Topic: mic preamp chip upgrade for Beyerdynamic MV-100 pre

[leegeddy]

i've been tinkering with the idea of upgrading the preamp IC on my mv100. the mv100 utilizes the discontinued Analog Devices SSM 2017 mic preamp IC.

i've been looking at this one: THAT 1510 http://www.thatcorp.com/1510spec.html but they are not available yet.

so, i contacted Analog Devices and got 2 free samples of their SSM2019, which is their latest version and has the same pin configuration in DIP setting.

the replacement looks very easy and according the AD's tech, it should be a simple procedure.

before i do the replacement, i'll record some test tones and some music with the stock mv100 and do the same for the modded version, all done with the environment controlled as best as possible.

hope the difference with the mod is notable!

marc

ps. thanks to ToddR for some insights and motivation to my little project.

[Todd R]

Cool, Marc!  +T  Let us know what you think of the sound after the upgrade.

[F.O.Bean]

doesnt look too shabby at all really, you can do it bro

[super-phat-al]

interested to hear some samples

[Kindguy]

T+ hope it turns out well.

BTW the aes > coax cable you made is bad ass! You didn't make it for me .....but i ended up with it. 

[hoobash]

I looked into to replacing the chips on the ua5 i got the impression that it wasnt easy to do. It that something that can be done??

[leegeddy]

I looked into to replacing the chips on the ua5 i got the impression that it wasnt easy to do. It that something that can be done??

i wouldn't think it will be too difficult to simply replace an existing IC with an alternate one.

marc
 

[hoobash]

Isnt that basicly what the oade mod is?? I know they do some more but the chip would change the sound

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

It depends on the IC package too.  If it's through hole mounted DIP, then it should be easy if you are careful, but surface mount devices can be tricky for a novice and you need to be careful not to use too much heat or you will cause the trace to seperate from the board.

in addition to replacing the opamps, you could probably get some improvement by replacing the coupling capacitors with some higher end ones like the Auricaps. 

[hoobash]

My uncle has done this kinda of work for years. I could get him to do it for me. I know there was a post about this a while back. It seems like the parts are cheap enough

It depends on the IC package too.  If it's through hole mounted DIP, then it should be easy if you are careful, but surface mount devices can be tricky for a novice and you need to be careful not to use too much heat or you will cause the trace to seperate from the board.

in addition to replacing the opamps, you could probably get some improvement by replacing the coupling capacitors with some higher end ones like the Auricaps. 

[hoobash]

This is a great site for the ua5  http://he.fi/photo/ua5-dissection/

[leegeddy]

well, the SSM2019 have arrived. off to UPS to pick up the pkg. i'll keep ya posted on the progress.

marc

[leegeddy]

the new SSM2019 chip

marc

[bluegrass_brad]

So how is this project coming?  I have an MV100 that I would be interested in modding if the difference is worthwhile.  updates?
Brad

[leegeddy]

So how is this project coming?  I have an MV100 that I would be interested in modding if the difference is worthwhile.  updates?
Brad

yes, it's still in the works. i just ordered some Burr-Brown chips and 8pin DIP mounts. this way, i can switch from one chip to another without soldering for easier  comparisons.

marc