 12VDC and use it to supply the Hex inverter. The output of that is about 80VDC filtered. That goes to the backplate, biasing the capsule. That gives about 75VDC in total across the capsule. Hope this helps.
@@ameliabuns4058 No worries, that is why I published everything. The kits are a way for me to make a little $ back and provide the PCB's already built.
@@SoundSleuth Didn't expect response that fast. I got it. Phantom power get's lost in cables and circuits, so you limit it at stable 12V using zener to ground, and than boost it to 80 using HEX. Brilliant.
EW! Ew! That saliva popping tongue crackling intro voiceover makes my hair stand on end! I don’t think I ever need a mic THAT sensitive, but I'm going to watch how to build one, y'know...in case. I can always EQ it down in reaper 😂
So this guy apparently knows about audio , But completely ruins his video by putting overly loud music over the top of the narration .... That's a great way to ruin a video , Is this video a narration video or a music video , I don't think he knows himself .... Anyway a few mins of trying to watch this was bad enough ... Click click , Gone else where ...👎👎👎👎
Hello! Please tell me if I want to use this capsule www.jlielectronics.com/microphone-capsules/jli-tyu-86u/ what to do with the fourth cable from the second membrane. As far as I understand, your scheme uses 3 cables, a front membrane, a rear one and a common third cable. I'm sorry if my question seems too stupid and naive, but I'm just starting to get to know this world.
This is a Great Capsule! I just Built a pair of mics with them. They are dual backplate. You could use separate bias viltage supplies but that isnt needed. Connect them both together and to the +Pol voltage from the Hex Inverter and then the other two just like the TSC-2. I really like these.
@@SoundSleuth Thank you, now I understand everything! Thank you. The printed circuit boards have already arrived to me. It remains to order electronic components.
You, my friend, have some of the best examples of how an electronic build should be laid out. Easy to understand, I play an idiot in my spare time, and fun to watch. The music, the pictures, the voice, all come together so well, it's hard not to watch. Loved every minute.
Thank you! Really appreciate the feedback!
lf there be an award to be bestowed for best mic build vid you should be the one to be doing it. Very eloquent presentation.
this video is a hidden gem, wish you guys did more
There is more coming!
Wish I could understand all of this in order to experiment and make my own builds. It just sounds so great that I want to do it myself.
I know it's kinda randomly asking but do anyone know of a good site to watch newly released movies online?
@Maxwell Jefferson thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D Appreciate it !
@Zane Dexter no problem xD
Amazing! There is literally no noise from microphone!
I built two! Thank you so much for the work you put into making great instructions and working with a good supplier (JLI).
Hey there. thanks for an interesting yet quite technical video. Fascinating. I would seriously consider one of these kits. but, I'm confident I speak for many of us viewers in saying : Too technical to assemble. If most of the bits and pieces were mostly already soldered. With minimal assembling. then I personally would be happy to purchase and assemble a kit. I guess what comes to mind, is the saying : Good things don't come easy. It sounds Excellent. Thanks lovely Vocalist.
You my friend hit the nail on the head. I am working on releasing kits that only require soldering a few wires. The PCB is already fully populated. FIve wires and few other things and you are good to go. We are on the final part of getting everything together.
@@SoundSleuth That's excellent. I would like one absolutely. I reside in UK though. I think I may of heard your accent being USA. Either way. Best wishes.
Just found you via instructables. Wow, what a cool channel you've created. I'm hooked.
Thanks!
I happen to know a bit of electronics myself, and i want to build one of this someday😊
thanks for the video!
You've done something truly wonderful here, thank you, I will build these!
Thank you!
what a great song ! :p
great video. and when you said “lets go out in the field” i thought you meant to a recording studio, then you went to an actual field! 😄. srsly, great mic build instruction
WOW!! Thank You So Much🙏💐 This video is absolutely Professional and has beautiful calm, also with high quality footages and great knowledge Transfer method, You are Great Sir, and I'm really happy to learned this instructable. One of the few truly best Premium tutorial videos I've ever seen on UA-cam and also in my life. I really enjoyed the end piece, in fact this is more than a tutorial video, better to say really coming out of the heart into one video!
