Mini MS DIY Kit
Mini MS DIY Kit
Introducing the Mini MS DIY! Just like the original Mini MS Classic, this microphone features two internal capsules: a cardioid capsule facing the front and a figure 8 capsule facing either side. Together, the microphone can record in “mid side” format, which can be easily decoded to traditional stereo either on your portable recorder or in your digital audio workstation of choice. However… there are some noteworthy differences between the Mini MS DIY and the Classic!
The Mini MS DIY kit does not come pre-assembled! You will receive all of the parts needed to build the microphone and a cable for using and powering it with 3.5mm plug-in-power (provided by many field/pocket recorders).
The Mini MS DIY was redesigned to make the build process more friendly for individuals with limited DIY experience, and is a great project to tackle for those new and interested in building microphones for the first time!
The Mini MS DIY has a slightly larger body than the Mini MS Classic. The new microphone body makes it easier to build, without requiring uncommon tools and techniques. It also gives the Mini MS DIY compatibility with more conventional microphone mounting solutions and wind protection, while still maintaining a relatively mini form factor. For those that just want the numbers, the Mini MS DIY has a length of approximately 63mm and a diameter of 20mm (for comparison, the Mini MS Classic has a length of approximately 52mm and a diameter of 14mm).
Includes the parts to build your own:
1x Mini MS DIY Microphone
1x Mini MS DIY Cable, 6 ft. Mini XLR (Mic) to 3.5mm/Aux TRS (Recorder), Mogami & Neutrik Parts
Build Guide
Click on the image to the right to download the full Build Guide for the Mini MS DIY Kit! The build guide includes:
A list of necessary tools and supplies
A step-by-step walkthrough with detailed photos of every step throughout the build process
Links to recommended tools and parts for those new to DIY projects in general!
Mini MS DIY vs Mini MS Classic Shootout
While the redesign of the Mini MS DIY made the build process much more beginner-friendly, there are some slight performance differences between it and the original Mini MS Classic. While we don’t personally think they “make-or-break” the usability of either microphone, it is worth sharing and publishing these metrics. The differences may also be mitigated with some simple mods, but those are still a work in progress; stay tuned!
Jericho Beach Recordings
Here are a few recordings done at Jericho Beach in Vancouver, BC! Both microphones were placed within the same Rycote SuperShield and recorded on the same recorder, same location, same time of day, etc. Unfortunately, my website requires audio files be uploaded in .mp3 format, so any compression or reduction in quality as a result of that process is outside of my control. You can download the full quality .wav files at this Google Drive link!
Mini MS DIY
Mini MS Classic
Sine Sweep & Pink Noise Tests
The following performance tests were conducted in a well-treated studio environment with a single Neumann KH310A studio monitor as the playback source, roughly 1 foot away from the microphones. Both microphones were plugged into a MixPre II series recorder at a sample rate of 96kHz and gain of +30dB.
For the eagle-eyed viewers, the differences are most noticeable at approximately 2.5kHz, 6.2kHz, 8.5kHz, and 11kHz. The performance throughout the mid and low end is largely the same across both microphones, but pay keen attention to the high end in both the diagrams below and the sample recordings above (like when the waves wash back and recede away from the shoreline/rocks). These differences likely arise from the additional internal volume or unoccupied space inside of the body of the microphone. This gap makes the process of building the microphone significantly more accessible, but causes some apparent differences. Future modding would likely concentrate on filling that additional space with something low cost and readily available like a cotton ball.
Mini MS Classic - 30s Sine Sweep
Mini MS DIY - 30s Sine Sweep
Mini MS DIY - Pink Noise
Mini MS Classic - Pink Noise
Performance Specs
Mid Capsule - Primo EM406N
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Sensitivity: -37db ± 3dB (at 1khz, 0db=1V/Pa)
Impedance: 1.4kΩ ± 30% (at 1kHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB Typ (at 1kHz, A-weighted)
Max SPL: 120dB SPL at 1kHz
Operating temperature range: -10°C ~ +50°C
Storage temperature range: -20°C ~ +70°C
Frequency Response: Refer to the image here.
Side Capsule - Primo EM283
Polar Pattern: Figure 8 (Bi-Directional)
Sensitivity: -39db ± 3dB (at 1khz, 0db=1V/Pa)Impedance: 1.4kΩ ± 30% (at 1kHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 72dB Typ (at 1kHz, A-weighted)Max SPL: 122dB SPL at 1kHz
Frequency Response: The lower line corresponds to 90° off-axis; the rejection of the sides when facing the front of the mic in the case of the Mini MS.