VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject: MXL V69 Tube Change

I have a MXL V69 tube mic. I have read mixed reviews on this mic - but I guess I got a good one - great mic - very warm without being muddy. It was recommended to me to change out the cheap-o tube it came with with a Mullard. I've got the tube - does anybody know the mechanics of changing this dude out? I have searched the interwebs high and low for a manual but cannot find one.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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Jowillie · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject:

This is a start. Have you googled "Chinese mic mod?"
http://studioforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1526095781/m/2111089522

I was just looking at some threads about replacing the capsule in my ADK with a K47 or K87 to make it match up with the sound of a U87. I was lost in fantasy land. I decided I like it like it is.
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Doc · Guest

If anyone comes across the answer to that, I'd be extremely interested.

I, too, will advise if I discover anything.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject:

Found it!!!

Here's what Marshall sent me:

How to Change a Tube in a V-69

1. Start by unscrewing the bottom off the microphone. Then slide the housing of the mic off the bottom.
2. Next flip the mic upside down and remove the two screws that hold the grill on.
3. Then carefully remove the grill. CAUTION! You want to be careful not to damage the diaphragm!
4. Next loosen the two screws from the top
5. The screws should not be out they should look like this…
6. Next tilt the top to the side and push the top of the tube out.
7. The top of the tube is pointed so you will have to push the rubber grommet up to get the top of the tube out. Just remember to be gentle. You do not want to damage the mic.
8. Next hold the socket while you pull the tube out.
9. Install the new tube and reverse these steps to put the mic back together. Happy recording!!!

Good Luck,

t.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Jowillie · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:04 pm Post subject:

Please let us know when you make the change and how it sounds (with examples if possible).
Thanks
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Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:43 pm Post subject:

I'm planning to change it out this week - I'll keep you posted.

Since you asked (which you didn't but ...) This is a great mic for the price ($300) BUT since they are made by hand there are some quality control issues. I've heard some horror stories about crackle - snap - and pop in maybe 20% of the reviews I've read, and I've read a lot. It seems you either get a good one or a bad one - no in between. I got a good one - but I test-drove it first. Even with the stock tube I'd put it up against mics in the $3k to $5k range. Just mho.

ps - Doc - Is that Tommy Chong?
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Doc · Guest

Todd,

Whaaa?? Why, yes... yes that IS Tommy Chong. When the hell did I meet him? Wink

By reading your post on tube replacement, it seems to indicate there were pics or illustrations with those instructions. I'd sure like to see them.

BTW - Tommy is a great guy and that shot was taken following our interview about 2 weeks before he was incarcerated.

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:31 pm Post subject:

Doc, Yes there were pics - If someone would tell me how to attach a document to this forum, I will. Or email it to you if you like.

I Emceed a Tommy Chong show back in '91 and spent several hours with him over a couple of nights. VERY wild guy. It's funny - most of the people in the audience were expecting to see "edited for TV Tommy Chong" ... Boy, were THEY wrong.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 5:34 am Post subject:

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:28 am Post subject:

I read that section - but it somehow didn't occur to me that I didn't need to "attach" but "upload". Then again it was late and I'm an idiot.

Here ya go:

http://www.pbwp.com/V69tubechange.pdf
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

todd ellis · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject:

Alright - I made the tube change. To me it sounds much warmer. For both recordings the tubes were warmed for an hour. It's one file. The first cut is with the MXL 12at7 tube that came with the mic, the second is with a Mullard 12at7 gold tipped tube I bought from new old stock.

http://www.pbwp.com/mxlV6912at7tube.mp3
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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Jowillie · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

Whoa! Big difference!

We should start a sub-topic under "Gear" and call it
"Pimp My Mic...or....Extreme Mic Makeover.

Are you saying all you changed out was the original tube?
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Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com

todd ellis · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 2:01 pm Post subject:

Yup. $299 mic - $7 tube. (with a lifetime guarantee from Radio Shack!!!)
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Doc · Guest

Wow, Todd. That's an amazing demonstration.

I GOTTA get to Radio Shack.

It's like 2 different mics.

Incredible.

allensco · Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

Wow! Big difference! Sounds like a change for the better Smile