Taperssection.com

Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: followinbob on October 05, 2012, 08:47:29 AM

Title: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 05, 2012, 08:47:29 AM
just curious how many akg owners would buy active cables if they were available. private message me and let me know if you would be interested in buying
a new pair. these will be new and  available in long and short legnths.  if response is good we will make them for other mics. schoeps/gefells/neumann/oktava.....ect
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on October 05, 2012, 11:06:35 AM
just curious how many akg owners would buy active cables if they were available. private message me and let me know if you would be interested in buying
a new pair. these will be new and  available in long and short legnths.  if response is good we will make them for other mics. schoeps/gefells/neumann/oktava.....ect

:hmmm: (checks today's date).  It's not April 1. 

What does this all mean?

Perhaps this will help answer your question: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=153427.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=153427.0)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: cashandkerouac on October 05, 2012, 11:21:25 AM
marking thread and staying tuned for mo' info.   ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Todd R on October 05, 2012, 11:40:21 AM
just curious how many akg owners would buy active cables if they were available. private message me and let me know if you would be interested in buying
a new pair. these will be new and  available in long and short legnths.  if response is good we will make them for other mics. schoeps/gefells/neumann/oktava.....ect

Mainly just marking the thread, as I think I gave up on wanting active AKGs a long time ago and have sold my Gefells that I would have loved to have had actives for.

In terms of your request though, if you want a sense of the potential market, I'd just read through the AKG active thread Acidjack posted, and the 4 that preceded it.

If you want anything better in terms of a market assessment than you can get from those threads, I think you need a lot more information.  Starting with -- who is this "we" that will be making them?  Does the project team have any experience with machining and any experience with circuit design and electronics?  Have you made any products like this before?  Have you designed and implemented mics before or active cables before, even as a DIY project for yourself?  Is the design completed, prototyped and tested?  When do you expect to have a market-ready solution available?

Then of course all the questions about the product itself.  It seems from your other posts that you have a machine shop, which at least sounds like the product you envision would be machined out of some kind of metal and not just that you want to house active electronics in a cutoff end of a magic marker.  But if I were a potential customer, I'd like to know more about what you envision (or perhaps have already made and prototyped).  Machined metal collettes -- out of brass?  What about the electronics?  Just a active head with FET/electronics that would have to be used with 460 or 480 bodies?  Would both the 460 bodies work and the 480 bodies work?  Would the "active" collettes really be a full mic body in a small package so all you need is a cable and XLR connector?  Would the active collettes need to be paired with something like the PFAs from Naiant?  Would the active collettes not work with 460/480 bodies and you'd need something like the Busman busbox or JKlabs ECMS box to run them?

From the standpoint of asking about who would buy them, if people respond yes, do you want a commitment from them about buying them?  Do you want those who respond yes to put money up front?

Sorry, not trying to bust your balls at all.  I just think if you can't provide a lot of depth to what the plan is, who is conducting the project, what the timing is, how far along design and prototyping are, and perhaps even what the cost target is, I don't think you'd get much better of a potential market assessment than you could if you just read through the previous AKG actives thread.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: cashandkerouac on October 05, 2012, 11:49:15 AM
just curious how many akg owners would buy active cables if they were available. private message me and let me know if you would be interested in buying
a new pair. these will be new and  available in long and short legnths.  if response is good we will make them for other mics. schoeps/gefells/neumann/oktava.....ect

Mainly just marking the thread, as I think I gave up on wanting active AKGs a long time ago and have sold my Gefells that I would have loved to have had actives for.

In terms of your request though, if you want a sense of the potential market, I'd just read through the AKG active thread Acidjack posted, and the 4 that preceded it.

If you want anything better in terms of a market assessment than you can get from those threads, I think you need a lot more information.  Starting with -- who is this "we" that will be making them?  Does the project team have any experience with machining and any experience with circuit design and electronics?  Have you made any products like this before?  Have you designed and implemented mics before or active cables before, even as a DIY project for yourself?  Is the design completed, prototyped and tested?  When do you expect to have a market-ready solution available?

Then of course all the questions about the product itself.  It seems from your other posts that you have a machine shop, which at least sounds like the product you envision would be machined out of some kind of metal and not just that you want to house active electronics in a cutoff end of a magic marker.  But if I were a potential customer, I'd like to know more about what you envision (or perhaps have already made and prototyped).  Machined metal collettes -- out of brass?  What about the electronics?  Just a active head with FET/electronics that would have to be used with 460 or 480 bodies?  Would both the 460 bodies work and the 480 bodies work?  Would the "active" collettes really be a full mic body in a small package so all you need is a cable and XLR connector?  Would the active collettes need to be paired with something like the PFAs from Naiant?  Would the active collettes not work with 460/480 bodies and you'd need something like the Busman busbox or JKlabs ECMS box to run them?

From the standpoint of asking about who would buy them, if people respond yes, do you want a commitment from them about buying them?  Do you want those who respond yes to put money up front?

Sorry, not trying to bust your balls at all.  I just think if you can't provide a lot of depth to what the plan is, who is conducting the project, what the timing is, how far along design and prototyping are, and perhaps even what the cost target is, I don't think you'd get much better of a potential market assessment than you could if you just read through the previous AKG actives thread.

inquiring minds want to know   :P
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: spyder9 on October 05, 2012, 12:18:22 PM
I agree with Todd.  Details please!  I'm an akg 460 owner.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Colin Liston on October 05, 2012, 12:22:14 PM
I am a Gefell owner and would be interested as well.  I would also like some more detail if you care to provide.

Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: vanark on October 05, 2012, 12:38:03 PM
In.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on October 05, 2012, 12:43:51 PM
 :drool:
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: IowaClint on October 05, 2012, 02:02:04 PM
I would be interested as well.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Fried Chicken Boy on October 05, 2012, 02:14:30 PM
 (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/popcorn.gif)    Marking thread.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chomps on October 05, 2012, 02:25:28 PM
MG's for sure...but this is prob just another cock tease.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: obaaron on October 05, 2012, 02:43:24 PM
i do i do!  >:D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jbell on October 05, 2012, 04:41:46 PM
Thought you wanted to unload yours!!  ;) ;D :P

:drool:
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on October 05, 2012, 05:09:39 PM
Thought you wanted to unload yours!!  ;) ;D :P

:drool:

Yeah, I've been going back and forth on that. I may, if this turns out to be another wild goose chase. I've been eyeballing the Busman stereo ribbon mic, me likey Blumlein  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 05, 2012, 07:46:59 PM
lovely response guys. i am a tool and die maker with a cnc (computer controlled machine) shop. i make drag racing parts and also do military work. years ago i was thinking about making cables. i had searched for actives for my 460's. couldnt find them. down the raod i switched from my mbho's to schoeps.
the 550.00 a piece price floored me. but i dont buy cheap gear anymore. so i bought away. when i got them i looked at them and said to myself "i can make these". so this last week i called someone who used to make schoeps boxes. i told him i would make him the collets so he can make boxes again and suggested we make actives for whatever mics dont have then available. not just akg's. i stealth cmc-6/mk4---> sd722. open is cmc6mk4-->lunatec--->
722. was trying to make available what is not. as usual on the intrnet i get the wonderful private messages. NOT! i am not on here much until last couple days. i did not know of other post. i did not plan to make a couple pairs of cables. planned to make as many as everybody needed. not someone playing in my basement. i make parts for a living. hope that answers my intentions.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 05, 2012, 07:50:30 PM
i am not going to put all my business up in a public thread. anyone serious can call me. pm me for number.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: vanark on October 05, 2012, 08:02:07 PM
What exactly does that mean?  There are 110 pages on this topic, so there is fair bit of interest.  We've seen/heard of colletts being manufactured but have not seen any specific products out of it.  Do you have a solution?  If so, I'm interested in hearing more.  Do I have to call you to discuss it?  Hmmm... seems like an odd approach on a discussion board.  I'll be watching to see what happens - I'd put my money down if it comes to fruition.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 05, 2012, 08:16:33 PM
let me see????? do i make a dozen or do i make 200. was just checking interest. i didnt know of any other posts.  i am making the schoeps collets first as i  already have an agreement to do so. plus i need an akg capsule which i do not have. any new york area guys have one i can blueprint???
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 05, 2012, 11:28:33 PM
All of the AKG dimensions are documented in the AKG active threads; 21mm OD with 3/4"-32 threads.  I have a pair of couplings milled by another member, I've had them for a year during which I have released practically no new products.  That's just the kind of year it has been . . . anyway, OP contacted me re: support for actives to which I said tinybox can support any active configuration.  I got a puzzling response, but I presume that still means these proposed actives would be compatible.
I'm interested (although I used my saving for this project on real life stuff)
And I have a tb already wired for some actives so I can test for you ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: DigiGal on October 06, 2012, 11:36:44 AM
@ OP, dude if you build it they will come but just talking about it is like rubbing salt in a wound.

Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: fsulloway on October 06, 2012, 12:43:38 PM
Interested? Heck yeah! Love the 480 sound but I'll wait until I SEE and HEAR some tried and tested. I applaud you for taking this on. Good Luck!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: hi and lo on October 06, 2012, 03:22:03 PM
Props to OP for wanting to do this. This community has lacked tool and die maker resource for many years with a few here and there where nothing materialized. If there is any hesitation to the OP, it's simply because our hopes have been dashed too many times.

