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side-address large-diaphragm k67 transformer-coupled condenser
Specifications and Reviews
Mods for the 2001
- Marik
Marik offers two types of mods for the MXL 2001:
Optimize the existing circuit, re-lam the transformer with high-quality 80% Nickel lamination, and upgrade selected components to eliminate brittle/piercing HF and muffled LF response.
Or, he can replace and rebuild the circuit to an “all-FET” design, resulting in more natural and homogenous sound, with smoother highs and deeper bass response.
Related Microphones
MXL 2001
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Description
- 25mm (1'') Large Capsule Condenser
- Gold-sputtered, 6 micron, low distortion diaphragm
- FET preamp with balanced transformer output
- Durable heavy duty brass enclosure
- Supplied with screw-on mic stand adapter
- Optional high isolation shock mount available
The Marshall MXL 2001 was one of the early Chinese-made microphones to appear on the US market. The capsule, a single-diaphragm 25mm design, is a copy of the K67 Neumann capsule (used in the U-67, U-87, SM-69 and M-269).
The mic uses a FET preamp and transformer. It ships with a stand adapter; a shockmount is available separately (p/n MXL-56).
In 2001, David Royer of Royer Labs created a tube mod for this microphone, swapping the stock FET preamp with a tube circuit. A HOWTO article was published in TapeOp #25 (reprints available here): One tube microphone from Berlin and one from Barstow. For a time, Royer was selling mod kids, including a replacement circuit board, but these are no longer available. More information on the mod is available at the Royer mic-mod project. Alternate parts can be used; for example see this MXL2001 tube mod.
Note that Mojave Audio’s MA-200 is a fixed-cardioid, large-diaphragm tube mic built around a Chinese K67 capsule, the 5840 tube, and a Jensen transformer, much like the modded MXL2001. In some sense, the MA-200 is Royer’s commercial release of the MXL2001 mod kit.
HomeRecording.com, 2004
Jonah: I heard a rumer you can rewire a MXL 2001 to sound like a Neuman U87. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks guys! Harvey Gerst: I’d gladly pay a rewiring charge just to get a 2001 to sound like a “Mister Microphone”. Michael Joly: Harvey, is that like the Speak n’ Spell mod or do I have my circuits confused? Marik: I think you have heard something about David Royer mod. Well, if so I wouldn’t call it rewire—more like completely rebuilt. And yes, if you put in K87 capsule as well (it runs at around $400), there is chance that it will sound really very good, probably even with the same tonal balance… but different.
Permalink: MXL 2001
The mic was released in 1999.
| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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| Diaphragm size | Impedance | Max SPL |
|---|---|---|
| 25mm (0.98'') | 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) | 130 dB |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 470g (16.58oz) | 190mm (7.48'') | 50mm (1.97'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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