Apex 205I have two Apex 205 microphones, the cheap Chinese ribbon mics appearing in amateur mic collections everywhere. Even out of the box, these microphones (and the equivalent mics from Nady, Thomann, SM Pro, et. al.) sound decent. But a DIY’er can easily make 2 changes to improve the sound:

  • Remove unnecessary screening from the mic
  • Replace the transformer

I recently performed the first modification on one of my mics, and left the other mic alone with the intent of doing a real A/B comparison. That is, with both mics on the same sound source, at the same time. Here, I’ll walk you through the mod, before discussing the changes I found in the mic’s response. (Note: I plan on performing the second modification, for further comparison, in the future.)

Background

The ribbon in a ribbon mic damages easily. One errant wind blast is enough to stretch or tear the ribbon. So the manufacturers of these cheaper mics include extra wind screening to guard the ribbon, knowing that many buyers are first-time owners likely oblivious to the care a ribbon requires. However, if you understand the mic’s delicate requirements, you don’t really need all the extra screens, and their effect on the mic’s response.

Modding your mic

Removing the screening is straightforward. (And it’s the easier of the two mods mentioned above, as it requires no soldering.) You’ll need:

  • A Philips head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • Possibly a pair of metal snips or wire cutters
  • Optionally, some foam
  • A clear work area

Step 1: Access the ribbon assembly

The Apex 205 has a 2-part casing: A mesh basket (the top) which houses the ribbon and ribbon motor, and a blue canister (the bottom) which houses the transformer and electronics.

To disassemble the mic, first remove the 3 screws holding the mesh basket to the base – one under the engraved figure 8 and two on the back (marked “a” in the picture below. Click the image for a closer view.)

The ribbon housing is attached to the inside of the mesh basket by the remaining screw and the top of the mic stand mount. Unscrew both of these (marked “b”,) and you can remove the ribbon assembly from the case.

Ribbon mic mod - screw locations

Step 2: Remove the wind shields

CAUTION
This step exposes the ribbon and magnet:
– Do not blow on the ribbon, or move the assembly too quickly through the air. The ribbon WILL tear.
– Do not perform the rest of this procedure near a fan or open window, for the same reason. This is not a joke. The ribbon is THAT SENSITIVE to moving air.
– The magnet in the ribbon motor is strong enough to attract loose screws, nuts, or even METAL FILINGS lying in your work area. Keep the area around the mic clear while you work.

The ribbon assembly consists of 3 main parts: The saddle (my name for it) which is the metal frame to which the transformer is also attached; The wind shields, which you’ll be removing; and the ribbon motor.

There’s no trick to removing the shields. They’re attached to the ribbon assembly with a few small nuts which loosen easily (though may require gentle coaxing with needle nosed pliers to get them started.)

Working slowly so as not to agitate the ribbon, first remove the nuts that hold the ribbon motor to the saddle.

Ribbon mic mod - ribbon motorRibbon mic mod - disassembly

Then, remove the nuts that hold the screens in place, and slip the screens off the ribbon assembly.

You may need the pliers again to loosen the barrel nuts holding the top screen in place.

Ribbon mic mod - Disassembly

With the screens removed, you can reattach the ribbon motor to the saddle. (You don’t need to replace all the nuts that held the screens in place, though you can if you want.)

Step 3: Remove mesh screening

This step is a little trickier, and messier. Truthfully, I’m not convinced it’s necessary. I can’t tell the difference in sound between a 205 with and without the inner basket mesh. (Though this is not true for the wind screens, above. Those metal screens definitely affect the sound.) So if the sight of wire cutters in the picture below makes you anxious, you can skip this step.

To remove the mesh, press gently on the outside of the basket just enough that the mesh comes away from the rim on the inside. Slip a screwdriver under the inner mesh and pry it away.

Ribbon mic mod - Disassembly

Depending on your mic, there may be two layers of mesh. You can remove one or both of these. (Again, in my experience, the choice makes minimal, if any, difference to the final sound of the mic.)

The mesh is affixed to the outer basket with epoxy, though how firmly differs from mic to mic. Sometimes both inner mesh screens peel off easily, sometimes you need some clipping to help them along.

Ribbon mic mod - disassemblyRibbon mic mod - disassembly

Step 4 (optional): Pad with foam
This step is optional, though in my opinion worthwhile. Using a loose foam, like the kind used to pack electronic devices, fill the spaces between the ribbon assembly and saddle, and the space around the transformer in the base canister. This should dampen the effect of mechanical vibrations, such as footfalls near the mic stand, and help reduce resonance in the canister.

Ribbon mic mod - Add foam

Step 5: Reassemble
In case you’ve lost your orientation, the picture below shows the front face of each component. The saddle mounts, figure 8, and Apex logo should all line up.

Ribbon mic mod - reassembly

Re-affix the basket to the saddle (the green “b” screws in the first image above,) then attached the basket to the base (the red “a” screws above.) And that’s it. Your mic is now ready!

Your newly modded microphone

Ribbon mic mod

The mic is good to go at this point. However, because you removed most of its built-in wind protection, you’ll need to take some new precautions:

  • Avoid windy locations: You’ve had the mic apart, and seen how delicate the ribbon is. Image what a stiff gust of wind, or blast from a strong fan, would do to that now-unprotected ribbon.
  • Use a pop screen as much as possible: Obviously, you’ll need a pop screen when recording vocals. But other instruments can generate blasts of air strong enough to damage the ribbon. In particular, the speaker motion from a loud guitar amp, especially on hard, sharp sound, moves enough air to tear the ribbon.
  • Don’t move the mic too quickly: When transporting the mic, or moving it about your studio, don’t make abrupt movements. Better yet, keep the mic in its protective bag unless you’re recording.

And finally, the obligatory disclaimer: This will void your warranty, and you can destroy your microphone if you’re not careful, both while performing the modification and in regular use thereafter. I won’t be held responsible if you attempt this procedure on your microphone, and damage it. I’m happy to offer suggestions or assistance if you run into difficulties (leave a comment, or email me: des @ hometracked . com.) But what you do to your microphone is all on you.

Next: Audio samples comparing the modded and unmodded mics


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