I think it makes sense to have colettes milled for AKG and Gefell capsules (obviously because they don't exist) and for MBHOs (because i don't like the mini-xlr), but not so much for Schoeps.

With Schoeps, the most expensive piece, far and away, is SCH369 which is the KC contacts (white circular rings) to which active components are mounted on the underside. Two of these cost $380 which is the lion's share of the cost. The outer shell is actually not all that expensive ($60 each) and without the internal components being available, either from Schoeps and sold without the active circuitry (tried many times and very much not possible) or replicated using 3d printing, there's almost not point in doing this for Schoeps from a cost-reduction standpoint. The original bill box/rmod implementations of the colettes are downright awful using epoxy to permanently hold the active circuit inside the shell and not using the correct spacer rings. You can see an example of this in the recent rmod yard sale post. I would never, in a million years, recommend that someone use those active cables because they don't have the proper spacer rings to prevent damage to the colette threads and over time will start to chip, possibly damaging the threads on a good pair of capsules. All of the pieces inside a Schoeps colette are extremely well designed and simply buying the parts from Schoeps makes the most sense.

For this opportunity, I think it would be a good idea to have lots of shells made for AKG, Gefell, and MBHO and we can figure out how to mount the active components and make the capsule contacts down the road.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on October 06, 2012, 03:33:05 PM
I PM'd the OP shortly after he posted. He indicated that these would not initially be true "actives" but rather a collette and cabling solution for use with the bodies. Simpler than trying to build collettes with electronics. Promising. I'm hopeful that either this, eleven's or both will come to fruition soon
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: hi and lo on October 06, 2012, 03:36:15 PM
I PM'd the OP shortly after he posted. He indicated that these would not initially be true "actives" but rather a collette and cabling solution for use with the bodies. Simpler than trying to build collettes with electronics. Promising. I'm hopeful that either this, eleven's or both will come to fruition soon

Well then, that's simply not possible.

The signal from the capsules, without active circuitry inside the colette to buffer the impedance, can only travel inches without serious degradation, let alone across 10-20 ft of cable. If only it were as simple as the metal housing and some cable in-between.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on October 06, 2012, 03:52:31 PM
I PM'd the OP shortly after he posted. He indicated that these would not initially be true "actives" but rather a collette and cabling solution for use with the bodies. Simpler than trying to build collettes with electronics. Promising. I'm hopeful that either this, eleven's or both will come to fruition soon

Well then, that's simply not possible.

The signal from the capsules, without active circuitry inside the colette to buffer the impedance, can only travel inches without serious degradation, let alone across 10-20 ft of cable. If only it were as simple as the metal housing and some cable in-between.

You're right, I should have been clearer. The collettes won't include an amplifier. Sorry for the confusion.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: hi and lo on October 06, 2012, 03:57:15 PM
I PM'd the OP shortly after he posted. He indicated that these would not initially be true "actives" but rather a collette and cabling solution for use with the bodies. Simpler than trying to build collettes with electronics. Promising. I'm hopeful that either this, eleven's or both will come to fruition soon

Well then, that's simply not possible.

The signal from the capsules, without active circuitry inside the colette to buffer the impedance, can only travel inches without serious degradation, let alone across 10-20 ft of cable. If only it were as simple as the metal housing and some cable in-between.

You're right, I should have been clearer. The collettes won't include an amplifier. Sorry for the confusion.

Amplifier? Do you mean a preamp like an nbox? That's actually very easy to build and of course Jon can build a tinybox for anything.

I'm still confused. The colette MUST have an impedance buffering FET circuit inside of the end that connects to the capsule. Without that (aka two soup cans and a string), it will not work.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on October 06, 2012, 04:07:20 PM
I PM'd the OP shortly after he posted. He indicated that these would not initially be true "actives" but rather a collette and cabling solution for use with the bodies. Simpler than trying to build collettes with electronics. Promising. I'm hopeful that either this, eleven's or both will come to fruition soon

Well then, that's simply not possible.

The signal from the capsules, without active circuitry inside the colette to buffer the impedance, can only travel inches without serious degradation, let alone across 10-20 ft of cable. If only it were as simple as the metal housing and some cable in-between.

You're right, I should have been clearer. The collettes won't include an amplifier. Sorry for the confusion.

Amplifier? Do you mean a preamp like an nbox? That's actually very easy to build and of course Jon can build a tinybox for anything.

I'm still confused. The colette MUST have an impedance buffering FET circuit inside of the end that connects to the capsule. Without that (aka two soup cans and a string), it will not work.

Sorry again, I'm not good with the terminology. He indicated that you'll still need the bodies. Perhaps Jon can put something together so that they can run CMR style. [ducks for cover so as not to create more confusion]
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: hi and lo on October 06, 2012, 04:17:43 PM
No worries and I think I understand pending clarity from OP. Essentially, the goal is to make KC (or kcy) cable clones. This still involves active circuitry inside the capsule side Colette (without this remote capsule are simply not possible) and for Schoeps would require someone other than a machinist to make all the small, intricately designed plastic components that are assembled and placed inside the Colette. Not an impossible task, but requires 3d printing or a plastic mold to re-create these parts or an entirely new internal design.

For akgs and gefells, this is an entirely worthwhile effort. For MBHOs, it's debatable but I'd love to make custom Colette's that work with Schoeps kwon/Nola bars. For Schoeps, I'd just assume by the genuine parts before akg/gefell solutions have been worked out.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 16, 2012, 10:26:45 AM
finally found time to start the actives. working on schoeps parts now.  i need a taper in the ny area that has akg's. need to blueprint mics. contact me if you are close. i am in nj. exit 117 on garden state parkway.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: chinariderstl on October 16, 2012, 01:21:37 PM
Marking thread.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on October 16, 2012, 02:05:01 PM
I own AKGs  ;D , marking thread.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on October 16, 2012, 03:02:42 PM
marked
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jibooer on October 16, 2012, 06:23:28 PM
pulling the akg heat too, thread has been so marked.... 8)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 16, 2012, 08:43:27 PM
finally found time to start the actives. working on schoeps parts now.  i need a taper in the ny area that has akg's. need to blueprint mics. contact me if you are close. i am in nj. exit 117 on garden state parkway.
don't you have 460?
by blue print you mean get measurements and such?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Hypnocracy on October 16, 2012, 09:48:22 PM
I saw that too..

Quote
akg 460b>sound devices 722 or mbho603a>sound devices 722

Either it's a old sig line info for followinbob or ?!?!?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 17, 2012, 08:41:18 AM
i am a schoeps guy. used to own akg's but got rid of them because i couldnt find active cables. i am a stealth taper.

schoeps cmc-6/mk4----> lunatec v-3-----> sd722
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bremusound on October 17, 2012, 04:04:47 PM
interested! Schoeps and AKG!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: NOLAfishwater on October 17, 2012, 04:15:30 PM
all likely to happen before akg actives

(http://images.mentalfloss.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/425AirportFlyingPigs.jpg)

(http://www.lrionline.com/wp-content/uploads/4287_2144_hell-freezes-over.jpeg)

(http://routingbyrumor.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/what-youll-see-when-hell-freezes-over-from-www_worth1000_com-entries-253500-253725glnk_jpg.jpg)

Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on October 17, 2012, 05:07:21 PM
 :yack:
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 23, 2012, 06:10:25 PM
have schoeps collets. working on the internals now. tiny parts. of course i programed cnc to thread in inch. converted the metric threads to inch.
hate metric and i am in america. progress is being made.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: chinariderstl on October 23, 2012, 08:09:51 PM
pulling the akg heat too, thread has been so marked.... 8)

Love it!  Pull the heat dog!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 23, 2012, 08:33:48 PM
am i the only one who things working on a schoeps version is kinda a waste so to speak since there are at least 2 options already out there
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bremusound on October 24, 2012, 01:55:33 AM
If it gives you the same functionality at a fraction of the costs, why not??
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on October 24, 2012, 08:14:04 AM
am i the only one who things working on a schoeps version is kinda a waste so to speak since there are at least 2 options already out there

no, you are not. marking thread anyway.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on October 24, 2012, 11:23:14 AM
Yea IMO it's kinda a waste. There are numerous schleps sit-ups out there and I doubt it will be much cheaper, if any at all, due to high cost for schleps parts
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on October 24, 2012, 11:32:59 AM
Yea IMO it's kinda a waste. There are numerous schleps sit-ups out there and I doubt it will be much cheaper, if any at all, due to high cost for schleps parts

Don't schlep in your chair, sit-up straight like a good boy.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: stevetoney on October 24, 2012, 11:44:05 AM
If it gives you the same functionality at a fraction of the costs, why not??

X2.  I'd buy if price was reasonable but I'm not that into actives to pay a grand or more just to be able to detach my capsules from the bodies.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on October 24, 2012, 12:50:27 PM
If it gives you the same functionality at a fraction of the costs, why not??

X2.  I'd buy if price was reasonable but I'm not that into actives to pay a grand or more just to be able to detach my capsules from the bodies.


