Products

Silent Sky Studios is now offering some products to other studios and recording enthusiasts that we've found useful and an exceptional value.

Microphone Mic Mod Kit for MXL 603, 603S, 604, 990, 991, CAD GXL1200, NADY CM-90

$6.95 with FREE Shipping!

This kit includes the parts needed to perform the popular mod for the mic models listed above that you've probably read about on various recording forums. This kit includes the following parts, which are required to perform this mod on one mic:

  • (2) Panasonic Metal Film capacitors
  • (1) Styroflex Polystyrene capacitor
  • PDF download with detailed instructions for performing the mod

To perform the mod, you simply remove the 3 stock ceramic capacitors and replace them with the ones included in this kit. Specifically, you remove the ceramic caps (labeled C3 and C4 on the printed circuit board) and replace them with the Panasonic Metal Film caps. Then, you remove the ceramic capsule/gate cap (labeled C13 on the back of the printed circuit board) and replace it with the Styroflex polystyrene cap. These capacitors do not have a polarity, so it doesn't matter which lead you connect to which side.

For additional info, just Google "MXL 603 DIY Mod". Most who have performed this mod say it takes about 15 minutes and makes a big improvement in the sound of these mics. I personally did the mod on my 603S Pair. I've got a lot of experience soldering my own cables, but very little experience soldering on printed circuit boards. I had never done a mic mod before and was a little unsure of myself on the first one, so it took me about 20 minutes. However, I breezed through the second one and had it done in less than 10.

If you've been wanting to try your hand at an easy do-it-yourself mic mod, this is a great first-time project. These MXL Mics can be had for next to nothing (new or used), and their performance can be improved drastically with this simple mod. These parts are hard to find, and frequently out-of-stock at major electronics suppliers, but you can get them here while they last!

Why offer these mod kits? I'm offering these kits as a service to folks who are like I was. I wanted to try my hand at a mic mod without spending hours researching which specific components I needed, then trying to find the best place to buy them where I wouldn't have to pay 10 times the amount in shipping that I did for the components, and without having to place multiple orders to multiple suppliers. I also make it a point to ship these (via First Class Mail in a padded bubble mailer) on the same day that I receive payment, so you will most likely get them much sooner than you would from one of the major electronics suppliers, who often take several days before your order ships (especially on such a small order).

Note: This mod does require some basic tools and soldering skills! Feel free to ask questions. I ship only to the lower 48 states.



Microphone Mic Mod Service for MXL 603, 603S, 991, CAD GXL1200, NADY CM-90

$39.95 with FREE Shipping!

By popular demand, I'm offering this mod service for the mics listed above for those who don't have the experience or the tools needed to perform the mod for themselves. The mod consists of removing and replacing 3 of the lower-quality stock ceramic capacitors with 3 superior quality caps: 2 Panasonic metal film, and 1 Styroflex polystyrene cap. Most who have done this mod, or had it done on their mics say that it makes a considerable improvement in the sound.

To purchase, simply complete the check-out process, specifying the quantity for the number of mics you would like modified. Then, ship your mic/s to me using the shipping method of your choice. I will modify your mic/s within 10 days and ship them back to you via USPS Priority Mail.

Note: I am not responsible for any damages to your mics that may occur in shipment to me. Please pack your mics well, using a sturdy box and bubble wrap. Use a reputable shipping service (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc.) and purchase insurance (if it's not already included) if you're concerned about loss or damage to your mic/s.

Also note--this is NOT a repair service. Your mics will be tested when I receive them (PRIOR to the mod) to ensure that they are in good working condition. If they are not, they will promptly be returned to you and your money will be refunded, less the cost of return shipping.

If you're the do-it-yourselfer type, and are interested in performing this mod yourself, I also offer a mod kit that includes the 3 capacitors that are needed for the mod. Scroll to the top of this page for more info.

Here is what some have said about their mics after the mod:

  • "After those 3 simple cap changes the already decent mic becomes wonderful. I will be using these mics more and more."
  • "It helped smooth some of the harshness in the HF region."
  • "A little less "honky" in the midrange...overall, I think the mod is definitely a positive improvement to the mic."
  • "Nice mod, seems to open up the low end especially."
  • "I noticed that voices became less harsh in the upper mids. On acoustic guitar, the initial attack of the notes changed to a smoother sound. It's hard to hear at first, but once you do you can't not hear it."
  • "The difference is in what people like to call resolution or detail. Better caps remove artifacts that lesser caps produce and that you only begin to hear once they're gone, because you thought they were part of the signal. There is a certain nasal quality that disappears with polyprop or polystyrene. It's probably something in the realm of distortion and/or transient response. I have no means to measure that, but you can hear it."
  • "The unmodded mic makes the guitar sound a little nasal, narrow and compressed. When you switch to the modded mic, it's almost as if the guitar had a bigger body. I could hear the difference both on headphones and my monitors."
  • "After getting used to the modified mics the unmodified mics sound like the high end is drifting in and out of phase or something. Almost like it has a bit of flange on it. The modification eliminated this. I didn't notice until after the mod...but once I heard it I couldn't NOT hear it."

I ship only to the lower 48 States. Price includes free return shipping.