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Microphones by Marik
see productsAbout Marik
Well known around the web’s pro audio forums as Marik, Mark Fouxman has been designing, building, repairing and modifying both ribbon and condenser microphones for many years.
Mods and Repairs
Ribbon Mics
Marik offers re-ribboning services, as well as motor re-machining and upgrades for any type of ribbon microphone, including rare and vintage models from B&O, Tannoy, Grampian, Reslo, Geloso, RCA, etc.
Besides standard mods, Marik’s work features artistic aspects of microphone design, such as voicing for specific application and fine-tuning for specific needs.
His ribbon mic tune-ups involve ribbon, magnet, motor, transformer, and electronic upgrades, with specific parts being determined by application. For example, replacement ribbon thickness varies by specific needs (usually between 1.5-2.5 micron), and features a special type of corrugation to ensure long life, stability, and immunity to stretching. Tired ceramic and Alnico magnets can be replaced with Neodymium, typically increasing the mic’s output by 9-15dB. Transformers can be replaced with Marik’s own custom low-noise toroidal transformer design, which boasts lower noise levels and less distortion than comparable CineMag and Lundahl units. Further, ribbon mics can be fitted with a phantom power circuit for optimal impedance matching, customized gain, and extended frequency response.
The range of models includes Apex205/210/Nady/ACM/Stellar/Oktava/Cascade, etc.
Marik also offers custom ribbon-microphone design and building services for customers seeking uncommon pickup patterns (cardioid, omni) and frequency-response voicing for specific applications.
Condenser Mics
Besides servicing most vintage microphones, Marik modifies condenser microphones in a variety of ways — tuning the circuit for optimal electronic operation, redesigning circuits, upgrading tubes, transformers, capsules, and other components. Depending on the application, internal protective screens and blast filters can be removed.
The important part of his work is voicing the microphones for specific applications (e.g. vocals vs. acoustic instruments) and/or specific voices or instruments. For such purposes, he can re-machine, fine-tune, or replace capsules. He also winds his own condenser microphone transformers.
Chinese and Russian mics are a common starting point for mods, because their basic circuits and designs are typically copied from classic European mics. Most Chinese microphones are usually built using good hardware and even with simple mods can be pushed to a completely different performance level, and with Premium mods often can be turned into world-class microphones.
Marik welcomes inquiries about custom mods for any type of microphone. Some representative mods on common mics appear below.