I think Bean's point is right, though - from what I know from buddies that have actually priced this stuff out, almost all the cost of, say, NBox cables is Schoeps proprietary parts that are very difficult if not impossible to reverse-engineer.  3D printing offers the most intriguing possibility, but as it stands now, somebody wanting to make NBox type cables would have a hard time pricing themselves much below used KCY/KC5 or, for that matter, the already-existing Vark KCY or the actual NBox cables.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: hi and lo on October 24, 2012, 03:17:48 PM
It sounds like followinbob might be milling the individual components inside the colette, in which case there would be a substantial savings over Schoeps part. The most expensive component is $200 for the 'white plastic rings' because the active circuitry is mounted on the underside. When making 'nbox' cables, those parts are basically discarded and replaced with a different circuit, so you're essentially paying $200 for a piece of plastic. Definitely worth it to have these made... more so then the actual colette shell (which is only ~$60).

What would be really cool to do is mill colette shells that are approxamately the size of CMRs (extended approx 1 inch or so), then stuff a PFA circuit inside the colette shell rather than at the XLR end. This would be a true "poor man's" CCM.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jbou on October 24, 2012, 05:06:12 PM
You still need an XLR-M on the far side of the capsule, so I'm not sure what that would accomplish . . .

Would you not be able to use a mini xlr?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: JasonR on October 24, 2012, 05:12:36 PM
If the Schoeps parts can be duplicated in a cost effective manner, that's pretty cool news.  But keep in mind that used KC5 cables go for as little as $200, so it's really gotta be a pretty significant savings to merit the efforts.  I for one would love to see an active end with a right-angle cable output, not unlike the DPA 4021 (but obviously with the cap being removable.)  Anything to keep those cables from poking me in the forehead when running a Kangol Ventair setup.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jbou on October 24, 2012, 07:58:22 PM
You still need an XLR-M on the far side of the capsule, so I'm not sure what that would accomplish . . .

Would you not be able to use a mini xlr?

By far side I mean recorder end of the cable.

Oh ok. My line of thinking was circuitry in colette so you didn't need full size xlr for PFA, then run mini-xlr into a P48 tinybox.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 24, 2012, 09:39:48 PM
i make mechanical components not electronics. i dont need a 3d printer. and i program the cnc's manually. most of the military parts i make are tiny.
my company's main gig is making drag racing parts. anything can be made. within reason. i am making myself some cool kangol hat clips to hold my capsule and get rid of the zip ties i normally use.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 24, 2012, 11:05:19 PM
i make mechanical components not electronics. i dont need a 3d printer. and i program the cnc's manually. most of the military parts i make are tiny.
my company's main gig is making drag racing parts. anything can be made. within reason. i am making myself some cool kangol hat clips to hold my capsule and get rid of the zip ties i normally use.
So let's get you and Jon on the same page here :)
Can you mill collettes for Jon to put his electronics in?
Then I'll test them with my tb :D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 25, 2012, 09:31:00 AM
I will not be doing electronics for Schoeps collette internals as that product already exists and I've shipped dozens of boxes and PFAs to support Schoeps actives, both KC and Nbox (and a few CMRs, and CCMs . . .)
Oh I ment akg anyway
Who is with me lol
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on October 25, 2012, 10:35:33 AM
i don't do the electronics end. i make the mechanical components.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 25, 2012, 11:28:25 AM
i don't do the electronics end. i make the mechanical components.
i know
and if i understand correctly
jon has made electronics for akg
you put your collettes with his electronics and bam, test run
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on October 25, 2012, 12:39:50 PM
 :cheers:
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Hypnocracy on October 25, 2012, 09:12:40 PM
Best of luck AKG folks...I sold my Austrian Girlfriends to bank roll a couple of Swede's...

Chuck did you ever get your Xmas surprise?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on October 26, 2012, 08:23:15 AM
Chuck did you ever get your Xmas surprise?

?? no ?? ...but I did get a pair of Audix Micro Series omnis over the summer that I absolutely love. Sold off my CK-62's which I never used to fund that purchase. I'm very happy with the Audix mics. I pretty much only use the C-480's with the CK-63 caps, as I also have a pair of Gefell M300's that I also love. So, the AKG active thing isn't as important to me anymore. That said, if it ever happens, I want a pair of the cables. :)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on October 28, 2012, 08:04:15 AM
i don't do the electronics end. i make the mechanical components.
i know
and if i understand correctly
jon has made electronics for akg
you put your collettes with his electronics and bam, test run

didn't I already make the collettes? we don't need another collette maker, we need another Jon Stoppable. :P or Jon himself to step up to the plate.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 28, 2012, 10:23:44 PM
i don't do the electronics end. i make the mechanical components.
i know
and if i understand correctly
jon has made electronics for akg
you put your collettes with his electronics and bam, test run

didn't I already make the collettes? we don't need another collette maker, we need another Jon Stoppable. :P or Jon himself to step up to the plate.
i have lost track lol
i'll still test them  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: page on October 28, 2012, 11:08:16 PM
yall need a project manager and a venture capitalist.

if they get made, anyone remotely interested better buy 2 sets (one as a backup in case the first pair die) cause they won't come around again....
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on October 29, 2012, 09:12:07 AM
"Step up to the plate"?  Seriously, you think I haven't finished these due to cowardice or something?

Chuck will get his pair, then I am officially done with this project.  It just isn't worth the constant hounding.  Please stop asking me about it.
Sorry Jon if I am one of the hounders
I have in no way ment to be that and always appreciate your works and knowledgable posts
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on October 29, 2012, 10:35:39 AM
"Step up to the plate"?  Seriously, you think I haven't finished these due to cowardice or something?

Chuck will get his pair, then I am officially done with this project.  It just isn't worth the constant hounding.  Please stop asking me about it.

I don't care what your reason is. I was simply pointing out that we don't need another machinist. We need you or a guy like you. That's all. I thought followinbob was a guy like you. Apparently he isn't. Carry on.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on October 29, 2012, 10:38:29 AM
yall need a project manager and a venture capitalist.

if they get made, anyone remotely interested better buy 2 100sets (one as a backup in case the first pair die) cause they won't come around again and otherwise this won't be worth anyone's time....

FTFY  :P
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 08, 2012, 02:37:18 PM
so i am wasting my time huh???? cool. i will go back to making money.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on November 08, 2012, 02:50:59 PM
you are not wasting your time if you can make a set up
the issue is no one outside of jk labs has ever made a set up and produced it
there are plenty of people interested if you can make it happen
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 08, 2012, 03:35:44 PM
been making tiny military parts for years. have to use a table magnifyer to look at alot of them. the problem is cheap production. i personally
pay for kick ass gear. i tried the being cheap route when i first started taping again. have a ton of gear i cant get rid of. i always get the schoeps
cmc-6/mk4 and 722 in but it will be nice to have the n box--->schoepsmk4--->m10 set up.   now way you cant get that in. i sold my akg's years ago because i couldnt get cables. do love those mics.
as far as the schoeps electronics it is already a done deal when i ssend mechanical components to my electronics guy. plus many more stuff in the works.
i do make kick ass 24" wide billet aluminum mic t bars. you can easily get like 6 pairs of mics on it. more if you hang a few pairs.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 08, 2012, 03:42:25 PM
been making tiny military parts for years. have to use a table magnifyer to look at alot of them. the problem is cheap production. i personally
pay for kick ass gear. i tried the being cheap route when i first started taping again. have a ton of gear i cant get rid of. i always get the schoeps
cmc-6/mk4 and 722 in but it will be nice to have the n box--->schoepsmk4--->m10 set up.   now way you cant get that in. i sold my akg's years ago because i couldnt get cables. do love those mics.
as far as the schoeps electronics it is already a done deal when i ssend mechanical components to my electronics guy. plus many more stuff in the works.
i do make kick ass 24" wide billet aluminum mic t bars. you can easily get like 6 pairs of mics on it. more if you hang a few pairs.

I would be interested in a split omni bar for my ca14 omnis, when I do get them this fall/winter
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Todd R on November 08, 2012, 03:46:03 PM
I think the disconnect has been whether you are trying to make full active cables for the AKGs/etc, including the necessary electronics, or whether you're trying to make just the mechanical collette needed for AKG actives.

For awhile there seemed to be a lot of confusion in the thread, seemingly indicating you only were intending to make the mechanical collettes without electronics. Which would mean it is a waste of time if nobody was willing or able to develop the needed electronics for assembly into the collettes. 

Since it seems like you're teaming with an electronics person to provide a complete solution all ready to go, I don't think it is a waste of time at all.  I've always felt that AKG actives is an example of if you build it, they will come.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: page on November 08, 2012, 04:04:22 PM
Since it seems like you're teaming with an electronics person to provide a complete solution all ready to go, I don't think it is a waste of time at all.  I've always felt that AKG actives is an example of if you build it, they will come.

yeah, that was where I was headed with my quip about the venture capitalist and the project manager. One person to sign commercial contracts for orders, manage sales, etc, and one person to fund the initial push.

I think there is enough pent up demand (overall, not just here) for 20-30 pairs up front, and you could probably move upwards of 75 pairs over 12 months. Those are numbers that are approaching benefit in having stuff machined. The problem is few people want to assuming the financial risk to have everything machined and built only to move less than 75% of them right off. Pre-orders won't move them, it's something that a bunch will pick up, if they work well and people talk about them, the rest will get sold over a year or so. I'd be surprised at more than 100 sets though (assuming 2 per set for a stereo pair). Thats why I said everyone should pick up 2 sets (so 4 total), cause if anything happens and one gets crushed in a wook stampede, it's probably a one-time deal. Second, that makes that initial risk lower and thus increases the odds they get made.