God Bless You Sir, And Be Prosperous🙏
Thank you! That is such nice feedback. I really appreciate it?
6:23 there's a typo, the audio is R5 and R15 but the screen has R5 and R9. I had to go through a few times to make sure I wasn't losing my mind. This is my first video of yours and I subscribed due to the excellent transfer of knowledge. Oh, and please tell Kady that I prefer her version.
Wow! I will look into that. Appreciate the feedback!
This was brilliant! I just subbed! Looking forward to more great content from you. 👍
Thank you!!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing- wonderful job!
Great video but if that whispering at the beginning of the video would have went on any longer I would have just shut the video off, there's a lot of people out there including myself who find ASMR and people whispering into a microphone to be very disturbing and creepy and super unpleasant to listen to
I'm actually thinking about trying to build a microphone but on that super good at soldering so I'm not sure if I'm going to do it or not
Noted! Glad you continued the whispering was me trying to demo the mic. You can build one with minimal soldering with the PCB pre populated.
Hooray, last weekend the boards arrived and I assembled two microphones with Rk-12 capsules. I used them to form the stereo atmosphere of the TV broadcast of MMA. The overall impression is a great sound. The only thing I didn't have time to solder the Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors since the delivery from mouser was later. But I really wanted to just hear them - super. An interesting detail on the first day of the broadcast, everything was just perfect, but on the second day, when changing the site on one of the microphones (with Gain +25 db), noise appeared (a slight crackle) - 63 dbfs and the signal became weaker by 9 db relative to the second, exactly the same.
It was not critical, but unexpected. Now I'm waiting for new xlr connectors (the Chinese quality is just terrible) and I'll solder Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors to them, and then I'll listen and figure it out. But in general, I am insanely satisfied, thank you for your work!
The caps on the XLR are important. For the one that is glitching, make sure the housing is screwed together tightly and makes a good connection between the parts. Sometimes there is paint on the edges that causes an intermittent shielding connection.
Wooow excelente video ! Felicitaciones
Very informative and amazing Build Love it
There's my like but it's for her voice.
Огромное количество знаний и документов в описании, и это бесплатно...
Спасибо, попробую сделать свой микрофон
Nice build !!
Have tried installing a pattern switch allowing and using XLR connector?
I wonder what it would sound like.
I was searching this content since 5months,.... Thank you soooo much ❤️❤️💯
Thank you for this incredible video I've been looking into diy mics for ages and was looking at trying to make an xlr variant of the diy perks diy usbsc mic and learned so much more :)
Your welcome. He and I emailed back and forth, he got his idea from a few of mine. Quite the honor lol!
@@SoundSleuth oh wow!
Hi there. Very interesting an awesome video. The mic builds are amazing! I would like to try and build a few of my own mics!
Could you perhaps do a video on converting a cheap battery powered Lav like a Boya BY-M1 to allow powered connections to "plug in power" mics. I have a Rode Video Micro which is really awesome but you cannot connect it to a mixer directly to line in given that it requires plug in power. The Boya BY-M1 uses a tiny battery which allows it to work as a line in device but can also work with plug in power. Would be really cool to see if the circuit can be made into a "plug in power" system. So instead of a Lav mic at the end, it would instead have a 3.5mm female connector?
Thanks again for the awesome content.
I was just curious if you were going to build a mic for voiceover which capsule would you pair with the alice circuit? I am probably going to go with the JLI Electronics capsules and I was thinking of doing the TSC 1 capsule but wasnt sure. I see they have the CK 12, RK 47, and 86U. Do you think it would be worth it to go for any of these over the TSC 1? Or even just go cheaper with the 2555BXZ3 and not even worry about the polarization board. I am just trying to weigh my options before starting the build. I know its different for everybody so I just wanted to ask if it were up to you and you were doing the build is it worth the extra money to upgrade from the TSC 1 or even the 2555BXZ3 to those more expensive capsules for voiceover? Can't thank you enough for all of these great videos.
@@_stevek the TSC1 is my go to. Inexpensive and really good K67 clone
Great singing!
Wonderful, definitely going to try and build this one! With the pre-assembled PCB's and parts from JLI this looks very doable, just a matter of assembly and soldering connections to the capsule, the XLR and between the inverter PCB and main board, am I right?
