Topic: modifiying Nakamichi CM-700's??

[nak700s]

Help.  Does anybody know who/where I could get my pair of Nakamichi CM-700's modified (scaled down)? 

[audBall]

You can try contacting Chris Johnson, aka Busman, a member here:  www.busmanaudio.com


edit - clarification

[nak700s]

Does anybody out there know a guy by the name of Jamie Porras? I'm not even sure of the spelling, but he used to do this back in the 80's.

[tilomagnet]

Jamie Porris. Have a couple of his Dead recordings.

[nak700s]

Did you dowload any of Jamie's recordings from the internet?  Maybe there is an email or other contact information with a posting??  Any lead may help.

[EarlyMorningRain]

not sure if this will help any (for contact info), but his name shows up on this site when you search on his last name   http://bt.etree.org/?searches=Poris&cat=8

[nak700s]

Thank you for the bt.etree suggestion.  There was an email, as I hoped there would be, attached to the notes.  With a little prayer and a lotta luck, maybe I'll get a response.  I'm also currently downloading 1 of the shows!

[Shawn]

You can try contacting Chris Busman, a member here:  www.busmanaudio.com

I'd save yourself a lot of hassle trying to track down some guy who may or may not be interested/able to do the mod, and follow the suggestion from AudBall. Chris is a well known member here and is in the business of modifying audio gear.

p.s. his name is actually Chris Johnson 

[ts]

You can try contacting Chris Busman, a member here:  www.busmanaudio.com

I'd save yourself a lot of hassle trying to track down some guy who may or may not be interested/able to do the mod, and follow the suggestion from AudBall. Chris is a well known member here and is in the business of modifying audio gear.

p.s. his name is actually Chris Johnson 

chris re did my 700's after the leggeddy mod. he used belden 1804a cable per my request and your choice of power modules. if you are after the original mod that used the battery power supply(custom luminous audio), good luck. i'd suggest you just go with the newer mod, that way you can use them with just about any pre/phantom supply. however if you are modding for stealth reasons only, i can see why you are looking for the original mod.

[nak700s]

I am modifying for stealth reasons.  Either way, I did take the suggestion of trying to contact Chris from Busman but he never got back to me.  How rude!  I figured that he didn't do this type of work and wasn't interested.  Now you're telling me that he does so I don't know what to think.

I did get through to someone who can get my message to Jaimie, the original modifier, and hopefully that will work out.  Thanks again for the bt.etree link that provided an email address.  Either way, I would still like to hear from Chris in case Jamie no longer does this kind of work.  I do want to keep the rig as tidy as possible though and not add more eqipment to the set up if I don't have to.  In my uneducated opinion, all I really need is a glorified extention cord to run from the capsule/attenuation pad to the mic body.  Anyway, thanks for all the help and suggestions and if anyone wants to direct Chris to this thread, cool.

[setboy]

I am modifying for stealth reasons.  Either way, I did take the suggestion of trying to contact Chris from Busman but he never got back to me.  How rude! 

try calling him 360-608-5781 http://www.busmanaudio.com/contact.html

[page]

I am modifying for stealth reasons.  Either way, I did take the suggestion of trying to contact Chris from Busman but he never got back to me.  How rude!

try calling him 360-608-5781 http://www.busmanaudio.com/contact.html

I've personally had better luck with email, don't know if it was time of day or what.

[rowjimmytour]

I am modifying for stealth reasons.  Either way, I did take the suggestion of trying to contact Chris from Busman but he never got back to me.  How rude!

try calling him 360-608-5781 http://www.busmanaudio.com/contact.html

I've personally had better luck with email, don't know if it was time of day or what.

Uh Duuuh!! Maybe the Holidaze have some thing to do w/ him not contacting you

[ts]

I've seen this power two AKG CKx caps, actually owned one for a short time but never got around to using it. I'm sure Busman or maybe Chris Church could rig this up with the 700 barrels.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/electronics/36396386c21b22ab/index.html

[nak700s]

You're quiet right, rowjimmytour, what business would possibily be open and doing business during the holidays?!   

