"An easy to build kit for novice builders, yet good enough for serious recording applications."- JHR, Customer Review
This kit provides the core of a professional, U87-style condenser microphone, renowned for its clean FET circuitry and versatile performance. Based on a proven open-source design, this project is perfect for musicians, podcasters, and DIY audio enthusiasts looking to build a high-quality microphone without the high-end price tag.
The result is a reliable, high-performance microphone with a quiet circuit and excellent signal output, ready for serious recording work.
A First-Rate DIY Experience: Build a top-tier microphone yourself. Perfect for beginners and experienced builders alike.
High-Performance Audio: The finished circuit is quiet, provides strong signal output, and sounds fantastic with a variety of popular capsules.
Professional FET Circuitry: Faithfully emulates the classic and popular U87-style design for professional results.
Clear, Concise Build Guide: A full-color, well-written manual with logically ordered steps and clear illustrations is provided to make your build a success.
Updated PCB Design: Features an improved layout for a better fit in most mic bodies, plus a second JFET mounting location to accommodate different pinouts (SGD, DGS, DSG, GSD).
"First rate kit-building experience based on an open source design developed by multiple experts in an online audio equipment discussion forum. The well-written instruction manual is direct, concise, and complete. Construction steps are briefly explained, logically ordered, and clearly illustrated... The finished circuit is quiet, provides good signal output levels, and sounds good with various condenser capsules... It is easy enough for novice builders, yet good enough for serious recording applications. The purchase price is reasonable considering the complexity, number of components, and quality result." - JHR
What's Included in This Kit:
High-Quality "U87-Style" PCB
All PCB Components (Resistors, Capacitors, Diode, JFET)
Full-Color Digital Build Guide
To Complete Your Build, You Will Need:
Microphone Body (must be metal)
Output Transformer
34mm Condenser Capsule & Saddle(Note: The pictures of the completed microphone are for illustration purposes only.)
Q: What Transformer do I need?A: The PCB is designed for the Neutrik NTE 10/3 footprint. Other compatible transformers include the Cinemag CM13113 (9.5:1, same as a U87), Cinemag CM2480 (10:1), AMI T13, or UTM 0587.
Q: What capsule should I use?A: A single-sided, 34mm large-diaphragm condenser capsule, such as the popular RK87 style.
Q: What Body should I use?A: Any metal microphone body with enough internal space for the PCB (38mm x 74mm). A great option is to buy an inexpensive U87-style donor microphone from an online marketplace, discard its internal electronics, and use the body and shock mount. I assure you that this DIY kit is far superior to the electronics in any low-cost donor mic.