Neumann M7 - the core...

Its legend starts off in 1932 as the heart of the revolutionary Neumann CMV3, and was continued with the CMV5, U47, M49, CMV563 or UM57. Still, most excellent microphone capsules are directly derived from this unique design.

Here shown after rediaphragming, for another half century of outstanding performance

All important parameters are monitored during all of our processing steps.

This is not only a prerequisite for perfect audio performance, but also for long-term reliabilty under all imaginable recording conditions.

After processing, all capsules pass a practical test on the mic, as well as an audition under real-life conditions for optimum musicality and reliability.

Special measures are taken to optimize reliabilty for vocal closemiking and operation under adverse atmospheric conditions.

The AKG CK12 is the heart of AKG's top vintage mics like the C12, C24, C12A and early C414 series.

The capsules shown belong to the famous "Elam" M250, before and after restoration. Acoustic properties were restored to as-new specs over the entire frequency range, including perfect directional balance.

Drefahlaudio mic power supplies from the DN221 series are highly recommended by professional users worldwide.

The remote-control powering unit DN-RC is available for tube and solid state stereo microphones like AKG C24 to 422 and all Neumann SM models, offering lowest feasible noise and interference.

Single and dual-channel units are available for practically every tube mic known.

Neumann CMV5 with VF14 tube circuitry, as we received it (left). The right pic shows the same mic after refurbishment , including a complete circuitry overhaul, noise and distortion optimization, removal of the old coating, repolishing of all metal parts and a durable seven-layer finish.

With its new PSU and cabling, the mic was again fully up to its reputation as the "mother of U47".

The same mic, shown after our VF14 rebuild. All previously removed parts were remanufactured, and the circuitry precisely retuned to original specifications.

By the use of selected passive components from our stock, noise could be brought down to a level audibly better than known from most solid-state mics.

This heavily worn 47 from Finland had to be restored cosmetically in the first place.

After processing, it would have looked great in any showcase, but had to go back to studio work...

Not only tube-based, but also solid-state vintage mics benefit from our services. Two of our patients: Gold-finished Neumann-Gefell MV692 matched pair, with reskinned UM70/M7 tri-pattern capsules and custom power supply.

For these series, we also provide 48V phantom conversion with or without XLR tailpiece.

Typical Neumann KM84 wear signs after 30 years of operation. The new pad switch (lower) can be operated without a tool, and is durable enough to stay the rest of the mic's life...

Since capsules for the KMi series have grown fairly unaffordable to replace as a whole, we are now offering original quality mylar/gold reskins for these mics as well.

Sometimes it's just bits coming in...

..which are then reassembled to such fine items like a perfectly working Neumann KM88.

Another field of our activities: the conversion of high-quality measuring mics into recording tools. Here it's a Neumann MV101 tube, now used for orchestra recording.

With our DN221-T transformer-balanced powering device, mics like the MV101 will deliver outstanding frequency response and dynamic capabilities.

The AKG D12 kick drum legend. Unfortunately, most of these mics can't handle low frequencies any more and end up in the bin or as a talkback mic.

This one was fully restored by the installation of one of the last original spare pickup systems, and brought to pristine mechanical and cosmetic condition again.

- end of gallery -
(C)2007 Images by Peter & Frederick Drefahl

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