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side-address large-diaphragm tube alctron multipattern 12ax7 condenser

Specifications and Reviews

• Apex 460 Product Description
• R-F-T M16/Apex 460 Comparison
• MIX review, 2005-11

Mods for the 460

• Advanced Audio MicrophonesDave’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.”
• MarikMarik’s suite of mods for the HST-11A (and rebadged equivalents, including the TCM1150 and Apex 460) includes upgrading tubes and electronics to higher-quality parts, upgrading transformers to Cinemag/Lundahl or Marik’s own custom-wound tube mic transformers, and redesigning the circuit for optimum tube/transformer match.

Related Microphones

• Ningbo Alctron Electronics Co., Ltd. HST-11A
• Telefunken USA R-F-T M16 Mk II
• Nady TCM1150
• More Apex Electronics microphones

Apex Electronics 460

MSRP: $369 Multi-Pattern Condenser Tube Microphone

Description

The Apex 460 tube condenser microphone is manufactured by Alctron; it is a rebranded HST-11A.

The mic comes with a power supply that allows switching among 9 polar pickup patterns.

MIXAt $229, the Apex 460 is a phenomenal buy.

This is an AKG C12 clone, and is possibly one of the best-known and most widely available; as a result, much work has been done by hobbyists to mod this mic, such as replacing the capsule and transformer and some components on the circuit board.

A teardown analysis by StudioReviews.com indicates that the Apex 460 is identical to the original (early 2005 edition) R-F-T M16 — a mic costing (at the time) significantly more.

Common upgrades include:

• Swap the stock transformer for a Cinemag CM-2480; see photo tutorial. Another option is the Tab-Funkenwerk BV314, which is used in Telefunken USA’s M16MkII
• Change capsule to Peluso CEK-12 or CEK-367
• Replace the Chinese 12AX7B tube with a 12AT7 or 6072
• Various circuitry changes are possible, too; search the forums for details

Permalink: Apex Electronics 460

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz)

Diaphragm size	Impedance	Max SPL
26mm (1.02'')	200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms))	125 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
824g (29.07oz)	240mm (9.45'')	46mm (1.81'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires External Power Supply

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