Last, there are folks here, Jon included, who have proven that a boutique shop can make it, but it requires hunting for other markets (whether it be GS, other niche hobby communities, etc). Thats why I said you could move upwards of 75, but they won't all go here.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on November 08, 2012, 04:44:58 PM
Since it seems like you're teaming with an electronics person to provide a complete solution all ready to go, I don't think it is a waste of time at all.  I've always felt that AKG actives is an example of if you build it, they will come.

yeah, that was where I was headed with my quip about the venture capitalist and the project manager. One person to sign commercial contracts for orders, manage sales, etc, and one person to fund the initial push.

I think there is enough pent up demand (overall, not just here) for 20-30 pairs up front, and you could probably move upwards of 75 pairs over 12 months. Those are numbers that are approaching benefit in having stuff machined. The problem is few people want to assuming the financial risk to have everything machined and built only to move less than 75% of them right off. Pre-orders won't move them, it's something that a bunch will pick up, if they work well and people talk about them, the rest will get sold over a year or so. I'd be surprised at more than 100 sets though (assuming 2 per set for a stereo pair). Thats why I said everyone should pick up 2 sets (so 4 total), cause if anything happens and one gets crushed in a wook stampede, it's probably a one-time deal. Second, that makes that initial risk lower and thus increases the odds they get made.

Last, there are folks here, Jon included, who have proven that a boutique shop can make it, but it requires hunting for other markets (whether it be GS, other niche hobby communities, etc). Thats why I said you could move upwards of 75, but they won't all go here.

To your point about markets besides "us", it leads me to beg the question why did AKG themselves discontinue the product? (at least, they discontinued the MK46 cable, right?  I'm less clear about the bluelines). I'm not arguing with you; I don't have the relevant information to. But I think it's worth asking.  Tapers aren't a very big part of the market; I don't deny it'd be awesome for us, but if someone wanted to make money on it, they might need someone besides us (especially since, if it was very costly, there are several other brands that don't require custom machining).

Which brings me to my next point:  In the real world market, several companies continue to find it worthwhile to have some kind (or in Schoeps' case, multiple kinds) of "active" solution: Beyerdynamic, DPA (more or less), Sennheiser, Schoeps, MBHO, Neumann, Milab, Busman, and I'm sure some I forgot.  AKG, the real-world manufacturer - and by the way, one of the bigger ones, with one of the biggest product lines compared to some of these others) exited that market.  What's the rationale?  My instinct is that AKG is probably selling way more pairs of mics (and they certainly have a more diverse product line) than any of those companies I listed.  Why are enough consumers buying, say, Beyer ck930 to make it worth their while, and not enough out there for AKG? 


Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: page on November 08, 2012, 05:15:05 PM
Since it seems like you're teaming with an electronics person to provide a complete solution all ready to go, I don't think it is a waste of time at all.  I've always felt that AKG actives is an example of if you build it, they will come.

yeah, that was where I was headed with my quip about the venture capitalist and the project manager. One person to sign commercial contracts for orders, manage sales, etc, and one person to fund the initial push.

I think there is enough pent up demand (overall, not just here) for 20-30 pairs up front, and you could probably move upwards of 75 pairs over 12 months. Those are numbers that are approaching benefit in having stuff machined. The problem is few people want to assuming the financial risk to have everything machined and built only to move less than 75% of them right off. Pre-orders won't move them, it's something that a bunch will pick up, if they work well and people talk about them, the rest will get sold over a year or so. I'd be surprised at more than 100 sets though (assuming 2 per set for a stereo pair). Thats why I said everyone should pick up 2 sets (so 4 total), cause if anything happens and one gets crushed in a wook stampede, it's probably a one-time deal. Second, that makes that initial risk lower and thus increases the odds they get made.

Last, there are folks here, Jon included, who have proven that a boutique shop can make it, but it requires hunting for other markets (whether it be GS, other niche hobby communities, etc). Thats why I said you could move upwards of 75, but they won't all go here.

To your point about markets besides "us", it leads me to beg the question why did AKG themselves discontinue the product? (at least, they discontinued the MK46 cable, right?  I'm less clear about the bluelines). I'm not arguing with you; I don't have the relevant information to. But I think it's worth asking.  Tapers aren't a very big part of the market; I don't deny it'd be awesome for us, but if someone wanted to make money on it, they might need someone besides us (especially since, if it was very costly, there are several other brands that don't require custom machining).

Which brings me to my next point:  In the real world market, several companies continue to find it worthwhile to have some kind (or in Schoeps' case, multiple kinds) of "active" solution: Beyerdynamic, DPA (more or less), Sennheiser, Schoeps, MBHO, Neumann, Milab, Busman, and I'm sure some I forgot.  AKG, the real-world manufacturer - and by the way, one of the bigger ones, with one of the biggest product lines compared to some of these others) exited that market.  What's the rationale?  My instinct is that AKG is probably selling way more pairs of mics (and they certainly have a more diverse product line) than any of those companies I listed.  Why are enough consumers buying, say, Beyer ck930 to make it worth their while, and not enough out there for AKG?

My initial reaction is a CBA done on maintaining stockpiles of parts, technical expertise for repairs, modernizing technology costs for a different system, etc. It wasn't worth enough at the time so they dropped it and never had enough demand to do the outlay again. Second, I think a lot of the remote capsule offerings are really targeted at specific markets; classical music, journalism, and a couple others (including us). Maybe AKG figured it wasn't worth their time and effort to compete in those markets when they can focus on studio and live music (or the home entertainment realm with their playback devices). Another example of expansion (albeit delayed) is for years DPA didn't offer a cardioid that they thought would be robust and low cost enough to use on a tour, and now they have the 2011 capsules. Last, we see many offerings now, but 15-20 years ago there weren't nearly as many.

Just like how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop; the world may never know.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 08, 2012, 08:44:08 PM
finished the collet prototype. going to send it off next week to be assembled and tested. we already have the circuitry to do the capsule side electronics.
when i get a akg body/capsule in my hand i will strat the akg cables.   i am used to sneaking in my cmc-6/mk4 and sd722 into shows so it will be nice
to go smaller. thinking of picking up a m-10 bit bucket to use with the cables and magic little box. will try to get the mic bar pictures up somewhere so i can
share that with you guys. it is natual aluminum and not colored at this point.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jbell on November 09, 2012, 06:06:58 AM
finished the collet prototype. going to send it off next week to be assembled and tested. we already have the circuitry to do the capsule side electronics.
when i get a akg body/capsule in my hand i will strat the akg cables.   i am used to sneaking in my cmc-6/mk4 and sd722 into shows so it will be nice
to go smaller. thinking of picking up a m-10 bit bucket to use with the cables and magic little box. will try to get the mic bar pictures up somewhere so i can
share that with you guys. it is natual aluminum and not colored at this point.

Littlebox has been discontinued, but you can still buy a Tinybox!!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on November 12, 2012, 01:51:09 PM
I think the disconnect has been whether you are trying to make full active cables for the AKGs/etc, including the necessary electronics, or whether you're trying to make just the mechanical collette needed for AKG actives.

For awhile there seemed to be a lot of confusion in the thread, seemingly indicating you only were intending to make the mechanical collettes without electronics. Which would mean it is a waste of time if nobody was willing or able to develop the needed electronics for assembly into the collettes. 

Since it seems like you're teaming with an electronics person to provide a complete solution all ready to go, I don't think it is a waste of time at all.  I've always felt that AKG actives is an example of if you build it, they will come.

Good post Todd. I officially retract my comment made on 10/29. I was one who thought all we had was another machinist. I stand corrected. My apologies to Bob.

That said, I guess I can finally tell my machinist I won't be ordering 40+ pairs of collettes. The prototypes he made for the project were sent out so long ago, the poor guys been asking me every couple weeks when he would get an order. I guess I'll just pay him for the prototypes and cancel any future dealings.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on November 12, 2012, 03:33:10 PM
I think there is enough pent up demand (overall, not just here) for 20-30 pairs up front, and you could probably move upwards of 75 pairs over 12 months. Those are numbers that are approaching benefit in having stuff machined. The problem is few people want to assuming the financial risk to have everything machined and built only to move less than 75% of them right off. Pre-orders won't move them, it's something that a bunch will pick up, if they work well and people talk about them, the rest will get sold over a year or so. I'd be surprised at more than 100 sets though (assuming 2 per set for a stereo pair). Thats why I said everyone should pick up 2 sets (so 4 total), cause if anything happens and one gets crushed in a wook stampede, it's probably a one-time deal. Second, that makes that initial risk lower and thus increases the odds they get made.

That is absolutely the case.   Though in many respects, the machining is the easy part.

I'm at the point of being ready to move from prototypes to producing volume, but that needs to be funded. 

More difficult - I need the time to crank out sets, with great quality, and testing.  And also the time to deal with customer orders for various configs.  All while maintaining a career, and life.  I have made a huge investment of time, and not an insignificant amount in components and gear, getting to this point.  After all that, nobody wants to end up with a bunch of parts that you can't sell.

But Winter is coming, and that's a good time for projects like this.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on November 12, 2012, 06:20:27 PM
I am chomping at the bit Brian, but you know that already! I'm ready!

