MXL V67 Mods

Did you know that the MXL V67 / V67G is internally identical to the popular MXL 2001? Both use a circuit that combines elements of the Neumann U87 and AKG C414 EB. Yet despite the influence of these landmark microphones, the circuit and capsule implementation of the V67 leave a lot of room for improvement.

We have three modification options for the MXL V67 and V67G: replace the capsule, and/or replace the circuit.

#1: Capsule Replacement

The stock MXL V67/V67G capsule is a 32mm version of the Neumann K67; according to the designer, the diameter was reduced in hopes of pushing the capsule's natural resonance out of the audio band. But it is still peaky, and suffers from a lack of consistency -- some capsules sound better than others. We recommend replacing it with our RK-87.

The RK-87 is a modernized variation of the Neumann K67/K87. It has a more neutral high end than the original, which means your V67/V67G will have a less peaky, less fatiguing acoustic profile. We use very thin, 3-micron Japanese Mylar for the diaphragms, which gives the capsule superior transient response due to the low-mass film.

Another option is our RK-12, which has a smoother top end even than the RK-87, and a warmer low frequency response. This capsule will give a very neutral top end on the V67G/2001 platform, due to the circuit's corrective EQ.

If your V67 uses its existing circuit, we do not recommend changing the capsule to a K47 type, as it will likely sound too dark.

See a comparison frequency-response analysis of the V67G: with stock capsule, RK-87, RK-12, RK-87, here.

#2: Transformer Circuit Replacement

The V67G circuit has a transformer, but it's a low-ratio unit. The circuit also contains an "emitter follower" that does most of the work of reducing output impedance. Said another way, even though this mic contains a transformer, it doesn't really sound like a transformer microphone.

Our new "T-84" circuit replacement kit is, in contrast to the V67G/2001 circuit, a genuine vintage design -- borrowed from Neumann's KM84. It will provide significant sonic upgrades to your microphone: higher sensitivity, lower noise, lower distortion, dramatically superior tone.

Internal switches give your mic a second polar pattern (Omni) as well as a 10dB pad.

We recommend installing the RK-47 or RK-12 capsule with this circuit.

The photo at right shows the new circuit, which uses two high-quality two-layer PCBs manufactured in the US. This kit fits the Apex 420, 430, and most other MXL 2001/V67G types.

Click for more info on the T-84 circuit kit.

#3: Transformerless Circuit Replacement

The stock MXL V67 circuit is underpowered and prone to distortion. Rather than make a few component changes to fix the worst parts of it, we've developed an entire PCB replacement kit.

The new circuit is transformerless; it's a highly optimized version of the circuit in the famous Schoeps CMC-5 microphone. It gives you a very high-sensitivity, low-noise, low-distortion microphone with a pristine, clean, uncolored sound.

With a replacement capsule, this circuit mod also gives you an internal switch that can be used for pattern control (Cardioid/Omni). Alternatively, configure the switch as a -10dB pad.

The photo at right shows the new circuit, which uses two high-quality two-layer PCBs manufactured in the US. This kit fits the MXL 2001 and numerous other models.

Click for more info on the MP-V57 PCB kit.