Oktava Microphone Modification Services
Modification Options for the MK-319:
2 - The Electronics only modification service - $89, for Standard, and $110 for Premium
3 - The full modification service - $152, for Standard, and $175 for Premium
The
319
electronics mod kit contains all the components listed below. Detailed
step by step instructions, like those provided with the 012 kit, are
not included with the 319 kits. Pictures showing all the part placement
are included. 
Major
changes come from
modifications to the body and capsule basket. Just hold a 319
in
your
hand and tap the basket screen with your finger. You will hear it
"ring" and feel the vibration in your hand. As part of the
modification, damping of the body, the basket supports, and
isolation of the capsule, virtually eliminate this. One layer
of
capsule basket screening is removed.This opens up the basket,
minimizing sonic reflections and
reduces some "ringing". Normally the capsule diaphragm
resonator
discs are removed. This is optional, removing them provides a warmer
more rolled-off top end, they are intended to trap the high-freq and
extend range. I prefer them removed.
All
critical electronic
components are upgraded to quality parts. Polypropylene capacitors are
used in the direct signal path. All the components on the PC board
are replaced except for 5 resistors and the
transformer.
The improvements in the electronics increase the high and low end
response, flatten the response, increase detail, warmth, and provide a
lower noise level.
The low cut and attenuation switch daughter board is removed. The
switches will remain, but will not function. long wires going
to
the daughter board directly carry the capsule signal, this causes loss
in sonic detail. The removed daughter board is returned to
you,
as are all removed parts and components (removed screen is not
returned).
In Summary:
The body is damped
One layer of head basket screening is removed
Damping material is applied to the inside of the basket supporting
posts
The capsule is isolated from Vibration
The PC Board is isolated from Vibration
The capsule diaphragm
resonator
discs are removed
Damping material is
added at the
base of the capsule
All critical electronic
components
are upgraded to quality parts
The low cut and
attenuation switch
daughter board is removed
Replaced
Components:
Q1 - FET Toshiba Audio
R1 - 1G MOX Thick Film
Resistor
R2 - 1G MOX Thick Film
Resistor
R7 - 1% Metal Film
Resistor
R8 - 1% Metal Film
Resistor
C2 - COG Monolith Cap
C3 - Tantalum Cap
C5 - COG
Monolith Cap
C6 - COG
Monolith Cap
C7 - Tantalum Cap
C8 - Polypropylene Cap
C9 - Tantalum Cap
A
difference you can Hear!
"I just wanted to thank
you again
for mod'ing my 319. I was able to do
more recording with the mic today and I have to say that I really love
it! Before I had you work on it, I would take it out, give it a try on
some tracks, and end up putting it back in the drawer and re-recording
the tracks with a different mic. You've made this mic into one
seriously great mic. Where the sound was muddy and distant even when
practically eating the mic, it's now clear, yet with that nice, warm
sound that the 319 has become known for. If this is what you call a
significant difference, I can't wait to hear what you call a dramatic
difference when I send you my 012's."
Juan Pineda
"I
finished the mod
on the weekend. This was my first electronics project in a
very
long time, so it isn't pretty, but the results are amazing.
The
thing I notice most is the difference on sibilant sounds. The
combination of physical and electronic changes removes the "esh"ing
that I notice on most mics below several hundred to even a thousand
dollars. I used to have to put in de-essing plug ins to
compensate. Now I can just enjoy the sonic characteristics of
the
recording. There are other qualities that I'm noticing too - changes in
the frequency range and the like - that I'm still getting my ears used
to. They're hard to describe, but make the recording far more
pleasing to listen to. Thanks for all of your help."
Sean Mcgee
"I
wanted to give
you an update on the four 319's you help mod for me. To refresh your
memory, I did the physical mods and you finished them off with the
electronic mods. Anyway, I have used them for multiple purposes, two
point stereo, guitar/bass cabs, piano, drum OH's, and more and they
have performed very nicely. I have used them with some big dogs, i.e,
Schoeps ccm4's, Neumann SM69, 103's 184's, AGK 460's Royer ribbons,
etc, and they have fit right in. I can't believe that for so little
money I've ended up with such a great mic. I bought four of them new
for $79.00 each and after the mod I've got $200 into each mic. They
certainly outperform this price point and much higher point. My next
step is to make a damping corset, made out of leather, to wrap around
the outside of each mic. I think this will really damp any resonance
problems that remain and should look great, too. Finally, the proof is
in the pudding. Almost all my recordings have at least two 319's in use
and my clientele have thoroughly enjoyed their recording and have
showered me with praise."
Raymond Ackerman
Recording Engineer
First Chair Recording
Center for the Arts, Homer NY
"Hi Bill........Got
my mic and I love it. I had to do some experimenting at first as to how
to position it. Before, I got a better sound straight up. Now I get a
better sound having it hang down. The big thing I notice is the highs
are super crisp and don't splatter when I throw a little EQ in post.
The base is nice and tight and if I really get right on the mic, the
(in your face) sound is probably the best I've ever heard. I take it
that the spare parts are what you took out of it? Thanks again Bill. It
really sounds awesome. I can't wait to show my friends who also have
MK319's."
"Van
Ritshie here.
You recently did a mod to my MK319. You mentioned to me that the mic
would get better as time went on. Let me tell you Bill, at this point
in time I could not be happier. I've had a lot of compliments from
people I do steady VO work for on how my spots are sounding. Again,
thank you Bill for a great job."
Van
Ritshie
Voice of The PGA Tour on
The Golf Channel
US domestic shipping is FREE regardless of the number of kits purchased. Kits are available to addresses worldwide: International shipping is a fixed $20 regardless of the number of kits purchased.
For the modification service, return USPS Priority Mail shipping is a
fixed $17.00 for the first microphone and $7 for each additional
microphone. This includes $250 insurance for each microphone. The modification service is available
internationally, please send an email for a return shipping estimate.
Sales
tax
added to sales in Massachusetts.
If you do not want to use the shopping cart please send an email.
-NEW- I now offer the Premium Modification for the 319 in a kit. The premium mod provides a slight improvement in clarity over the standard mod for those who want the very best.
Quantities can be changed in the shopping cart.