Your Guinea pig for testing,  ;)
Myco
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: DigiGal on November 13, 2012, 12:46:03 PM
To your point about markets besides "us", it leads me to beg the question why did AKG themselves discontinue the product? (at least, they discontinued the MK46 cable, right?  I'm less clear about the bluelines I'm not arguing with you; I don't have the relevant information to. But I think it's worth asking.  Tapers aren't a very big part of the market; I don't deny it'd be awesome for us, but if someone wanted to make money on it, they might need someone besides us (especially since, if it was very costly, there are several other brands that don't require custom machining).

Which brings me to my next point:  In the real world market, several companies continue to find it worthwhile to have some kind (or in Schoeps' case, multiple kinds) of "active" solution: Beyerdynamic, DPA (more or less), Sennheiser, Schoeps, MBHO, Neumann, Milab, Busman, and I'm sure some I forgot.  AKG, the real-world manufacturer - and by the way, one of the bigger ones, with one of the biggest product lines compared to some of these others) exited that market.  What's the rationale?  My instinct is that AKG is probably selling way more pairs of mics (and they certainly have a more diverse product line) than any of those companies I listed.  Why are enough consumers buying, say, Beyer ck930 to make it worth their while, and not enough out there for AKG?

Yes, AKG discontinued the MK90/3 active cables for the Bluelines, I was lucky enough to pick up a used set.  Wish AKG would have improved them instead because the stock cable that they used had poor shielding.  I recently modded mine and am very satisfied with the result a HUGE improvement over stock.  It was an involved project that I'd been pushing off for quite a while but finally dug in after one of my stock cables acted up on me and couldn't be trusted anymore.

Some of the reasons I went with Blueline's; they are affordably priced, active cables were available and a fig 8 capsule is still available since I like to run ORTF or mid-side.  460/480 active cables would have made those more attractive for me but those don't have a fig 8 capsule available.  [followinbob] if you do eventually offer 460/480 active cables people will buy them but it is one of those believe it when we see it products that has come up fairly often but never happens.

Here is a photo I took of my MK90/3 active cables after completing the mod on them.
(http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b419/DigiGal_taper/AKG%20MK90-3%20Mod/file-5.jpg)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 13, 2012, 01:14:58 PM
Nice mod digital ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 14, 2012, 06:49:57 PM
full active with amplifier in collet is what we are trying to do. sold as complete set. and other applications too hopefully.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: DigiGal on November 14, 2012, 07:36:53 PM
full active with amplifier in collet is what we are trying to do. sold as complete set. and other applications too hopefully.

There would be a market for AKG Blueline Actives but this series would certainly present some steep challenges for you making them up from scratch.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: vanark on November 14, 2012, 07:56:22 PM
full active with amplifier in collet is what we are trying to do. sold as complete set. and other applications too hopefully.

 ;D

Will be glad to see this [finally] happen! 
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 14, 2012, 08:09:47 PM
my friend used to have the blue lines. anything can be made. 
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 25, 2012, 05:26:58 PM
schoeps colettes done.tested them last wednesday. have 9 pairs made. for sale in a few days with ends for the N box.  starting the akg's tomorrow. 
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: obaaron on November 25, 2012, 06:00:57 PM
nice!  I will be all over the AKG actives!  >:D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 25, 2012, 07:12:22 PM
hell yeah. and other mics too. both as active with bodies and also other powering options.  got some mic bars coming too.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 25, 2012, 07:38:36 PM
schoeps colettes done.tested them last wednesday. have 9 pairs made. for sale in a few days with ends for the N box.  starting the akg's tomorrow. 

what exactly will you be selling ??? I have tried to follow your posts but I cant read them all ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on November 25, 2012, 10:21:37 PM
hell yeah. and other mics too. both as active with bodies and also other powering options.  got some mic bars coming too.
persoanlly I would pref akg hat will work with my tiny box, ie no bodies
Glad to hear you are making progress
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: schoepsnbox on November 26, 2012, 09:21:45 AM
Each connector has it's pros and cons..I rather like the EN3 connector and it seems to hold up well over time..the xlr 4 and 5 has known issues. 

I am working with followinbob and I must say this guy is serious about his business..he came to my house last week with a schoeps capsule end that he made from scratch including the nylon insert and we tested it to be a working setup...He is working on the akg and gefell ends as well..I know there is plenty of doubt due to all the whistle dicks in the past that have been preaching about it being nearly done only to have it sputter out.. I'm here to tell you that this IS happening..not a matter of if but when..stay tuned!! 8)

Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on November 26, 2012, 09:29:02 AM
 :coolguy:
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: schoepsnbox on November 26, 2012, 10:06:40 AM
Dude...What do you have a guilty conscious?  :P Nobody called "you" a whistle dick, I was referring to guys that came and went...we are doing this to fill the demand..its obvious that you have no interest in building cables..I don't want no beef with you and if anything our efforts will likely help your cause as well..Good Day!!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 26, 2012, 10:35:12 AM
i said no worries jon. i like the n box. i am sorry if i offended you. let's all get along. i am doing the projects with my time and my money. by what has been written in public i almost threw the pieces in the scrap bin at one point. everyone is an expert here. just trying to do something cool here.
the origional post was to feel out the need.  thank you to all who sent me pm's and posts just saying "i am in".
at 100.00 an hour + the material you can imagine how much the first pair would be worth.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: schoepsnbox on November 26, 2012, 10:48:21 AM
haha...followinbob you now have 69 posts..lol  Childish huh >:D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on November 26, 2012, 11:40:58 AM
nice looking collettes in that pic. :)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on November 26, 2012, 12:01:27 PM
nice looking collettes in that pic. :)

Definite TS pr0n!

Personally, I'm 2s away from selling my AKGs because I find my 3 Zigmas to be different but just as good sounding as them. The 3Zs win on form factor, they're much more compact. I don't 007 much, but I do envy the ease of setup that actives provide. I hold off on selling because I'm a true believer, I hoped Jon would figure it out in a way that he could make a few bucks. I loaned caps to it goes to eleven in hopes that he would/will do the same. If followinbob rolls this out, I'll be happy. FWIW, I'll probably buy a Tinybox to pair with AKG actives, I'd love to be able to carry my whole rig in a fanny pack!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: schoepsnbox on November 26, 2012, 12:26:03 PM
just curious,  why the breakaway at the capsule end?  I think hard wire is the way to go?  Thoughts?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on November 26, 2012, 12:47:35 PM
Whistle Dick 2 checking in.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on November 26, 2012, 12:48:05 PM
Yes, I only wish I'd given you better measurements  :(

What would it take to rig those collettes up with a Tinybox and two sections of cable, one six feet and an extension at 9 feet? :P I understand this is not in the cards right now from Naiant, but that's the way I would have wanted it.


edit to add: It looks like elevens collettes are hard wired. I remember the biggest gripe about my collettes was they were not machined for use with kwon bars. I don't use kwon bars. :o
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: schoepsnbox on November 26, 2012, 01:02:02 PM
Whistle Dick 2 checking in.


Nice work..waveforms look good..how does it sound?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 26, 2012, 01:06:28 PM
shoepsnbox what do you mean by childish?????  the fact that everyone has to chime in on what started as a akg interest feeler post??????
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on November 26, 2012, 01:11:56 PM
shoepsnbox what do you mean by childish?????  the fact that everyone has to chime in on what started as a akg interest feeler post??????

69
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on November 26, 2012, 01:20:37 PM
Whistle Dick 2 checking in.

 :o

OK, I'll hold on to my Austrian gals for a minute. I'm ready willing and able to do comps vs full bodies as soon as you are, I have another pair of 61s and 460 bodies collecting dust...
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on November 26, 2012, 01:24:49 PM
Nice work..waveforms look good..how does it sound?

It sounds great - though I have developed many versions.  In testing existing coupler circuit designs, I felt there was  room for improvement.  So I've spent a Lot of time on that aspect, with the design being different than the rmod or schoeps.  Developing the methodologies to do all of this - test fixtures, etc - also takes a lot of time.

Those particular waveforms are just scope pr0n.  It seemed like a good background ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Todd R on November 26, 2012, 01:37:14 PM

It sounds great - though I have developed many versions.  In testing existing coupler circuit designs, I felt there was  room for improvement. 

When I got the jklabs ECMS-22 active cables+box for AKG ck6x caps years ago, I asked Jon Kjoll what the ECMS-22 meant.  His reply, Extended Capsule Management System, working design #22.

Working the kinks out and getting the best design is good, but don't drive yourself crazy with 22 different designs before going forward.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on November 26, 2012, 03:21:05 PM
Well I'll be the whistle blower here, nice pictures guys
Hope to have money saved up once these hit
I was excited in the past but had to spend the cash on real life so I kinda lost my enthusiasm but seeing everything posted in the las day has got me fired up again
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 26, 2012, 03:45:08 PM
5mm deeper huh? amusing.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 26, 2012, 04:06:46 PM
last i checked we are in america. we use the inch system here. lol. was not trying to start by that last comment.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 26, 2012, 04:07:28 PM
Awesome :)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 26, 2012, 04:38:04 PM
last i checked we are in america. we use the inch system here. lol. was not trying to start by that last comment.

Not everybody here is in the US though.  That said, imperial measures are a pain in the ASS.  Quick, how much does the water in a 25 yard x 12 yard x 5' deep pool weigh?  How about 25m x 12m x 1.5m (not exact conversions, I am being lazy)?  Easy, 2500 * 1200 * 150 = 450M cc = 450,000 L = 450,000 kg.  Got the imperial done yet?  Who care about pools?  Well, they are a lot more fun than machine work and electronics  :P

When do you electronics though you have to use both, as different components use different measures.

