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Mods for the TCM1050

  • Advanced Audio MicrophonesAdvanced Audio Microphones
    Dave’s mods to the HST-2b (and rebadged equivalents such as the Nady TCM-1050) include a tube swap (discard the 12AX7, install 12AT7 or 6072a/12AY7), a transformer swap (e.g. the Cinemag CM-2461 provides 12dB more headroom and 3dB more gain than the stock unit), and a Peluso CEK-367 capsule, plus circuitry changes.
  • Microphone PartsMicrophone Parts
    The Alctron “2B”/Nady TCM-1050 use a K67-style large-diaphragm capsule, which in the absence of appropriate downstream equalization produces an exaggerated, hyped HF response. Revoice these over-bright microphones easily by swapping the stock capsule for the RK-47, a true single-backplate 34mm condenser capsule modeled after Neumann’s famed K-47.

9 polar patternsNady TCM1050

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The TCM1050 is a rebadged Alctron HSGT-2B, a multipattern, large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone.

The capsule is a 25mm dual-diaphragm design that provides 9 pickup patterns via a switch on the power supply. The gold-sputtered diaphragm measures 3 microns in thickness.

The specs claim “Tube preamplifier circuitry with 6072 vacuum tube (a classic 12AT7 specially selected for low distortion, superior signal-to-noise ratio and minimum sensitivity to mechanical vibrations)”, but in most cases the tube is a 12AX7, which has performance characteristics inappropriate for the circuit. A common mod is to replace this tube with a true 12AY7/6072 type.

TCM1050 Circuit BoardThe capsule and circuitry of the TCM-1050 are believed to be identical to the TCM-1150, and therefore the mods common to the TCM1150/Apex 460 are applicable for this mic as well.

The mic ships with a power supply and cord, the SSM-1050 spider shockmount, 7-pin cable, FW-1050 foam windscreen, TMCC-1 aluminum case, user guide, and warranty card.

Circuit board photo credit: Johnny Perreault

The Nady TCM1050 is also known as: TCM-1050.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (15.8 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (15.8 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (15.8 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 134 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
800g (28.22oz) 180mm (7.09'') 60mm (2.36'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Includes tube power supply

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