Off-shore LDC (large diaphragm condenser) Microphone ‘E’ Modification (Apex 435, 410, Oktava 219, 319 and similar) $229

The basic design of these microphones is very solid (as with most microphones, cheap or otherwise); the major fault lays in the quality of the electronic components. The ‘E’ (electronic) modification includes the replacement of every capacitor and resistor in the microphone, replacement of the FETs where warranted (and HFE matched, where applicable), changed capacitor values (to attenuate the ‘essy-ness’ where applicable), new solid-core wire where warranted, removal and rebuilding of the headbasket mesh layers.

This mic will sound fantastic on drums, guitar, piano (especially in pairs), horns, acoustic bass and pretty much any other instrument. Check it out on the samples page.

I have come to especially love the sound of this mic used as a pair for drum overheads (check out the 'Lonely Avenue' sample; this was recorded with a pair of Apex 435 'E' Mod mics with stock capsules).