Oh, the AKG:  its OD is 21mm.  You can call it 53/64" if you like.

Hahaha nice math skills ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 26, 2012, 04:49:03 PM
done with the pissing match. design the cool electronics and i will stick to the cool tiny parts. it's all good man.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 26, 2012, 05:49:04 PM
good man. now lets make some cool stuff.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Colin Liston on November 26, 2012, 06:07:46 PM
good man. now lets make some cool stuff.

Yes please.  Gefell's next?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 27, 2012, 09:59:30 AM
material for 400 colettes here tomorrow.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 27, 2012, 10:50:19 AM
material for 400 colettes here tomorrow.

So for schoeps you'll be offering a KC5 style cable that can run directly into the tiny box ??? Any idea how much the cable will cost?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on November 27, 2012, 11:26:26 AM
material for 400 colettes here tomorrow.

Wow, you're not fooling around! That's great news.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 27, 2012, 02:13:18 PM
nope.  no wait time in orders or reapirs if needed. fronted all the money needed to make it happen.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 27, 2012, 02:20:14 PM
material for 400 colettes here tomorrow.

So for schoeps you'll be offering a KC5 style cable that can run directly into the tiny box ??? Any idea how much the cable will cost?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: greppson on November 27, 2012, 03:22:01 PM
totally interested, just want to hear/see some in the field samples/reviews. money is tight, but could find room for a pair of actives.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: cashandkerouac on November 27, 2012, 06:42:56 PM
i'm anxiously following this thread.  sounds like progress is being made.  yahoo!   ;D 
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on November 27, 2012, 10:34:46 PM
I want to thank all the major players who have been working on this project. The hardest thing is putting yourself into each others shoes. The people working on this have put an extraordinary amount of time & money into it, and wonder if they'll sell enough to make it worth their while. The people waiting for this have waited so much longer than any other product, so we're just a little cynical in our belief that it will ever become a reality, please understand this. There have been many promises over the years, but up to now, we've seen nothing, only heard promises. The beauty of this project is that it can be modified and used across a couple of product lines, so you should get plenty of initial sales. The quality of the build will determine if it will continue to succeed. One thing I'd add is that if this succeeds, you will get plenty of positive advertising from this crowd. Most of us will testify to it's greatness. We all want you to succeed.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 28, 2012, 08:41:36 PM
sneak peek at the schoeps colette.   http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8227709883/in/photostream
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: NOLAfishwater on November 28, 2012, 08:47:06 PM
looking good!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: obaaron on November 28, 2012, 09:08:29 PM
awesome work!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: willndmb on November 28, 2012, 10:22:05 PM
sneak peek at the schoeps colette.   http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8227709883/in/photostream
very cool
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on November 28, 2012, 10:28:14 PM
Yeah, that looks like great work.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bremusound on November 29, 2012, 02:47:33 AM
Wow that looks great!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: cashandkerouac on November 29, 2012, 01:16:43 PM
looks great, but what happened to AKG?  active Schoeps is certainly nothing new.  seems like AKG actives are once again getting the "reheaded stepchild" treatment.  It's no wonder why people cross over to the "dark side"... path of least resistance.   :(
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 29, 2012, 02:57:13 PM
looks great, but what happened to AKG?  active Schoeps is certainly nothing new.  seems like AKG actives are once again getting the "reheaded stepchild" treatment.  It's no wonder why people cross over to the "dark side"... path of least resistance.   :(

And superior sound :P ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on November 29, 2012, 03:05:39 PM
looks great, but what happened to AKG?  active Schoeps is certainly nothing new.  seems like AKG actives are once again getting the "reheaded stepchild" treatment.  It's no wonder why people cross over to the "dark side"... path of least resistance.   :(

And superior sound :P ;D

... of the inside of a tin can
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: stevetoney on November 29, 2012, 03:51:38 PM
looks great, but what happened to AKG?  active Schoeps is certainly nothing new.  seems like AKG actives are once again getting the "reheaded stepchild" treatment.  It's no wonder why people cross over to the "dark side"... path of least resistance.   :(

He just said a page or two back that AKG is next.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: bryonsos on November 29, 2012, 04:28:11 PM
looks great, but what happened to AKG?  active Schoeps is certainly nothing new.  seems like AKG actives are once again getting the "reheaded stepchild" treatment.  It's no wonder why people cross over to the "dark side"... path of least resistance.   :(

And superior sound :P ;D

... of the inside of a tin can filled with mud
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: cashandkerouac on November 29, 2012, 04:28:51 PM
looks great, but what happened to AKG?  active Schoeps is certainly nothing new.  seems like AKG actives are once again getting the "reheaded stepchild" treatment.  It's no wonder why people cross over to the "dark side"... path of least resistance.   :(

He just said a page or two back that AKG is next.

good to know.  thanks for the 411. 
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on November 29, 2012, 05:59:09 PM
Did someone say mudfight?!?  :tomato:  >:D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: stevetoney on November 30, 2012, 10:15:49 AM
Apparently I like the sound of mud.  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: StuStu on November 30, 2012, 12:15:52 PM
Apparently I like the sound of mud.  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: NOLAfishwater on November 30, 2012, 12:23:42 PM
Apparently I like the sound of mud.  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on November 30, 2012, 03:14:08 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8233419530/in/photostream
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 30, 2012, 11:09:10 PM
Apparently I like the sound of mud.  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on December 01, 2012, 07:54:25 AM
or it could be filled with gold.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on December 04, 2012, 05:31:52 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8245903592/in/photostream
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on December 04, 2012, 10:11:15 PM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8245903592/in/photostream

where exactly does that go ???
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: vanark on December 05, 2012, 06:45:52 AM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8245903592/in/photostream

where exactly does that go ???

It is labeled "nylon insulator with tiny .034 pin socket for akg's"
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: larrysellers on December 05, 2012, 08:32:14 AM
It looks like an insert for an akg ck6x colette. Capsule end of a 480 body (image on right side) is pictured below.

(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2157/c480bck61.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/c480bck61.jpg/)

(http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/1690/akgnyloninsert.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/547/akgnyloninsert.jpg/)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on December 05, 2012, 11:32:34 AM
And there is a different style for the Gefell collette, it's a spring style with a tab that comes in contact with the connector.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on December 05, 2012, 12:52:45 PM
doing the spring contact on the gefells.  not making parts in my garage or basement.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on December 05, 2012, 01:32:04 PM
not making parts in my garage or basement.

I know a guy who's got a quarter million in machinery in his garage. And all his tooling is US made. His family works there, and it's just a few steps out his back door.  You'd never guess it standing in his yard.

But the great thing today is that you can upload an STL file to hundreds (thousands?) of shops to get a quote or order parts. Why own the machine when it is a commodity and you can buy time on it. Staples just announced that they are rolling out 3D printing services to their stores.  Times are a changin'.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Todd R on December 05, 2012, 01:46:31 PM
doing the spring contact on the gefells.  not making parts in my garage or basement.

Any more word on who is working on the electronics side of things, if they are using a stock circuit (like the published schoeps one) or developing their own circuits for each microphone brand/series, if prototypes are being made and tested, etc.?  It would be nice to know if that side is progressing along as quickly and with as much attention to detail as you are on the mechanical side.

It seems over the many years of efforts toward active cables (AKG in particular) that there has been someone very knowledgeable about the electronics side and not the mechanical side, or someone knowledgeable about the mechanical and not electronic, but getting a marriage between the two has been difficult.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Todd R on December 05, 2012, 02:02:26 PM
Interesting.  So if the circuits don't need to change, do the values of the parts used?  Meaning I guess that if capsules are a generic capacitive source, do they have the same general capacitance or does the variance not matter much?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on December 05, 2012, 09:47:04 PM
So exactly what are the final parts needed for this project that still need to be completed to make this a reality? It seems that we have electronics guys, and machinist guys, all working at their respective specialty, but neither side wants to work together to come up with a final working product? I'm confused here. Can someone fill me in?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on December 05, 2012, 09:58:52 PM
So exactly what are the final parts needed for this project that still need to be completed to make this a reality? It seems that we have electronics guys, and machinist guys, all working at their respective specialty, but neither side wants to work together to come up with a final working product? I'm confused here. Can someone fill me in?

Nothing else is needed, these will be out, like mentioned earlier, schoeps are done and being assembled and now Jon(followinbob)is working on the akg, then he plans to tackle the gefell, this is real fellas, its going to hit like a ton of bricks and soon.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on December 05, 2012, 10:07:58 PM
Nice! I'm waiting on the gefell's myself.  ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on December 05, 2012, 10:43:17 PM
So exactly what are the final parts needed for this project that still need to be completed to make this a reality? It seems that we have electronics guys, and machinist guys, all working at their respective specialty, but neither side wants to work together to come up with a final working product? I'm confused here. Can someone fill me in?

Nothing else is needed, these will be out, like mentioned earlier, schoeps are done and being assembled and now Jon(followinbob)is working on the akg, then he plans to tackle the gefell, this is real fellas, its going to hit like a ton of bricks and soon.