Really want to try a dual output mic and use it with the Austrian Audio plugins (stereo creator and polar designer). Such a cool idea.
Sadly can't find the mini U87 bodies anywhere. I will see if I can find a body somewhere. How do I know if it fits / mounts? I would prefer something relatively small and with a simple screw mount (so I can mount it without a shockmount), so it's easy to place in an ms or blumlein configuration and it won't be that wieldy. But I figure something out. Thanks for the great video!
Everything will fit into a BM-800 Body. Just get a good one. I recommend a Neewer brand one.
Also fit in a lot of the MXL bodies.
@@SoundSleuth Thanks!
Will hunt down a BM800 body for the easiest build first. Found a couple in the neighbourhood, but I don't need the desk-arm and other accessories. I would prefer a direct body mount instead of a shockmounted one. Will check the craigslist for a broken mxl or u87 first. Have a nice holiday!
@@SoundSleuth Yeah, I got all the parts and received the preassembled boards from JLI!
I'm a noob in doing this kind of stuff, and I'm not sure which 22nF caps I should use for the EMI and RF noise suppression . I'm guessing 100V? (To cope with the Phantom Power, 2 x 48v?) I'm missing all the basics here I know.
@@Tije.O I use typically 63V as that is a standard voltage and above the 48V on phantom power.
@@SoundSleuth Thanks!
Nice build sir. 🎙️
Thank you!
Excellent video
Hey DJJules, I have a question from this build. I do not have the same base microphone that you did, but i have followed the build the same way and have a crafted finsged product. My question comes to audio interface, what would you recommend as I am still just getting into good audio recording/live streaming. Do i need an amplifier or does the phantom power from something like the Focusrite scarlet? Im lost when it comes to the other end of the xlr. I dont need a full answer, but if you can guide me to a place where i can start reading up on this would be just as great. There is a lot of information from all over and I dont know where to start without skipping anything.
I use a Focusrite Scarlett and ZoomF6's. Both work great. Anything that gives you P48 will be fine.
Do you still need the 5 pin to dual 3 pin breakout cable and a 5 pin XLR jack if you're just using a single channel capsule?
No, you only need that if your bringing both signals out. For a straight Cardioid, you are good with the three pin.
Such a beautiful and full sounding mic - your singer is of course doing a great job as well. Really interested in building this. Are there any advantage to adding the trimpot to the hex inverter board?
Hi Jeff, I thought there would be which is why we included it. I never use them. The output is 80VDC and it adds just a few more dB signal to noise ratio to an already fantastic mic. With the "old school" style votage boosters in mics that used inductors, you could adjust upwards of 100VDC so they needed one much more and of course to allow for component tolerances that we dont have with this one.
@@SoundSleuth Ahh that makes sense! I always forget how good we have it with modern component tolerances. Thanks for the answers - and all your work!
Wats the brand of this mic. please
For your explanation at around 9:40, could you possibly explain how I could modify my XLR microphone (3 pin) to reduce noise?
Yes. Tie two 22nF capacitors to pins 2&3 to pin1 at the XLR per this www.jlielectronics.com/content/Full%20CondenserRev3.pdf
Greetings, I am very interested in the previous mic build you are referring to @5:12. I've seen a video of yours with the "Alice" mic, is that what you were referring to? If so I see a few extra components in this diagram for both sides of the circuit. Mainly the capacitors and diode located at VCC_A1 and VCC_B1 and the once by VCC_A2 and VCC_B2. Can you let me know or point me in a direction to know what those do in for the circuit?
Dear friend, tell me, is there somewhere a list of all the parts from which the microphone was assembled?
Yes! www.jlielectronics.com/diy-microphone-kits/
what are those mic bodies? id like that for a build of these
They are donor bodies I ordered from Aliexpress. U87 "clones". I discovered they were bronze material and cleaned the paint off. I've never been able to find them lije that afterwards.
Wonderful!
Love the videos, but one question. You always seem to solder you 1G resistor high off the PCB, is that just down to the cost and being able to clip and reuse?