[EarlyMorningRain]

I've seen this power two AKG CKx caps, actually owned one for a short time but never got around to using it. I'm sure Busman or maybe Chris Church could rig this up with the 700 barrels.
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/electronics/36396386c21b22ab/index.html

hate to go/get off topic:

this AT power module powered two akg caps?? I only see one input jack (is that a full sized xlr or a mini xlr input)? Then that ouput jack appears to be a mini xlr of course.....

[ts]

I've seen this power two AKG CKx caps, actually owned one for a short time but never got around to using it. I'm sure Busman or maybe Chris Church could rig this up with the 700 barrels.
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/electronics/36396386c21b22ab/index.html

hate to go/get off topic:

this AT power module powered two akg caps?? I only see one input jack (is that a full sized xlr or a mini xlr input)? Then that ouput jack appears to be a mini xlr of course.....

I don't think it's that off topic. This box or one very similar to it, has been used to power the CKx caps, not the CK caps. Lemos were ofcourse used on the cap ends to a single stereo mini xlr input. The output was stereo 1/8 inch. It was powered by one 9V or 2 AA's. I can't remember. The box may also have been somewhat customized. One was recently sold here: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108295.0.html. But no pics. Sorry.

[rsimms3]

I have a couple of those boxes, they only use 1 AA or adjust a 48v Phantom Power Source coming into the full size XLR.

[nak700s]

I appreaciate the recommendation to contact Chris at Busman, but, assuming he is still dealing with audio, I don't think he wants to deal with me.  I emailed and called.  All I got from the phone call was an answering machine, but I left a message in hopes of him returning the call.  If you guys know him and want to find out what's up, I'd love to know if he received the messages or is simply not interested.   

[setboy]

from my dealing with him, i would think he would tell you if he was not interested. But I do not know the man well.

[nak700s]

That's what I would have thought too.  However, I have had no reply from email or phone message.  Makes me wonder how comfortable I would be sending him a pair of Nak 700's to work on.

[audBall]

I can understand your concerns.  However, I would just like to note that my first pair of mics I ran (active 300s) were purchased directly from Chris back in `05.  The 700s I currently own were sold to another TS'er here, then sent to Chris and were modified into actives by him.  I ended up buying the mics back from the member here when they decided to part with them. 

I don't want to speak for the man, but I'm sure something has currently got his attention.  He's a respected and integral asset to this community and I would have no fears with either my 700s or 1k's in his hands.  Now, whether or not he's able to currently tackle the task is another story.  I do hope he returns your contacts soon. 

There are others here as well that have the know-how to take on the modification.  With a little patience, I'm confident you should have little-to-no problems getting your mics serviced. 

[paulbaptiste]

I found an email Chris sent to me when i was first thinking about getting some hacked Naks, may shed some light on the subject:

"Nick,

Your welcome. Enjoy.  As for the Naks.  I can do the 300s, 100s.
the 700s require cabling attached to the mic. So, because of
my workload I have been trying to steer clear of the 700s since I
don't stock the cable used for this. The 300s and 100s have a mini XLR
installed into the mic so then you just need a mini xlr cable to connect to a battery
box or pre."

and as others noted, Chris is a busy man, but he's always returned my emails, questions, may not be for a few days, but he's always gotten back to me.  Good Luck.

Nick

[rowjimmytour]

I appreaciate the recommendation to contact Chris at Busman, but, assuming he is still dealing with audio, I don't think he wants to deal with me.  I emailed and called.  All I got from the phone call was an answering machine, but I left a message in hopes of him returning the call.  If you guys know him and want to find out what's up, I'd love to know if he received the messages or is simply not interested.   

apparently some douchnozzle postal worker forged his signature on a delivery slip and stole
a LOT of valuable merch from chris. it's set him back WAY too much.
it's caused some financial issues w/ the biz to say the least now that he has to pay for the missing shipment.

if ya want some mics...you could help out a great guy and get a set of KILLER mics in the bargain

[setboy]

I appreaciate the recommendation to contact Chris at Busman, but, assuming he is still dealing with audio, I don't think he wants to deal with me.  I emailed and called.  All I got from the phone call was an answering machine, but I left a message in hopes of him returning the call.  If you guys know him and want to find out what's up, I'd love to know if he received the messages or is simply not interested.   

apparently some douchnozzle postal worker forged his signature on a delivery slip and stole
a LOT of valuable merch from chris. it's set him back WAY too much.
it's caused some financial issues w/ the biz to say the least now that he has to pay for the missing shipment.

