recordinghacks

Search Microphones


Share This Page

Mods for the ECM-87 Stealth

  • Microphone PartsMicrophone Parts
    The ECM-87 mod kit from Microphone-Parts turns this inexpensive microphone into a professional recording tool, with high sensitivity, extended frequency response, very low noise, and low distortion. The stock capsule can be corrected by the circuit mod, or can be replaced in order to revoice the microphone.

Gauge Microphones ECM-87 Stealth

Pricing & Availability

  • MSRP: $149

Tags

Reviews & News

ECM-87 Stealth Documentation

CardioidGauge Microphones ECM-87 Stealth

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The ECM-87 Stealth is a reissue of the company’s popular ECM-87 large-diaphragm condenser. It uses a 32mm K67 capsule and a transformerless circuit, the latter based on Schoeps’ original design.

It differs from the original ECM-87 in its exterior finish; the Stealth is black and chrome, whereas the ECM-87 is a matte silver. The grille on the Stealth version is a nicer chrome than we’ve seen on most low-cost microphones.

Current production versions of both ECM-87 models, as of 2012, use a polystyrene coupling capacitor, which creates a more transparent sound and less distortion than the ceramic capacitors commonly found on mics of this design.

ECM-87 StealthFurther, the mics use an “open headbasket” design, comprised of 2 layers of metal mesh rather than the usual 3-layer design. The outermost grille on these mics is a heavier-gauge mesh than is usually found on such microphones, affording a distinctive look as well as reducing audio reflections inside the headbasket. The photo at right shows the ECM-87 Stealth on the left, vs an otherwise similar mic from another brand on the right.

ECM-87 Stealth PCBBoth ECM-87 models have a high-pass filter, engaged via a miniature switch on circuit board. To access the switch, remove the lower housing and slide off the body sleeve to reveal the PCB. In the photo at right, the switch is visible in the center of the circuit board.

The mic ships with a padded bag and an elastic shockmount.

For more information, see the ECM-87 profile (linked from the sidebar).

Permalink: Gauge Microphones ECM87-Stealth

The mic was released in 2012.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (12.5 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 100Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
Capsule diameter: 32mm
Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 128 dB
Self-noise: 17.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
n/a n/a n/a
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!