I do that so it can be cleaned. It’s one gig ohm so dirt, condensation, solder flux can mess that up
@@SoundSleuth ah, that makes sence. Is there a practice in industry to do anything like potting that with a non conductive epoxy to prevent first or condensation for accumulating over the years?
@@PigeonPrint not really. There are methods but no mic manufacturers that I know of do it.
This is awesome! How would one build a greater mic than a Blue or a Shure?
These are better. The noise floor is great and dynamic range is really good. I’m about to post specs I’m heading into a acoustic test chamber next Tuesday
@@SoundSleuth how did the testing go?
@@TheSlyMouse Very well, I'm still sorting out how to show the frequency response. The noise floor is 8-12 db lower than FET circuits.
@@SoundSleuth I appreciate your reply and look forward to hearing about the results if you decide to share
@@SoundSleuth Hi Jules, I hope you are OK. When you say "lower noise flor than FET capsule"are you referring to primo EM272 for example? Many thanks!
Love the builds on your channel! I wonder how these would hold up against big brand condensers in an A/B shootout. I haven't found anyone that has done a comparison like that.
They will totally stand up! Working on a making this happen.
您是一位非常让人敬佩的人
谢谢
@@SoundSleuth 谢谢你带给我们知识
Holy moley!
I need to get on top of building this! :0
Love your work .
I am a Neanderthal but if I wasn’t ,
I would try this build .
So what is a price range for these complete kits ?
T Hanks you made my day .
Funny you should say that. I’m working on kits right now.
Hi,
I am looking for a DIY condenser microphone. In Germany I only find the RK87 capsule at ebay. All other capsules are nameless. My goal ist to build a mic and a preamp with phantom power for less €. I will record ambient noise in a room setting.
Can I use your build for that?
Well Done!
Can capsules with electrical connections on both sides (like the rk 47) be hooked up in single channel for cardioid pattern only if you just don't hook up the back side or do they still require dual channel boards?
Yes, you can use just one side of the capsule and it will be Cardioid.
I have the single sided mic board and voltage multiplier board. I don't understand where the connections to the mic capsule are made. Mic board signal - goes to the diaphragm of the capsule. But the capsule housing is ground right? does that connect to ground on the mic board. Then where does "pol" the polarization power connect on the capsule. There are only two "wires" on the capsule ??? Please help.
The Pol goes to the capsule common. That keeps the fixed plate or backplate of the capsule at the polarizing voltage. Because that is referenced to common ground between the two boards, there isn’t a “ground” connection to the capsule. The signal then goes into the OPA board.
@@SoundSleuth Thanks for the lightning fast reply - just to be clear :
Pol - to - Capsule common.
Vcc (Voltage Multiplier) - to - Vcc1 (mic board).
Gnd (Voltage Multiplier) - to - Gnd T(mic board).
Sgnl (mic board) - to - capsule diaphragm
GND (top of mic board)- Not Connected
Vcc_2 (top of mic board) - Not Connected
I hope I have this right - and once again thanks for your time and great plans etc.
@@Mothara yes that is correct. Let us know how it goes. They are great mics
@@SoundSleuth - finally got my capacitors (last component). Put them in today , packed it up and tested. Sounds Great! One of the most fun and straightforward audio builds I have done (I have put together a bunch of modular synth kits in the past). Thanks for your help!
@@Mothara great to hear! Pun intended. And I started with a Synth Kit a looong time ago, PAiA electronics
Yep... That's exactly how it should be done. As far as I know...
Nice bro
Is there a different source for these TSC-2 capsules? Shipping to Europe costs as much as capsule itself. :(
I'm asking Transound about getting a EU/UK distributer.
Fun stuff!
where would i get a body for this if i want to build one myself, im extremly interested in buying and building one of these
Search AliExpress for U87. I’ve built 8 of these over the past few months.
I'm suscriber, Where can I see the diagrams?
They are in the instructable for this. See the description for the video.
@@SoundSleuth OK thanks Bro, you are the best
Can you provide the PCB schematic?
It is in the Instructable Step 2 here: www.instructables.com/True-Condenser-OPA-Mics/
Wow the singer is awesome , who is she? And what knowledge and degree you have to have to build mics?
Her Name is Kady. I was a nuclear engineer the Navy, did sound on the side. Then product development and marketing for two Med Device companies. Sound has always been a passion of mine.