if ya want some mics...you could help out a great guy and get a set of KILLER mics in the bargain

holy sh*t! i wish had the cash to get some new mics or something modded

[nak700s]

Thank you for the reassurance.  I hope he gets back to me soon.  I would like to give him, or whoever, the time they require to do the job without rushing them.  I don't know what is involved and can certainly respect that I am not his only concern, it would just be nice to get a reply so I know where I stand.  Is it possible for you to post a photo or two of the 700 modification?  I would love to see what I am trying so hard to get done.  When you say "cable"  I am thinking of essentially a extension cord to go from the attenuation pad to the mic body.  Am I on the right track or totally off base?  I'm aiming for as little gear to carry in and deal with as possible and was hoping to avoid an extra box.  The Dead will be here in April and I would love to have them done for those shows, that is part of the reason I am a little agitated.  Also it seems to be getting tougher in my local venues to tape.  The security is finally looking more actively!

[EarlyMorningRain]

use the search function on this site and hopefully it will help.

Doing that I find this particular thread (active 700's with pics)
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,83851.0.html


Now once upon a time I did see other pics posted of peoples active 700 setup, of which I saved the jpegs onto my computer for future reference. I cannot find the thread these other pics I have came from, but if you want to see the pics, just let me know and I'll zip them up for you


edit:
persistent use of that search function finds this other thread showing Nak700 actives - with pics
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,74404.0.html

[spyder9]

I wish I had a set of these for my    setup.

[nak700s]

Thank you, norma023, for that link.  So, I guess it really is just an extension chord, huh.  And I suppose the internal 6Volt batteries are enough power to compensate for the extra distance from the capsules to the mic body?  How do they hold in place, do you know?  I'd love to know if it's permanent or can switched back and forth if I want to.

[ts]

Thank you, norma023, for that link.  So, I guess it really is just an extension chord, huh.  And I suppose the internal 6Volt batteries are enough power to compensate for the extra distance from the capsules to the mic body?  How do they hold in place, do you know?  I'd love to know if it's permanent or can switched back and forth if I want to.

Not sure I understand your question, but the mod can't be switched from "actives" back to the body as it is hard wired.

The original mod which utilized the 9V power supply that losammy speaks of may have been capable of switching to the body, but I'm not sure. MattH or losammy would know.

[nak700s]

Interesting.  Now all I have to do is find someone that does the work.  I tried to call Chris from Busman Audio again and ended up leaving a message on his answering machine, again.  Two emails & two phone calls, now I'm starting to feel like I'm pestering the guy to do something for me.  I hate that feeling.  I'm also waiting and hoping to hear back from Jamie Poris, the original modification guy.  I hope I hear back from someone!!  Is there a third suggestion for a person/company that may do this work?

[nak700s]

    So, does anybody have any other suggestions where I can turn to modify my Nak 700's.  I don't seem to be having any luck with Jamie or Busman 

[kirk97132]

    So, does anybody have any other suggestions where I can turn to modify my Nak 700's.  I don't seem to be having any luck with Jamie or Busman 

Not any of the usually sources and I am not sure if he will want to do it.  An old friend I had used some of Tracy's modded 700's back on GD tour in the late 80's.  He has since gone uber high end but he might do it for you.  Some day I hope to own a set of his mics.  I am surprised that no one here has ever mentioned him. Good Luck, Kirk

http://www.korbyaudio.com/

[setboy]

    So, does anybody have any other suggestions where I can turn to modify my Nak 700's.  I don't seem to be having any luck with Jamie or Busman 

Not any of the usually sources and I am not sure if he will want to do it.  An old friend I had used some of Tracy's modded 700's back on GD tour in the late 80's.  He has since gone uber high end but he might do it for you.  Some day I hope to own a set of his mics.  I am surprised that no one here has ever mentioned him. Good Luck, Kirk

http://www.korbyaudio.com/

first time i have heard of him. looks like some very nice work. Does he post here?

[kirk97132]

Nope, no posting here.  Old taper from GD touring days that made good!

[setboy]

Nope, no posting here.  Old taper from GD touring days that made good!

you should invite him over.

[J.T.L]

If I remember correctly, which I usually don't, someone had a sweet set of mod700's with BNC connectors but I cant find the thread with the pics I saw...I kinda remember the poster saying that korby did them.

