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Mods for the HST-11A
- Advanced Audio Microphones
Dave’s suite of improvements to the HST-11A (and its rebadged equivalents) includes replacing electrolytic capacitors with Mylar, bypassing unnecessary capacitors, changing the capsule to a Peluso (model varies by application, e.g. a CEK-89 provides U67-like response, CEK-367 provides U47-like response, CEK-12 for C12-like response), swapping the 12AX7 tube for at 12AT7 or 12AY7/6072a (providing a 6-8dB gain in headroom), and changing the output transformer (e.g. to a Cinemag CM-2480), resulting in a microphone “which will go head to head with a C12 or Tele U47.” - Fox Audio Research
Brian Fox’ “C12” and “251” mods include a Peluso CEK12 capsule, upgraded capacitors, a Peluso BV11P transformer, and a selected 6072 tube. The C12 also incorporates a circuitry change to implement fixed grid bias voltage. The resulting mics’ frequency response shows a smooth +3dB lift at 10kHz, similar to the original AKG/Telefunken microphones.
The “47” mod includes a Peluso PK47 capsule, a selected 6072 tube, and a choice of transformers (Peluso BV11P, Cinemag CM-2480 or CM-2461), upgraded electronic components, and circuitry changes to replicate some of the characteristics of the U-47. - Microphone Parts
The Apex 460 mod kit from Microphone-Parts delivers a comprehensive upgrade of the mic’s circuitry, resulting in a significant reduction in distortion, noise, and nonlinearities at a DIY-friendly price. The kit includes a full-color, step-by-step installation guide and suite of upgrade components including super low-noise parts from Wima, Nichicon, and Vishay Dale, plus a hand-selected Russian 6072 tube. Top it with a CK12 style capsule to get an affordable DIY ElaM 251. - OktavaMod
Michael Joly refits the Apex 460 with an MJE-K47 capsule within an elongated, single-layer headbasket, designed to reduce reflections and standing-wave coloration. The tube is replaced with a 6072a. Wiring and capacitors are upgraded. - Open Plan Recording
Mark Chierego’s mod for the T-11A and clones (Apex 460) includes circuit and component upgrades such as transformer (Lundahl, Samar, Cinemag), tube and capsule (K-47 or CK-12 style). The mics are voiced with either the Neumann U47 or AKG C12 in mind.
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Ningbo Alctron Electronics Co., Ltd. HST-11A
Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone
The HST-11A is the best-known Chinese clone of the AKG C12 design — a dual-diaphragm, tube microphone with 9 polar patterns selectable via a switch on the power supply. It has been rebranded and rebadged under numerous labels; see the “related mics” in the sidebar. The Apex 460 seems to be the best-known label. The Nady TCM-1150 is another well-known rebadged HST-11A.
These mics respond well to aftermarket mods, such as swapping the capsule, transformer, tube, and capacitors, resulting (to some ears) in a sound and response characteristics that rival the C12/ELAM251 — mics costing over $5000.
The spec for one such mod can be found in the Yahoo “Micbuilders” group; see the German C24 Solo Tube Condenser plan (you must first join the Micbuilders group).
Alctron mics are not available in the retail channel, except through the “rebadgers,” although there are stories online of people who have successfully imported small lots of Alctron-badged goods. Freight charges often equal the mic prices for small orders.
The Ningbo Alctron Electronics Co., Ltd. HST-11A is also known as: T11A, T-11A, HST11, HST11A.
Specifications
| Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare! |
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| Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare! |
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| Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare! |
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| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Omnidirectional
(25 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (25 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (25 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) |
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| Capsule Dimensions | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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| Diaphragm diameter: 26mm Capsule diameter: 32mm |
200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 120 dB Self-noise: 20.0 dB(A) |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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| 824g (29.07oz) | 240mm (9.45'') | 46mm (1.81'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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