@@SoundSleuth that’s really impressive, thank you for your educational videos 🙏😊
Is it advisable to upgrade the 16mm capsule in my Maono AU-A04 microphone to a 22mm capsule?
Ummm, I had to look this one up. Based on the selling price, there are probably corners cut on several things. Also, I am not sure what 22mm capsule you are referring to. I cant really suggest an upgrade path here.
Excuse me, but what audio interface or phantom power would I use, and can I have price ranges for both? not sure how you would connect this to a computer, thats my only problem
I use a Focusrite scarlett. I have owned multiple over the years and have the 18i20 now. Any two channel USB audio interface will work just fine as long as it has Phantom Power with it. Most do, but check the specs. They run about $100 to up in the thousands for multi channel studio ones. The Scarlett 2i2 is about 170 USD.
@@SoundSleuth Woooo! Thank you! I was actually looking, and the Scarlett 2i2 is going for about 120 right now. Thank you!
I understand basic circuitry but this seems like rocket science.What if i just buy the capsule to replace the capsule in my bm700 would it work,if yes then how much improvement can one expect?
The BM-700 does not supply capsule bid voltage so it won’t work by itself. You could use a capsule like the TSB2555B
@@SoundSleuth Thanks for the reply much appreciated.
Is there a way to build this without needing a breakout? How would i build one and be able to go 3 pin xlr straight out the mic?
Yes a single cardioid version. It’s in the video. If you are asking about an internal switch for cardioid, omni, figure 8, that’s a redesign
@SoundSleuth I believe thats what i was asking about. What would be different about the design? The circut board?
Hi I would like to understand how much it will be in terms of savings. Currently building this microphone is around 70 euros for me in Italy, can you tell me how much would cost a similar mic already built?
500-1000 Euros
@@SoundSleuth Thanks a lot! I will build my own then!
Hi I see u have the rk12 capsule would this work in the on the akg p420 board the wiring is 3 wire and I think it's also a fet.
I have not tried that but I imagine it would
Honorable Jules,
If I put both circuits in a box 1 meter away from the capsule, will there be any problem for audio quality?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
You would really have to shield it well and use really low capacitance wire… I haven’t tried that.
@@SoundSleuth
Then I will tell you the result after trying.
Thanks again! 🙂
@@nayeem.al-ghazee did you ever do it?
@@lucasc5622
Sorry! I actually forgot to mention.
I could do it. But the noise had increased a bit. By the way, I'm currently using the cheap AKG P120. It has more self noise than other microphones. As you surely know, it has 3 female pins. The way you used 4x 22nF on 5 pins to make the True Condenser Microphone, would it benefit this AKG's microphone?
Please answer me- If you are sure of it.
Or give me any other advice to reduce its noise.
Thank you!
You are awesome men you are the best
I really want to draw your attention...
Firstly , where can I find the schematic diagram of preamplifier circuit...
Secondly, why are we using opamp , we can also make a preamplifier using JFETS and BJTS which are perfectly linear for acoustic range.....
Whereas OPamps are too harsh in higher frequencies, .....
I would like to request you to make another part of this video using High end jfets and bjts....
Hope you'll do this
Roshan, this is part of an Instructable which has the schematics and a lot more information. It is here: www.instructables.com/True-Condenser-OPA-Mics/
I already have built mics using JFETs and BJT's that is here: www.instructables.com/Modify-a-cheap-LDC-Condenser-microphone/
I'm not sure what you mean by "Harsh" The whole reason I went to an opamp is the dwindling availability of good JFETS and BJT's They are a dying breed. Not because they are bad, because no one is using them in new designs so it is a supply. and demand thing. Oh, and that Opamp? It is really good and all the JFETS and BJT's are all inside it. :-)
@@SoundSleuth Can we get frequency response of this DIY version?
@@roshandev8604 I’m working on setting up a bench for this right now. Including being able to measure mic response, noise floor etc.
@@SoundSleuth Hope the results will be out soon🌻
If my capsule has only one positive wire, how do I wire it up?
You wire the metal housing of the capsule to the polarizing voltage "POL" on the hex inverter.The saddle for the capsule insulated it from the mic body.
do you need an extra board to make the bias work for a 34mm condenser capsule?