[nak700s]

Thanks for the tip.  The seemingly never ending quest continues as I emailed Korby.  Hopefully he will reply and I can end the search and just get it done already.

[nak700s]

Why won't anybody even give me the courtesy of an answer?  Is everyone that is capable of doing this work so busy that they can't even get back to me via email or phone call??   

[ts]

Why won't anybody even give me the courtesy of an answer?  Is everyone that is capable of doing this work so busy that they can't even get back to me via email or phone call??   

I would try calling Korby Audio. I had a nice conversation with him a few years when we were both bidding on a pair of 700's. I think he was in Ohio then. He ended up winning them for 400 , so he still has a soft spot for Naks.

I'm sure busman is very busy with his own product line and maybe not in the mood for mods. In either case emails often go unresponded, phone calls usually get results.

[nak700s]

good advice.  I'll call again today.

[ts]

good advice.  I'll call again today.

Sorry, I didn't notice in any of your posts that you were also making phone calls. I'm sure you will get thru to someone. Keep trying.

[Roger Gustavsson]

There were some pictures on a modified CM-700 on http://www.nakmics.com/  Included removing the output transformer and replacing the electrolytic capacitor with a plastic film type capacitor. There was also a shorter body with a BNC connector. Without the output transformer, driving long cables will be difficult.

I think more can be done than that! Adding a Schoeps like output buffer perhaps? Would allow for phantom power and the drive of long cables and the output will increase.

What kind of modification are you looking for?

Roger

[nak700s]

I would like to be able to be as small and stealthy as possible with the least amount of equipment to bring in and still maintain the Nak 700 quality of sound.

[Roger Gustavsson]

I would treat such a rare component as a CM-700 with respect. Not doing anything to it that cannot be undone. Are they not a bit overqualified for stealthing? For stealthing, you can leave out the balancing transformer (guess the cables are short)and have a shorter body made. If you like to run on external power, you can modify them to do so (6 Volt is needed for the impedance converting JFET). If you cannot do this yourself, I think you should consider selling them. For that money you can probably buy some really good microphones that are stealthable from the box.

Roger

[nak700s]

According to ts, from an earlier post, what I want done is not permanent and can be switched back to its full body form.  Just curious, what do you think I'd get for the pair if I sold them?  I know I'll probably get a lot of disagreeing comments on this, but if I was to replace them I wouldn't want anything less than Shoeps or B & K's (or DPA's), as I consider them to be in that class.  The main difference to me is that the 700's power source is self contained and I wouldn’t have to use phantom power.  So, that said, I do respect these mics and fully appreciate them for what they are on more than one level.  I just need the ability to put them in a hat or something to better conceal them from pesky security.

[Roving Sign]

  I know I'll probably get a lot of disagreeing comments on this, but if I was to replace them I wouldn't want anything less than Shoeps or B & K's (or DPA's), as I consider them to be in that class. 

Let me be the first to say....pffftt!!!!!  No way...not even the same school...

To be honest - the 700s always sound a bit weak to me - like they are about to explode with any loud sources...

I think the 300's sound better...

Arent these 700s the same primo caps you can buy on ebay for like 20 bucks...?

I think the collectablilty of the 700s outweighs their value as actual microphones...sell them and get something good...

[audBall]

Arent these 700s the same primo caps you can buy on ebay for like 20 bucks...?

I think the collectablilty of the 700s outweighs their value as actual microphones...sell them and get something good...

I think you're referring to these:  http://tinyurl.com/cqn9rn

...which are the same capsule as the CM-50's:  http://www.nakmics.com/nak-cm50.htm 

The CM-50's are slightly larger in diameter than the 700s.  As for audible similarities, I have not ran the DM-50's.  Helluva deal though, to make a homemade set of flat omnis.  Pair them with some phantom adapters and you'd have a nice hrtf rig.  While the 50's are wider than the 700's, they are shorter than the attenuator barrels of the 700s. 

