I ordered the microphone on Wednesday evening and already received it this morning (Saturday). I live in the western part of Germany, so that delivery speed was seriously impressive.
I was pumped to try the mod. The build quality is excellent, and the packaging was as secure as it could be. The power supply feels solid, has a nice weight to it, and looks great too. The only downside is the included cable. However, using a Sommer Oktava Tube cable, you can easily build a high-quality replacement that works perfectly with the mic.
Has anyone tried using other power supplies? Did you notice any difference in sound? I’m only interested in feedback from those who have the latest version of the mod, since Max has improved the PSU over time.
I compared the MK67 to my TLM67, a vintage U87i from 1982, and a U87 Ai that was modified by Voxorama (the modded Ai should sound very similar to a stock 87 Ai, just with reduced self-noise and slightly higher output. It also smooths out the top end, which can get harsh on an untouched Ai at higher volumes). I tested the MK67 with the Telefunken PF86 tube it ships with.
Let me start by saying this: to my surprise, the sound felt very familiar.
The MK67 requires less gain than a typical Neumann microphone. For comparison, I usually run my Neve 5211 at around 36 dB of gain. With the MK67 using the stock BV12 transformer from Max, I only needed 30 dB.
One of the first things that stood out was how good the TLM67 still is for the price. With some patience, you can pick one up for between €1250 and €1600, sometimes even including the EA87 shock mount.
In comparison to the Vintage mode the TLM67 isn’t actually worse than the MK67. It’s more a different take on a similar tonal concept. Even so the MK67 feels a more open, especially in the highs, while the TLM67 leans slightly more muffled in comparison.
I compared the MK67 in both its Vintage and Reissue modes. As soon as I flipped the low-cut switch, which activates the U67 Reissue voicing, the TLM67 couldn’t keep up anymore. The MK67 kept that beautiful low-mid body but added a clear and refined top end that really impressed me. In a blind test, it was immediately obvious which mic was which. For my taste, the MK67 came out on top. I would say that this is more of a preference rather than a better or worse scenario.
The U87i comparison was especially interesting. I felt like the MK67 in Vintage mode gave me a similar vibe, but with a bit more color and presence in the high mids. To me, the MK67 in Vintage mode feels like a U87i with a tube-driven midrange. That actually makes perfect sense when you consider that the U87i was designed as the successor to the U67. The gain difference was also noticeable. The U87i needed between 6 and 10 dB more gain on the Neve than the MK67.
When you think about it, a decent U87i will cost you at least €2500. For that amount, you could get a TLM67 as a donor body (including electronics), plus the MK67. A setup that arguably sounds better and offers more flexibility. In the end, you’re essentially getting three microphones for the price of one.
The U87 Ai comparison was a bit different. In Vintage mode, the MK67 clearly had the edge for my taste. It delivered a fuller, more musical tone, especially in the mids, while the Ai sounded slightly harsher and less balanced in direct comparison. Just to be clear: the U87 Ai doesn’t sound bad. It never has before the modification, and it never will afterwars. It’s also not harsh, as many people claim. That’s simply how it comes across in a direct comparison. But when I switched the MK67 into Reissue mode, it felt like a more refined version of my modded Ai. The body of the lows remained intact, but the high frequencies were more controlled, making the mic feel more balanced overall. Gain levels were about the same.
The MK67 stands strong next to some of the most respected microphones in the industry. Whether in Vintage or Reissue mode, it delivers a tonal character that not only holds up but, in some cases, surpasses microphones like the TLM67, U87i, and even the modded U87 Ai, depending on what you’re listening for.
It’s not about which microphone is objectively better. It’s more about personal preference, workflow, and sonic needs. The MK67 offers remarkable flexibility, a beautiful low-mid foundation, and a top end that can shift from smooth and vintage to open and modern with the flick of a switch. Considering the price point and the fact that you can pair it with a TLM67 as a donor body, you’re essentially getting multiple high-end flavors in one package.
This does not make the U87 Ai or U87i obsolete. Both still have their place and their strengths. But in a blind test, and especially from a value-for-money perspective, the MK67 makes a very strong case for itself.
Another thing I love is that the MK67 works great as a second mic in stereo setups. I’m not sure if that will still be the case once I swap the transformer. I recently got my hands on an original BV12 output transformer, the same model Neumann uses in their modern U67 reissue. This could change everything. At the same time, I’m a bit nervous. I already love how the MK67 sounds. Some say the BV12 adds more low-end depth without making the mic muddy. I’ll definitely keep you posted. If it doesn’t work for me, I can always go back to the stock transformer, but it’s a bit of a financial risk if I don’t like the result.
Before I end this, I just want to say I’ve read through a huge amount of this thread, and this is actually my very first post on Gearspace after years of silently following your experiences. I feel like sharing a first impression like this might help some of you understand what to expect from this mic.
Please don’t expect an “OMG this is the best mic I’ve ever heard in my life” type of reaction like you sometimes get online.
Do I prefer the MK67 over the others I compared it to? Yes, I do.
Is it worth €1250 plus a custom cable if you already own those other mics? Probably not.
If you already own a TLM67 and a U87 Ai, you’re good. But you also don’t need a U87 Ai if you already have the MK67. Unless you want the flexibility of a solid-state mic, since the U87 doesn’t rely on a tube.
I’m writing this as someone whose microphone locker adds up to around €15,000 in value. That includes some custom-built tube mics I absolutely love, which can outperform the MK67 in certain situations. For example, I have an Avantone CV12 fitted with an ELA M 251-style mod from MicParts, and another CV12 with upgraded components. Once properly modded, these mics easily hold their own against Neumanns or the MK67, and in specific use cases, they even outperform some of my more expensive microphones. The price tag should never be the deciding factor when choosing a microphone.
I’m passionate about microphones and I definitely don’t regret buying it at all. I make a living through music, so I can afford to invest in gear without pushing my limits. Keep that in mind when reading this.
But if you can find a TLM67 at a decent price and pair it with the MK67 mod, you may never feel the need to buy another mic again. Unless, of course, you’re as addicted to microphones as I am.
That’s all from me for now.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk about microphones.
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