DIY Neumann KM-84 Alternatives (Mic Parts SDC-84 & Takstar CM-60 Conversion)

I recently built a couple different clone versions of the Neumann KM-84 small diaphragm condenser microphone: the Microphone Parts SDC-84 (https://microphone-parts.com/products...) and a DIY KM-84 based on a PCB created by Graeme Woller (https://groupdiy.com/threads/mxl-603-....

For the DIY project, I ordered a couple of Takstar CM-60 microphones as donor bodies. They were around $22 each from aliexpress.com. Surprisingly, the CM-60 mics performed amazingly well for the price and if you've got limited cash, I'd highly recommend them. In terms of frequency response, the lows are more pronounced and the highs are just a smidge less pronounced vs the KM-84 clones, but extremely usable.

My DIY KM-84 mics use the 3U cardiod capsules and 3U GZT-84 7:1 transformers.

In both my MP SDC-84 and DIY KM-84 builds the feedback capacitor (C2) is removed to obtain maximum sensitivity. I did this because my primary purpose for these is recording acoustic bluegrass instruments. Mic Parts has a separate build with a different transformer and combination of capacitors to build a killer snare drum mic.

Signal chain:
1. Microphones (recorded each track simultaneously with the MP and DIY mics placed as closely to each other as possible without touching)
2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
3. UAD Neve 1073 preamp emulation
4. Logic Pro X
5. No EQ or other plugins, just volume and panning

Most tracks are just a first take and not really "perfect" performances. I just wanted to get an idea of how these mics would sound in a basic mix and whether they'd have any issues stacking multiple tracks together.

MP SDC-84 Price (for one mic kit in a matched stereo pair): $414 (before shipping). The MP stereo pair also comes with shock mounts and a flight case, which is nice. This is an incredible all-in-one DIY kit with very high-quality parts, including a NOS JFET and matching bias resistor. The instructions they provide in the instruction booklet are top notch. There's also a build walk-through/demo available on YouTube that's really helpful:    • DIY 003: MicParts SDC-84 Snare Microphone ...  

DIY KM-84 Price (for one mic): $204 (including matched 3U capsules and all shipping). No flight case, but the Takstar donors do have a mic stand adapter (not a shock mount) and a basic clown nose style wind screen (which I'll probably never use). I sourced parts for this from digikey.com, mouser.com, 3uaudio.com, aliexpress.com, and, of course, the PCBs from Graeme (which were shipped from New Zealand). Certainly more work than just ordering a full kit from MP.

Kudos to the contributors on groupdiy.com for answering a number of questions and posting info relating to these DIY builds!

Can you tell a difference between these microphones? If so, what do you hear? Leave a comment.