Some of the mods, including the cost of the cheaper ribbon mic, are around 400$. So I guess what I'm asking is:

Is it worth buying the cheaper ribbon mic and modding it or just buy the MXL R77?

Which one sounds better?

If you are going to spend about 400$ on the mods and the cheap mic, why not just buy the better mic to begin with?

Anybody with comparisons, please reply (modded vs MXL r77 or similar mic)!!!

I am very curious to see the comparisons...

Why would you think the R77 is that great? It is my understanding the motor is the same as Apex205, which you can have for some $100. You pay for the outer shell. Is it worth additional $250?

Best, M

Also the stock (non L version) addition doesnt come with the lundhal transformer so summing it up, your paying for the bling but I go to hand it to them it looks pimpin' good.

Wow, talk about catching feelings!!! haha...just kidding. So you are saying that a modded apex205 sounds better than a stock MXL R77 out of the box?

Anybody who has both or used both care to elaborate?

It's just that a couple people that I have talked to on here that have the R77 love it and wouldn't part with it for vocals. I believe one of them also has a modded cheaper mic (apex 205 or similar) and they don't use it now because they have the R77. Anyway, I'm just trying to understand the logic behind it. Seems kind of unproductive to buy a sonically inferior mic and try to mod it to sound like a better mic when you could have used the money you modded your cheap mic with to buy the better mic! Anyway...that's my take on it.

No one said that. But yes, a modified 205 with Lundahl transformer is going to sound better than a stock R77 (for which a Lundahl transformer option is available for an additional $150, thus putting the price of the R77L at $550. MXL recognizes the superior performance of, and market demand for this premium quality transformer). Folks have said it appears the MXL R77 and Apex 205 share the same ribbon motor type, thus the same basic response. I have not seen the inside of the R77 myself yet but I have no reason to doubt reputable sources. So I would venture to say that an Apex 205 with aftermarket modification is going to be a better value overall than the R77L with nearly identical performance (headbasket differences will provide some unique color to each mic.)

If in fact the R77 uses the same ribbon motor as the Apex 205 - the 205 cannot be "sonically inferior". So it makes perfect sense to buy a low cost mic, use it and deside to upgrade later - for less than the total cost of the R77.

Many people spend $100 to get their feet wet and try out a ribbon mic. If they find it works for them and want to take the next step, an aftermarket modification will improve the mic's performance. So the logic at work is to enjoy minimal risk upfront and stagger gear payments overtime (stock purchase first, mod purchase later).

Of course, if one just has to have a shiny pill-shaped mic...

Hey Joly , you dont think the R77 w/ lundahl transf. is worth though ?

The ShinyBox line of ribbons is perfect for those who want a low cost ribbon that has been heavily modified (and actually looks nice, love the silky finish!) and ships already sounding awesome.

His Lundahl mic is stunning at $400, seriously.

War

Let me see, three "long ribbon / short path" mics...

R77L =$550 from a corporation's retailer,
ShinyBox 46 MXL = $400 from a dedicated individual whose available to chat about your mic needs or
Apex 205 plus mod from a mic obsessionist (similarly available) = $359 total.

Only you can say if a glossy pill-shaped mic is worth the premium.

Thanks !

Im interested . May I PM you ?

email is quicker: michael at oktavamod.com

Must resist shiny pill box shaped mic....... tutt

Must not, must resist, must.....tutttutt

MUST not buy shiny objects again... tutt

Remember the last time, arrrrrgh....

Don't do it, don't do it, don't do it.

Oh hell, who am I kidding. I'm just going to buy one and put it in the modification cue with the 219's, X15, V69's and 1200's to have michael mod it. heh heh It's only money. heh

hehheh

Well if that's the case maybe you should consider the Cascade 77 because both the top and bottom have a real nice chrome and nickel finish. I have to admit it is a handsome mic.

you've got a m@il !
;-)

According to the specs listed for the MXL R77 the ribbon is 1.8 microns, where as the Apex is 2 microns. Micheal, I know you've looked at some mics claiming different ribbon sizes before and found them the same. Given that this post was several years ago have you since verified with your own eyes that the ribbons in these two mics are the same?

MJ doesn't come here anymore. You need to contact him directly if you need a question answered. I will say though that he re-ribbons the 205's when they are in, so I don't think you can go by those specs if you're thinking of having him mod one.