m-audio Nova Microphone Mod
The m-audio Nova is a mid priced semi-pro transformer coupled mic that makes an excellent donor body for an upgrade. The internals of the mic are nearly identical to that of the Sterling Audio ST55 with the same circuit board and transformer. The body is very well made and heavy. The headbasket is a nicely made attractive wedge shape. The stock foobar can be transformed into a high quality vocal or instrument microphone.
Why Upgrade?
The Nova uses a low cost k67 style capsule and is coupled to the Sterling Style circuit board and transformer – neither of which are particularly good. It’s not an awful sounding mic by any means, but it has a lot of potential. The weight and mechanical build quality deserve high quality internals including our BFM circuit, CineMag transformer and choice of high quality capsules.
Custom Mic Options
Due to the internal footprint, the Nova can only be modded in a Tranformer Coupled configuration. Our Transformer-Coupled BFM circuit is based on the classic Neumann KM84 circuit adapted for a Large Diaphragm Capsule. We typically use a high quality CineMag Transformer but there are other options as well. In general, the BFM gives us an extra bit of transformer color or mojo. There is some extra fatness in the lows and low-mids due to the harmonic distortion of the transformer as well as a subtle bit of dynamic compression on transients.
For capsules, we can use a Center Terminated k47 style or an Edge Terminated CK12 style. What’s the difference? The K47 gives us a harmonically rich mid-forward classic tone that you think of coming from the great Neumann microphones. Our k47 capsule is a high quality approximation of the Neumann Capsule. Never sibilant or harsh but with a wonderful clean top-end. The CK12 is the AKG-ish flavor and has a more hi fi extended silky top end. The CK 12 works great in both of our circuitry variations, but are more commonly used with Transformer Builds as the extended top end tends to balance out the beefy lows and low-mids of the transformer.
Choose your rebuild and options below or contact us for more information!