Exactly. I am going to order my Schoeps actives>TB setup right after the holidays ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: slightlys on December 06, 2012, 11:52:38 AM
Marking
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on December 06, 2012, 09:05:34 PM
From what I know, this sounds like the real deal to me guys. I think Jon is well equipped to get this done, and soon. I have some faith restored that this project is much closer to becoming a reality than we could have hoped for. I'm happily waiting with my fingers crossed. Jon has the resources, connections, & the skills to make this happen, so don't give up hope. I'm just as frustrated as the next guy at the lack of availability of these type of cables and the pace of their design, but IMHO, those that have dogging this guy are barking up the wrong tree.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on December 06, 2012, 09:27:35 PM
sneak peek at the schoeps colette.   http://www.flickr.com/photos/90095777@N03/8227709883/in/photostream

These are some really purty looking collettes! Professional quality manufactured equipment pix! Love the look of this!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: terabyte23 on December 07, 2012, 05:16:14 PM
Not having used actives before, how feasible is it to use them for 007 taping?  Actives + caps + tinybox + M10?  It would be awesome if I can put my AKG caps to use in this way.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: taperdave on December 07, 2012, 05:24:50 PM
James Bond prefers his Schoeps actives when in enemy territory :)

Can't wait for these (ok waiting patiently, but in the way a kid waits for christmas, it doesn't have to come sooner but we wish it would).

MK41>cable>tinybox>M10
Dave
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: hi and lo on December 07, 2012, 05:38:50 PM
Not having used actives before, how feasible is it to use them for 007 taping?  Actives + caps + tinybox + M10?  It would be awesome if I can put my AKG caps to use in this way.

My guess is that these will be fitted with 2mm Mogami W2697 cable, making them quite good for 007 applications. I would be curious to know if the strain relief mechanisms seen in the pictures will also support 3mm or 4mm OD cable for, generally speaking, open taping purposes.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jbell on December 07, 2012, 05:40:00 PM
 KCY cables would be nice made with followinbobs coletes

James Bond prefers his Schoeps actives when in enemy territory :)

Can't wait for these (ok waiting patiently, but in the way a kid waits for christmas, it doesn't have to come sooner but we wish it would).

MK41>cable>tinybox>M10
Dave
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: taperdave on December 07, 2012, 07:15:08 PM
Exactly the cables that are headed my way :)
Dave
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on December 07, 2012, 07:42:05 PM
Exactly the cables that are headed my way :)
Dave

Please PM me when you get a moment. Im curious about what cable you got.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: slightlys on December 10, 2012, 03:30:57 PM
Will someone just take my money, please!  ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jbell on December 19, 2012, 07:07:18 PM
Any news??  It's been quit for the last week.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on December 19, 2012, 08:01:48 PM
had a ton of military work the last week. making mic parts again tomorrow.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on December 19, 2012, 08:03:49 PM
schoeps cables ready to go.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: edtyre on December 19, 2012, 08:44:10 PM
schoeps cables ready to go.
How much are they?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on December 21, 2012, 07:01:33 PM
Just got my Schoeps Collettes today they look and feel great, now i just need me some caps... I will also be in on a set of the AKG's when they are ready...those I have caps for :P
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chuck on December 21, 2012, 07:28:00 PM
Just got my Schoeps Collettes today they look and feel great, now i just need me some caps... I will also be in on a set of the AKG's when they are ready...those I have caps for :P

 :coolguy:
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: johnw on December 21, 2012, 10:20:08 PM
schoeps cables ready to go.
How much are they?

 ???
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on December 22, 2012, 12:01:31 AM
Just got my Schoeps Collettes today they look and feel great, now i just need me some caps... I will also be in on a set of the AKG's when they are ready...those I have caps for :P

Pics ??? And are you doing the cable work ???
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on December 22, 2012, 12:25:11 AM
Just got my Schoeps Collettes today they look and feel great, now i just need me some caps... I will also be in on a set of the AKG's when they are ready...those I have caps for :P

Pics ??? And are you doing the cable work ???

On mine i am wiring my own, but when u buy em from Jon(folloinbob), Nick(schoepsnbox) will then wire them any way u need. On a side note , my new Tinybox that is being built will be able to run the Schoeps or the AKG's, just two different pinouts when i wire the 6 pin mini xlrs for them....thats pretty damn cool.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: jibooer on December 22, 2012, 06:00:17 AM
put me down for a set of akg's as well.... ;)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: vwmule on December 22, 2012, 01:33:30 PM
We seem to be in a golden era for recording/gear.

For those like me who have not followed this close, when will the AKG parts be ready, and how much?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: flicflac on December 26, 2012, 07:29:22 PM
 in
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: leehookem on December 31, 2012, 10:36:48 PM
We seem to be in a golden era for recording/gear.

For those like me who have not followed this close, when will the AKG parts be ready, and how much?

still don't know...
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on January 08, 2013, 01:51:21 AM
Its real people and the AKG's are soon to follow. Here is the complete followinbob collettes with the Tinybox.  I just got the Custom Tinybox in black with no fill in color(so the writing appears silver) and also which i think is a first , Jon put the value of the step gains by the switch instead of the low,mid, hi as usually seen at my request. Here are a couple pics and in initial testing it all sounds good.

(https://zlnzwa.dm1.livefilestore.com/y1pHWhYvpJ1M468lx0B1qEkIHc8OtE4rtApYz67MK4EyQNnzTm6N4nXc_uLgBSP8c-kVhxNwXkeqhgaD51inH-cnx6UckZeJ2bq/DSC01055.JPG?psid=1)

(https://zlnzwa.dm1.livefilestore.com/y1pWv4iv-8CjKRBnR5qdDiAwcpPNGJw39ir_i5GFc9aWS7bGfJ_QxkFcG8j5yYjJO8O9TPYi4OKCJjonBQEfovQv4KLh9kXe6YR/DSC01057.JPG?psid=1)

(https://zlnzwa.dm1.livefilestore.com/y1pcX5MBJWOtj5EyYl8B_qVbOMxpRIVoTxYy2bcvWZF9GzCe7xCTWMCvyMFDx3Yq6IiYUH47aBJBcfb3NwWjqHqEX87s-ciYoqC/DSC01059.JPG?psid=1)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: achalsey on January 08, 2013, 02:27:28 AM
That is freaking SWEET!  Kind of off topic, but what immediately came to my mind was a boat I saw when I was little named "Stealth" that was jet black and made of carbon fiber, so my first dream idea was about how sweet a jet black, carbon fiber tinybox with black active collettes would be for stealth taping.

Picture of the boat:  http://www.nauticalweb.com/superyacht/536/captain/castelli1.jpg
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on January 08, 2013, 05:42:54 AM
Very sexy Robb.  Do you know what brand/type cable was used?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on January 08, 2013, 06:38:39 AM
Are the collettes painted or powder coated?
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Hypnocracy on January 08, 2013, 06:59:23 AM
Are the collettes painted or powder coated?

Followingbob should look into Gun Blue...it oxidizes Brass to turn it Black, is stable and thickness is practically nothing

(http://www.brownells.com/userdocs/products/p_167005200_1.jpg)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Myco on January 08, 2013, 07:33:47 AM
Nice!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on January 08, 2013, 08:34:42 AM
Very sexy Robb.  Do you know what brand/type cable was used?

Its the same mogami that Nick uses to wire the collettes for the Nbox(he wired these collettes), I am not sure of the model though, its thin.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on January 08, 2013, 08:35:26 AM
Are the collettes painted or powder coated?

These are powder coated
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: yousef on January 08, 2013, 09:37:34 AM
Look's like a Tinybox's evil twin...

Very nice all round - congrats to all involved.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on January 08, 2013, 08:07:47 PM
Look's like a Tinybox's evil twin...

Very nice all round - congrats to all involved.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: stevetoney on January 08, 2013, 10:02:43 PM
Look's like a Tinybox's evil twin...


Ahhh but perhaps all of the preceding tinyboxes are the eeevul ones...only the shadow knows...muwa-ha-ha-ha. 
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on January 10, 2013, 08:34:45 AM
Thought I would post these pics of them in a couple mounts as well, I must say I think they fit the DinA bar and the SGC clips better than the Schoeps, meaning they are nice and snug but it doesn't feel like you are going to break the mount when putting them in.


(https://zlnzwa.dm1.livefilestore.com/y1pUvhXgLxJVYZ1I70dd6a-AdFKRrt8GLOs4GsieHiMNTiZMo_dBoS_WQ1qM-EdyuXM2snFnadsLKLWoqhHaCgnacl4REaUFdWo/DSC01061.JPG?psid=1)

(https://zlnzwa.dm1.livefilestore.com/y1pX7z0BDJViigSLTSpmFMBLeHmgiQiXTvtf5k7oOw2DIxEqKfrcHokYZHw-PaIu-YJF3gjdNDIqjiVANLmbzd_jiOdnYjOfWgu/DSC01062.JPG?psid=1)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on January 10, 2013, 10:10:08 AM
Robb, what are these going to cost?  Very curious how the pricing is intended to stack up against genuine Schoeps ....
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on January 10, 2013, 10:50:16 AM
Robb, what are these going to cost?  Very curious how the pricing is intended to stack up against genuine Schoeps ....

Right now you will have to call Jon(followinbob) to discuss pricing
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: perks on January 10, 2013, 10:58:54 AM
This may be a stupid question but do non-Schoeps collettes have the potential to affect the sound? Up until this point all prior listening comps done in the past used some form of Schoeps collette that I can think of.

