Topic: Newbie putting together a setup

[2manyrocks]

I've never owned or used SP C4's.  I see they come with both omni and card capsules.

I own Line Audio CM3s which have a wider card pattern.   Nice, small, and don't suffer from cheap shrillness that you often find with less expensive condenser mics.  Very much worth considering. 

But if somebody puts up a pair of DPA 4061s in the YS for $300-$400, those are the ones I'd be looking at. 

[F.O.Bean]

OK, here I go again everyone.  I just looked at the price of those SP C4s.  If you're in that price range, I strongly urge you to go with Line Audio CM3.  They are much higher quality mics than the SP mics, and you really would need to move up to Schoeps, DPA, Gefell, etc. for a more refined sound.  Under $300 shipped from NoHypeAudio in Belgium (no, you can't purchase in the US but the transaction with this dealer is flawless as many can attest). 

Follow the Team Line Audio link in my signature for full info, many samples, and ordering info.  If anyone thinks I'm just being a fanboy or exaggerating their quality, check out the first link there for a shootout with the Schoeps equivalent, the MK21.

Damn, I am IMPRESSED with those CM3's I still preferred the balance of the Schoeps mk21 on thast sample, but I would be ecstatic with either of those I might have to get a pair just so I have some subcards again! I didn't use my old mk21s enough to justify keeping them! But the CM3 are affordable enough that I can afford to keep them around lol And now that I have a 2nd 70d, I can run 6 channels pretty easily! CM3>XLR>70d I bet would sound DANK from the sweet spot or on stage Wishing I had [2] DR-701d's though, so that I could cascade the two units together so all 8 channels I have now would be time synced And another thing, the CM3's are TINY! About the size of a normal XLR plug

Thanks for the heads up Volt

[F.O.Bean]

Has anyone that owns the CM3's used them with screens They're almost too small Barely enough room for a screen and shockmount

[voltronic]

Has anyone that owns the CM3's used them with screens They're almost too small Barely enough room for a screen and shockmount

Yes, I use my DIY shocks with Rycote lyres that are spaced pretty much as wide as on an INV-6, and for screens I use the Rode WS8s I bought from you!    Everything fits and works great.  I'll link some pics later on.

[admkrk]

I would recommend trying to find a 12' stand. I have a 12 and there have been lots of times I wished it was higher.

I would recommend a taller stand also, but see no reason to go above 7' or 8'. The reason for having a taller stand is so that the sections are not extended to their maximum. If you extend any section all the way, you lose a lot of stability, and it will be wobbly even without mics mounted on it. 

[chinariderstl]

Not just for newbies at all, but Naiant products are top notch.  Send Jon an email and he will set you up with exactly what you need.

Fyi, this was just posted in another thread.  It might be worth checking out.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=177072.0

The Naiant X-R spaced omnis sound wonderful; pretty hard to beat at about $150 a pair.

[acidjack]

OK, here I go again everyone.  I just looked at the price of those SP C4s.  If you're in that price range, I strongly urge you to go with Line Audio CM3.  They are much higher quality mics than the SP mics, and you really would need to move up to Schoeps, DPA, Gefell, etc. for a more refined sound.  Under $300 shipped from NoHypeAudio in Belgium (no, you can't purchase in the US but the transaction with this dealer is flawless as many can attest). 

Follow the Team Line Audio link in my signature for full info, many samples, and ordering info.  If anyone thinks I'm just being a fanboy or exaggerating their quality, check out the first link there for a shootout with the Schoeps equivalent, the MK21.

...except they are subcards, which are not really optimal for anything other than way up close recording (and in my opinion, are often not optimal for that). They may be a high quality mic (I have no data point one way or the other) but it's unquestionable that they are less versatile than the SP-C4s, or any cardiod mic, for the kind of taping the OP seems to be describing.

[voltronic]

OK, here I go again everyone.  I just looked at the price of those SP C4s.  If you're in that price range, I strongly urge you to go with Line Audio CM3.  They are much higher quality mics than the SP mics, and you really would need to move up to Schoeps, DPA, Gefell, etc. for a more refined sound.  Under $300 shipped from NoHypeAudio in Belgium (no, you can't purchase in the US but the transaction with this dealer is flawless as many can attest). 

Follow the Team Line Audio link in my signature for full info, many samples, and ordering info.  If anyone thinks I'm just being a fanboy or exaggerating their quality, check out the first link there for a shootout with the Schoeps equivalent, the MK21.

...except they are subcards, which are not really optimal for anything other than way up close recording (and in my opinion, are often not optimal for that). They may be a high quality mic (I have no data point one way or the other) but it's unquestionable that they are less versatile than the SP-C4s, or any cardiod mic, for the kind of taping the OP seems to be describing.

I actually find them to have much more flexibility than cardiods.  They have reduced proximity effect, have less loss of bass at a distance, and are more forgiving of vertical angle position compared at all of the cardiod mics I've used.  I've used them lots of times at "taper" distances, and some compression and EQ restores HF losses when needed.

[2manyrocks]

If the OP is recording in a club full of chatty patrons, then that suggests a card or hyper card pattern to try to reduce the audible chat. 

I suspect Voltronic and I are recording in better controlled audience situations where the CM3 actually works pretty well. 

[TaperWill]

10' air-cushioned light stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/89688-REG/General_Brand_LS_10AB_10_AC_Light_Stand.html

May be a dumb question, but how do you attach the mic t-stand to this? Light stands have a different top than mic stands, right?

[hoppedup]

10' air-cushioned light stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/89688-REG/General_Brand_LS_10AB_10_AC_Light_Stand.html

May be a dumb question, but how do you attach the mic t-stand to this? Light stands have a different top than mic stands, right?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298908-REG/WindTech_MPC_10_Multi_Position_C_Type_Clamp.html

OR

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/894541-REG/K_M_23800_500_55_238_Microphone_Holder.html

[Fried Chicken Boy]

May be a dumb question, but how do you attach the mic t-stand to this? Light stands have a different top than mic stands, right?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298908-REG/WindTech_MPC_10_Multi_Position_C_Type_Clamp.html

OR

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/894541-REG/K_M_23800_500_55_238_Microphone_Holder.html

OR, a Manfrotto Rapid Adapter which will slide right onto the 5/8" stud on the top of most light stands.  The mic T-bar will screw onto the top of the Rapid Adapter. 
The WindTech C-clamp will probably give you the most versatility but it never hurts to have a few options in your gear bag, and the Rapid Adapter is pretty inexpensive.

Different ways to skin this cat. 

[TaperWill]

You all are awesome. Going with the windtech at least for now. And if anyone cares, I decided on the c4's. Did some browsing of better quality used mics, but didn't really feel comfortable with any of them. And I've listened to a bunch of stuff on the LMA and overall was pleased with what I heard. Thanks!