See the Instructable. All the technical info is there.
It seems no one else has asked, maybe you state it in the video but I can't find it. Is there an estimate of the total cost of building one of these mics? I'm trying to price out a u87 clone build or buy. Not sure what route to take. My aim is for the closest approximation at the lowest cost. I'll put in the hours if necessary.
Here is a breakdown. U87 style donor body (search Aliexpress) $50-$75, the TSC-1 capsule $30, the two PCB's from JLI $60. All in $165 or so. Well worth it. I just built a pair for my college kid who is in a band. His bandmates were amazed.
@@SoundSleuth thanks so much for the replies. Is the TSC-2 closer to the full sound of a u87 than the TSC-1 because of the flexibility of the polar patterns? I guess it doesn't have to be exact, I just want a voiceover and vocal mic that has a rich full tone. Cardioid is enough.
Would love to see an A/B comparison with a TSC-1, TSC-2, and a factory Neumann u87.
@@GrandmasterofWin I can do that. I am flying out for Thanksgiving. I will post a AB of all of them. I own a U87ai
@@SoundSleuth Very excited for this. Contemplating buying a Blue Baby Bottle SL, or just hanging onto what I have and getting ahold of the parts to build this and assembling during Christmas Break.
@@GrandmasterofWin here you go www.dropbox.com/s/9flbzyrmuykbraa/DIYMicShootOut.wav?dl=0
Why would you want to have two capsules sticked back to back, this would pickup noise from the rear side. Maybe this is not for solo.
Having a front and back lets you adjust the pattern in post figure 8 through Omni. This has been done for 60 years
Hi.
For building the microphone with the JLI-2555BXZ3-GP capsule what other parts should I get from jlielectronics?
The OPA Alice - Single Channel and anything else?
Thank you.
That and the capsule, you will be good to go.
Hello sir
Can I get that Gerber file of the PCB?
do I need the hex inverter if I can use 48V phantom power?
Yes. The 48V coming from phantom power supplies the OPA Board. At that point it is dropped to about 20VDC at the XLR input. The hex inverter takes the regulated 12V supply from the OPA board and turns it into a clean filtered bias voltage for the capsule.
@@SoundSleuth Okay, that's a lot! I'm going to try to use a Behringer C1 and gut it to replace the entirety of the electronics and turn it into a true condenser. Unfortunately, I've only worked with PC/laptop and guitar electronics in the past, so this is quite an adventure.
How did you calculate 100kHz oscillation?
The 10K resistor and the 1nF capacitor form an RC circuit and the hex inverter is a schmitt trigger. It is ballparked at 100K but measures pretty close. www.changpuak.ch/electronics/datasheets/AN-118.pdf
I welcome you! Recently I have a great interest in diy microphones and very often people on forums refer to Alice. And now I'm glad I found you on pcbway and instructables
For several days now, I've been watching videos, translating texts, and trying to figure it out.
I have a few questions, please tell me:
1. Do I understand correctly that when using only Front capcul only, we get a cardioid orientation?
2. And when using Mix Front-Rear, we get an Omni orientation.
3. And with Mix Front-Rear out phase, we get a curly eight.
You are correct with your understanding of the microphone patterns.
@@SoundSleuth Thank you very much! I continue to deal with the components for the order :-)
Is it true that using the "ORA Alice Dual Channel v1. 0" board and the TSC-1 membrane, we get a classic cardioid?
At the same time, we use a 3Pin Male XLR in the microphone body, right?
@@fastunovaudio yes that is correct
@@SoundSleuth Thanks! I have a small question about the element base.
You specified 4 pcs. 47uF 63V (667-EEU-EB1J470SJ) and 6 pcs. 47uF 35V (667-EEU-EB1J470SJ) - is this a typo and meant 6 pcs. 667-EEU-FC1V470?
And the second question that confuses me. 12V Zener (78-TZX12D), but it's 12.45 volts. Is this true or use TZX12D-TAP-where exactly 12 volts
Hi there, I'm a little confused, on the Alice op amp circuit, there are 2 grounds is that correct? because on the simple schematic pdf seems its common ground, unlike the step by step pdf there are 2! Now regarding a single side condenser, the signal wire goes to the Alice input and the backplate (condenser ground) is connected to Bias voltage? Now I am using the phantom power to power the mic so first a go through a LDO to send the 12V to the hex for the 80V!! Please need some light! Thanks in advance!