Those do look really cool and I'm sure the Gefell folks are doing backflips that this is moving forward.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: ts on January 10, 2013, 11:17:54 AM
I like that long vark bar. :)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on January 10, 2013, 11:21:31 AM
I like that long vark bar. :)

vark Robb Bar
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: yug du nord on January 10, 2013, 11:44:42 AM
I like that long vark bar. :)

vark Robb Bar

if there are any extras layin around, i'd take one!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Todd R on January 10, 2013, 12:04:44 PM
This may be a stupid question but do non-Schoeps collettes have the potential to affect the sound? Up until this point all prior listening comps done in the past used some form of Schoeps collette that I can think of.

Those do look really cool and I'm sure the Gefell folks are doing backflips that this is moving forward.

Well, really anything and everything has the potential to affect the sound of the system being considered.  Whether a particular person or whether humans in general can hear the difference is another matter, though I'm sure there are audiophiles out there that say they can.  Personally, I have a really hard time believing that a block of wood carved with some magical properties by Audioquest or whoever and placed under your speaker cables running over the floor can make a difference, yet these are actual marketed products.

Anyway, back to the point -- different wire/cable used with different dielectrics, different capacitance, etc can potentially affect the sound.  And different components in the collette (notably, choice of the FET used) can affect the sound, and mfg/design/layout of the electronics inside the collette can affect the sound.

I'd be hopeful that this impact would be pretty negligible.  Yet Brian/Itgoestoeleven who also has been working on an AKG active system for many months now seems to have been doing a lot of testing of various active cable designs (the electronics side, not the mechanical side) trying to get a design he is happy with.  I can't speak for him, but I assume this means he feels there are in fact differences in different designs/layouts/parts choices that he is trying to work through.

So all said, yes probably more tests and listening comps are in order once these new active systems start making their way into the taping community.  Always fun to have more comps, keeps us on our toes.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: H₂O on January 10, 2013, 02:12:24 PM
Since Nic of nbox fame designed the electronics I would think the Colette design would be very similar to the nbox's Colette's



There are already a few users out there running nbox cables > tinybox - I am sure this setup would sound almost identical to that
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tim in jersey on January 10, 2013, 03:31:37 PM
Marking thread...
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on January 10, 2013, 04:09:02 PM
This may be a stupid question but do non-Schoeps collettes have the potential to affect the sound?

Definitely.

The components are hand selected and "tuned" for each genuine Schoeps collette.  It is an exacting and time consuming process that adds to the cost.  With no exceptions that I can think of, there are always good reasons for everything the Schoeps engineers do.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: JasonR on January 10, 2013, 04:15:08 PM
If you believe the Schoeps components may sound different than the NBox version, just ask Nick to make a set using the Schoeps components.  He offered to do so for me, and I may take him up on it.  I personally wanted to avoid the NBox version only because I already have a Tinybox wired for the Schoeps setup, and I'd rather not have two similar but incompatible setups.  I seriously doubt there's a sonic difference, but that's just my lay opinion.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: perks on January 10, 2013, 04:36:14 PM
I understand what you are saying and that makes perfect sense to me. Just for clarity in the thread the Nbox cables do use Schoeps KC collettes already. What you are saying (I think) is now Nick has the opportunity to use either a followingbob collette or the original Schoeps KC and there may be a difference in sound but it remains to be seen if anyone will be able to detect the difference.

Looking forward to comps when enough of these are in circulation.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: H₂O on January 10, 2013, 04:44:31 PM
The nbox uses Schoeps parts for the Colette but the electronics inside the Colette are custom and not the same design as what Schoeps uses
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: perks on January 10, 2013, 04:56:41 PM
The nbox uses Schoeps parts for the Colette but the electronics inside the Colette are custom and not the same design as what Schoeps uses

I never knew that. wow - cool.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on January 10, 2013, 10:28:27 PM
I like that long vark bar. :)

vark Robb Bar

if there are any extras layin around, i'd take one!

Ive been searching for one for awhile now, Guy :(
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tim in jersey on January 14, 2013, 12:09:50 AM
Quick question: If I run my stock, full-bodied 480's from the back of a so-so theater, under a balcony (and by that I mean an echo chamber/ bass trap), in the furthest point either left or right vs. low-pro/stealth front and center, which would be the better tape?

Seriously. Which tape would you listen to?

Just sayin'...
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: leehookem on January 14, 2013, 10:13:46 AM
Low pro
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: darktrain on February 04, 2013, 10:02:44 PM
For those that may have missed it, I recorded a show with the Schoeps collettes last week, turned out bvery nice

http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?returnto=%2Faccount-cp.php&id=437731
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on March 02, 2013, 08:18:46 AM
My first outing with Following bob and Nick's Active cables.  Half the show with a PFA and the other half with a tiny box.

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=562495

The Wood Brothers
2013-02-28
Paradise Rock Club
Boston, Ma

Tracks 01-13: AKG ck61(DIN) > Custom Actives > PFA > Sonosax SX-M2 > Tascam DR-680(24/48)
Tracks 14-26: AKG ck61(DIN) > Custom Actives > Tinybox > Tascam DR-680(24/48)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 03, 2013, 01:25:23 AM
Thanks Ted, Ill check in da morning :) One of my fav bands too :)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tgakidis on March 06, 2013, 07:42:05 AM
AKG ck61(NOS,Stage-Lip) > NBob Active Cables > Naiant PFA > Sonosax SX-M2 > Benchmark AD2k+ > Tascam DR-680(24/48)

http://archive.org/details/dubapoc2013-03-04.ck61nos.pfa.sxm2.ad2k.flac
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: OOK on March 06, 2013, 01:38:47 PM
AKG ck61(NOS,Stage-Lip) > NBob Active Cables > Naiant PFA > Sonosax SX-M2 > Benchmark AD2k+ > Tascam DR-680(24/48)

http://archive.org/details/dubapoc2013-03-04.ck61nos.pfa.sxm2.ad2k.flac

That sounds awesome!
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: followinbob on March 06, 2013, 06:54:09 PM
heard a schoeps and akg recording yesterday at nicks. they do sound good. can't wait to hear the gefells this weekend.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Chomps on March 06, 2013, 07:06:56 PM
heard a schoeps and akg recording yesterday at nicks. they do sound good. can't wait to hear the gefells this weekend.

Yes sir...I am curious to hear them as well.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: tim in jersey on March 06, 2013, 11:49:15 PM
Quick question: If I run my stock, full-bodied 480's from the back of a so-so theater, under a balcony (and by that I mean an echo chamber/ bass trap), in the furthest point either left or right vs. low-pro/stealth front and center, which would be the better tape?

Seriously. Which tape would you listen to?

Just sayin'...

Low pro

Any arguments to the contrary thus far concerning getting the mics in the "right spot" using, the supposedly inferior, home-brewed actives VS. running full-bodied mics and hanging back in the OTS?

I applaud followinbob and all the others involved.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: leehookem on March 07, 2013, 12:31:29 PM
Home brewed actives are not inferior.  The sound under a balcony is inferior.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 07, 2013, 03:01:17 PM
Home brewed actives are not inferior.  The sound under a balcony is inferior.

 ;D 8)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on March 07, 2013, 03:05:40 PM
The sound under a balcony is inferior.

Just watch out for the edge area, where the pee rains down.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: leehookem on March 21, 2013, 12:08:53 PM
Cables came in yesterday.  Blown away.  They sound fantastic and the fit and finish is top notch.  Money well spent.
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 21, 2013, 07:25:05 PM
Cables came in yesterday.  Blown away.  They sound fantastic and the fit and finish is top notch.  Money well spent.

Now update your sig
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: leehookem on March 21, 2013, 08:56:16 PM
Better? :)
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 21, 2013, 09:23:44 PM
Better? :)

Better ;D
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: Dkrogh on March 27, 2013, 09:36:36 PM
What the damage for a set of cables and the niant box for a set of akg's
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: achalsey on March 27, 2013, 10:11:30 PM
What the damage for a set of cables and the niant box for a set of akg's

There doesn't seem to be an absolute price posted for the NBob cables/collettes, but I'm pretty sure you're looking at ~$450 US.  Base price for a tinybox is $239.  You could, however, get PFAs instead of the tinybox.  Unterminated they would run you $50 a pair I believe.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=160212.msg2016069#msg2016069
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: acidjack on March 28, 2013, 08:51:48 AM
What the damage for a set of cables and the niant box for a set of akg's

There doesn't seem to be an absolute price posted for the NBob cables/collettes, but I'm pretty sure you're looking at ~$450 US.  Base price for a tinybox is $239.  You could, however, get PFAs instead of the tinybox.  Unterminated they would run you $50 a pair I believe.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=160212.msg2016069#msg2016069

I think it depends what config of PFA (balanced or unbalanced).  Also of course, if you go the PFA route, you have to already own another preamp or have a deck that provides P48...
Title: Re: akg 460/480 owners please read
Post by: leehookem on March 28, 2013, 10:52:56 AM
What the damage for a set of cables and the niant box for a set of akg's

There doesn't seem to be an absolute price posted for the NBob cables/collettes, but I'm pretty sure you're looking at ~$450 US.  Base price for a tinybox is $239.  You could, however, get PFAs instead of the tinybox.  Unterminated they would run you $50 a pair I believe.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=160212.msg2016069#msg2016069

No absolute posted because price will change depending on your cable length, terminations, etc.  Base price is $450 with 6' of cable and termination of your choice.  Additional charge for PFA...