[nak700s]

I knew I'd be opening up a can of worms with that one.  The funny thing about microphones are that there are so many different ones.  Kind of like colors, people have favorites and no one is really right.  If we were talking about some cheap mic that you'd pick up at a Raido Shack or Wall Mart, it would be black and white.  However, you're not.  The comparison is between several different mics that many people like and enjoy the sound of.  One of the many nice things about the Nak 700's is that they are very forgiving mics.  Some high end mics are not and therefore not as conducive to a non-perfect stealth situation, whereas the 700's are good in almost any setting.  As far as the scaled down size, nothing in that quality scope beats it...in my opinion.  As my father used to say, "that's what makes up a horse race".  Or, simply put, "different strokes for different folks".  Or even better yet, "opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one".  I happen to like the Shoeps and the B&K's/DPA's very much, but I don't have the money for either of them and I already own the NAK 700's, which I'm very happy with and have made some outstanding recordings with.

[J.T.L]

Here was something I was looking for...

[Roger Gustavsson]

That one was earlier on http://www.nakmics.com/

I had contact with the man using them (Dukatis or something like it). It is just a way of bypassing the balancing output transformer and substituting a couple of passive components. I have seen pictures of these too.

Roger

[nak700s]

But who will do the work?

[Roger Gustavsson]

You will need a good mechnical shop to make the new tubes. I think the threads are quite a difficult task. It will normally not be for free and might take some time before they get right. Time is money.... As the output transformer is removed, you will probably get a hoter output (in the CM-300 there is some 11-14dB more after such an operation). The series capacitor will not be needed if your mic preamp already have an input capacitor. Do you have a schematic for the CM-700? Maybe it is like the CM-300?

Roger

[nak700s]

Believe it or not, I'm still trying to find someone that does this modification and will do it.  So if anyone out there knows someone who does, please put them in contact with me.  Thanks.

[yug du nord]

If Busman's not able to do it....  another gear builder/modder/guru around is Church Audio.... he's on the board.  I've seen pics of some chopped Naks (300's I think) that he's done....  and they look nice....  haven't heard em.....  but they look nice!  He also builds low profile mics and preamps..... 

I'm a proud owner of some Busman gear....  and trust him completely....  if he's not getting back to you, don't take it personally....  his expertise is in demand on various projects.  I do know that he and his family had moved from one state to another....  so I'm sure that has caused delays/difficulties.  But he is trustworthy!!!

[kirk97132]

Believe it or not, I'm still trying to find someone that does this modification and will do it.  So if anyone out there knows someone who does, please put them in contact with me.  Thanks.

Did Korby turn you down or is it a case of no response from him?

[nak700s]

Dude, I haven't got a response from anyone!  I have emailed, called and repeated.  I don't know what else I can do.  I wanted very much to give the person doing the work plenty of time before I would need them, but time is narrowing.  Any other suggestions?  Maybe if any of the people responding to me that may have an open dialogue with the guys that they are recommending can ask them to contact me??
captaincomic@juno.com or through this site would be great.  Thanks again.

[Roving Sign]

Believe it or not, I'm still trying to find someone that does this modification and will do it.  So if anyone out there knows someone who does, please put them in contact with me.  Thanks.

Totally believable...

1 - It's been "done"

2 - No replacement parts if the modder screws up...(the 300s are a bit more ubliquous - and you can still get parts for them)

3 - They still bring a healthy price in the collector market (ie people who arent actually USING them)

4 - They're like 30 years old! - Not sure if electrets last forever...but they have probably lost a bit of their original sound/charge

Sell them while you still can and buy some GOOD mics...!

[Roving Sign]

Dude, I haven't got a response from anyone!  I have emailed, called and repeated.  I don't know what else I can do. 

HINT: That's sort of the contract workers polite way of saying..."not interested"

[Roving Sign]

If Busman's not able to do it....  another gear builder/modder/guru around is Church Audio.... he's on the board.  I've seen pics of some chopped Naks (300's I think) that he's done....  and they look nice....  haven't heard em.....  but they look nice!  He also builds low profile mics and preamps..... 

I'm a proud owner of some Busman gear....  and trust him completely....  if he's not getting back to you, don't take it personally....  his expertise is in demand on various projects.  I do know that he and his family had moved from one state to another....  so I'm sure that has caused delays/difficulties.  But he is trustworthy!!!

Pretty sure Chris indicated he had no interest in doing any more Nak mods...as I recall he seemed to think there just wasnt that much to be gained...and just wasn't worth the trouble.