Here are the DC voltages (and grounds). The incoming P48 is used to create 12VDC (actuall 11.8ish). The opamps need a split supply so we create a "virtual ground" that is half of that. That lets the opamps work normally. We also tie the 1Gig resistor to that. That actually biases the first opamp stage. Which puts 6VDC(ish) on the diaphragm of the capsule. We also take the 12VDC and use it to supply the Hex inverter. The output of that is about 80VDC filtered. That goes to the backplate, biasing the capsule. That gives about 75VDC in total across the capsule. Hope this helps.
@@SoundSleuth Thanks much! So I can use the phantom power with a LDO to 12v for the Hex inverter!
@@BRISSH yes.
Hi where did you source the body and head basket?
I got it from AliExpress. Search for MyU87. I think the original vendor is out of stock 😞
wow
Does the TSC1 need the hex inverter too ?
Yes. It is also a “true” condenser. With only one diaphragm.
Can you share PCB files with us so we are not forced to go with PCBWay? ;)
A friend did these and he asked me not to. PCBWay is pretty reasonable
Do I need a phantom power or a preamp to make this mic work? Can I simply plug it on a pc by converting the XLR in a jack connector?
Yes, the circuit is powered via Phantom Power
how can I make a mic like this, but powered with USB
DIY perks has a video that makes a similar one. To be honest that is a much more complex projext
What's the brand of this mic
what is the ingredients for this ??
Can't find the microphone in Canada D:
There are kits available www.jlielectronics.com/diy-microphone-kits/
@@SoundSleuth still have to pay 30usd shipping, so it won't make a difference, and it'd be far cheaper to DIY the circuit anyways!
@@ameliabuns4058 No worries, that is why I published everything. The kits are a way for me to make a little $ back and provide the PCB's already built.
@@SoundSleuth oooh I see it’s your kit! My real issue is just the shipping cost (30-40) more than anything tbh
Why not 48V phantom power?
And, how exactly connect this (sorry).
Like is it 12v or 18v phantom power?
It uses P48. Phantom power
@@SoundSleuth Didn't expect response that fast. I got it. Phantom power get's lost in cables and circuits, so you limit it at stable 12V using zener to ground, and than boost it to 80 using HEX. Brilliant.
"Newman"?
LOOK THICCKKK
that background violin doesn't help, does it?
Do you mean the Cello I am using for background music? It was recorded with mics I built
No
that intro get you a dislike, i hate asmr and whisper but your video is good just the intro.
lol at least it is asmr with mics I built.
EW! Ew! That saliva popping tongue crackling intro voiceover makes my hair stand on end! I don’t think I ever need a mic THAT sensitive, but I'm going to watch how to build one, y'know...in case. I can always EQ it down in reaper 😂
So this guy apparently knows about audio , But completely ruins his video by putting overly loud music over the top of the narration .... That's a great way to ruin a video , Is this video a narration video or a music video , I don't think he knows himself .... Anyway a few mins of trying to watch this was bad enough ... Click click , Gone else where ...👎👎👎👎
Wow, I will take that on board for future videos. Balancing background music is always a challenge/taste. Guess you didn't like the balance.
probably a troll, music is well balanced here
Hello! Please tell me if I want to use this capsule www.jlielectronics.com/microphone-capsules/jli-tyu-86u/ what to do with the fourth cable from the second membrane. As far as I understand, your scheme uses 3 cables, a front membrane, a rear one and a common third cable. I'm sorry if my question seems too stupid and naive, but I'm just starting to get to know this world.
This is a Great Capsule! I just Built a pair of mics with them. They are dual backplate. You could use separate bias viltage supplies but that isnt needed. Connect them both together and to the +Pol voltage from the Hex Inverter and then the other two just like the TSC-2. I really like these.
@@SoundSleuth Thank you, now I understand everything! Thank you. The printed circuit boards have already arrived to me. It remains to order electronic components.