Studio Projects C1 and C3 Mic Mod Service

Is your C1/C3 too bright, sibilant, or hyped? We can fix it for you.

About the Mod

We'll install our "U87 EQ" circuit board, and a suite of other upgrades. The finished microphone will have higher sensitivity, lower distortion, lower self-noise, and a much smoother, unhyped high-frequency response.

See the video and hear the audio tracks on this page for demonstrations of the effects of the mod: Studio Projects C1 Circuit Mod: "U87 EQ".

The Gold Mod Option

The "Gold Mod" is our standard C1/C3 mod. We apply our "U87 EQ" circuit mod, upgrade selected components within the mic's circuit, and fine-tune the mic's frequency response. Your microphone then spends 24-48 hours on the burn-in rack. We do an acoustic sweep test before and after, then final audio testing.

The Platinum Mod Option

We have created a new, boutique version of our C1/C3 mod with a vintage voice. While conceptually similar to our standard C1/C3 EQ mod, this option uses a new and exclusive EQ PCB (which is not offered as a DIY kit), outfitted with matched NOS capacitors and NOS resistors. This option represents a new, updated version of our EQ circuit. 

In addition to the new EQ board, your C1/C3 will benefit from numerous component changes on the main audio PCB, with the goals of reducing noise, improving RF filtering, and injecting more sonic character.

Our Platinum mod involves a multi-step, interactive tuning process, where the entire EQ circuit topology is reworked and fine-tuned so that the finished mic matches our target frequency response.

While the Schoeps circuit on which the C1/C3 is based is not known as a "color" circuit, the changes incorporated into our Platinum mod give the mic a bit of attitude, elegance, and vintage vibe.

The Platinum option will be offered for a limited time, while our inventory of NOS components lasts.

The Platinum mod is not offered as a DIY kit, because it relies on specialized tools and procedures that are not available to hobbyists and not appropriate for DIY.

How it works

After you buy this service, we'll send you instructions for shipping your mic to our shop (in Northern California). We'll modify your mic, test it, and ship it back, usually within a few days. We can provide more detailed turnaround time estimates after you purchase the service.

Please be aware that this upgrade service will not repair a broken or noisy microphone. If your microphone has a high noise level, low output, or no output, then it is very likely that either the capsule or circuit has failed, and our circuit upgrades will not help. We test all incoming microphones prior to upgrading, to protect customers from spending money to upgrade broken microphones; see the "intake testing" section in the LEFT column of this page for more information.

Costs

The mod service includes the parts, installation, testing, and return shipping (domestic US only). You will have to ship the mic to our shop.

Eligibility

This mod service is open to US residents only. Customers from outside the US are invited to purchase the DIY mod kit and hire a local technician to do the installation.

Shipping Caution

Approximately 50% of the C1/C3 microphones we receive arrive looking like this:

Wrap your microphone in a 6-8 foot length of 5/16-inch bubble wrap. Place it in a box that is at least the size of a shoebox, with enough bubble wrap so that the microphone cannot move. If the mic can slam into the walls of the box, the grille will break in transit.