F7 or M7

[didier]

Hi,

Writing the first post in the FLEA 49 section of this forum is an honour to me ! I'm an happy owner of a pair of FLEA 49 that I'm using for classical piano recording as an amateur pianist and recordist. I just saw that the FLEA 49 is now proposed with a Thiersch M7 cap as an optional alternative to the standard F7 cap. Does this M7 sounds different from the F7 ? Can't imagine how it could sound better...

Sound samples from all the FLEA mics on the same source would be a great idea. Where are gone the magnificent FLEA 47 and FLEA 50 takes of cello-organ duo ? (They were decisive for me to get also a pair of FLEA 50. )

All the best to FLEA,

didier

[ivan]

Hi Didier,

thank you very much, it´s always great to know that users of FLEA mics are satisfied,
at the same time thanks a lot for notice about M7 option for FLEA50 ... yes it´s a bug and it is already corrected.

Regarding to difference between M7 and F7, Thiersch´s M7 is PVC capsule which is slightly more present on high frequencies, in our opinion. To us, it seems that this PVC M7 picks all nuances on high frequencies better than our mylar capsule. But on principle, it doesn´t change the sound. On the other hand PVC capsule will get old sooner than new materials like mylar. Of course, we are talking about tens of years.

Yes, the sound samples would be great and they will be soon on. We pulled the samples down when we were running the new website and forgot to let at least those samples that we have (cello-organ duo). I´m sorry, I will lay them out back again soon.
We are also preparing new samples - all FLEAs on the same source. It will be on as soon as we´ll have finished our new showroom.

Thank you Didier again and wishing you all the best,
ivan

[joachime]

Regarding to difference between M7 and F7, Thiersch´s M7 is PVC capsule which is slightly more present on high frequencies, in our opinion. To us, it seems that this PVC M7 picks all nuances on high frequencies better than our mylar capsule. But on principle, it doesn´t change the sound. On the other hand PVC capsule will get old sooner than new materials like mylar. Of course, we are talking about tens of years.

Does the F7 capsule have a mylar diaphragm?
I got the impression that all M7 was PVC.

What are the differences between F7 and F47?

[ivan]

F7 can be skinned with mylar or PVC.
M7 was skinned with PVC till 1956 then they started to use mylar (PET).

Difference between F7 and F47 is that F47 is more sensitive - about 1dB.
K47 was successor of M7.

[joachime]

Thank you Ivan for informative reply!

F7 can be skinned with mylar or PVC.
M7 was skinned with PVC till 1956 then they started to use mylar (PET).

I didn't now of that. I thought Neumann switched to mylar when they introduced K47.

Difference between F7 and F47 is that F47 is more sensitive - about 1dB.

So, if you compare a F7 to a F47, both skinned with mylar, you can expect the same differences as a mylar-M7 compared to a K47?

[ivan]

Yes, as F7 and F47/49 are the clones of M7 and K47, you can expect the same differences in their comparison.

[joachime]

Yes, as F7 and F47/49 are the clones of M7 and K47, you can expect the same differences in their comparison.

Thanks for reply.

If it's ok with you I want to elaborate on this a little further.
What is the sonic and mechanical differences between F7 with mylar and the F47/49?
Regarding the differences on how to attach the film between F7 and F47 (glue or mounting ring), is there any difference in tension of the mylar film between these two capsules?

Regards,
Joachim

[ivan]

Hello Joachim,

F47/49 is a bit more sensitive compare to F7.

Regarding to mechanical differences: it is hard to say with a few words, simply these capsules are very different in construction.

As our capsules are skinned by Mr. Thiersch , I can´t provide you any details what method and procedures he uses for skinning.

Have a nice day,
Ivan

[joachime]

I see. Thanks for reply!