Topic: Audio Technica AT 853 RX or Core Sound Binaurals opinions or suggestions please

[spyder9]

So having just ordered my 853 RX`s at the very reasonably $136.42 it only leaves me to thank everybody for their input and opinions.

Thanks

Schoff

http://www.fullcompass.com/products/pages/SKU--10074/index.html

Congrats!  You'll like these mics. I'm very happy with mine.  There's a couple of MP2s in the Yard for sale if you're interested.

[CHURCH-AUDIO]

I would not call soldering an end onto a cable a "mod" the reason why the CS mics do not distort is simple they use a linkwitz type mod this mod, IMO reduces bass. This is a similar mod but not quite the same as what earthworks do to the panasonic 55 capsule they use in the cardioid mics. I like the AT853 but for the price I also like my Cardioid mics for $129.99 a pair they sound great PM me if you want a recording sample. If you want to go with the SP AT mics give me a shout and I will make you one of my 3 wire preamps, this preamp gives you 00- TO 20db of undistorted gain at 20hz to 90khz FLAT with a bass roll off at 80 switchable. The price is $149.99 for the preamp with the three wire inputs. here is a picture.

Chris Church
 

The AT853's have a wider frequency range also. The Soundprofessionals have diagram showing the patterns of both if your interested. The AT853's might distort with louder recordings in some cases, but if you use the battery box, or if you have them phantom modded you'll get great results. The coresounds won't didtort maybe because they record a more narrow range than other mics do, you lose some of the highs & lows.

Correction/clarification: CoreSound do not distort becuase they are using a *3 wire* battery box!  It is different than the one Sanjay and I made (and has different connectors), but that is why it does not distort.

OK, so you want to get AT853, probably from Soundprofessionals.  Those mics will sound great.

I would try them with a regular batt. box first.  If you get too loud, then get a 3-wire battery box.  I'm not making boxes at the moment, and I think Sanjay has dropped out of the game for a bit.  Perhaps Church can make you one?  Or, get a battery box + pre from Church.

Either way, you probably want the "phantom power mod" from SoundProfessionals.  This is where he puts a miniXLR 3-pin connector on each mic.  These *should* plug into Church's preamp/battery box.

  Richard

[dano420]

I also run the At853rx > mp-2 and they are the two pieces of gear I will never give up.

[guysonic]

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on a clipping light on a pre.  I know Chris posted elsewhere about why these generally aren't that useful, but I've been taping for years and have always relied on my levels on my recorders.  After awhile, you get a feeling for each venue that you'll tape in and will know what settings to go in there with.  I've had my MD levels show that I was clipping, but never had any distortion from that.  I just don't run as hot anymore and don't have to worry.  Experience and watching your levels are much more useful than a clip light, IMHO. 

Sounds like you decided on mics, you'll be happy w/them.

VU indicators usually show LINE level signals, but do not indicate when first mic (preamp) stage is overdriven to clip distort.  Good to remember the first mic stage is BEFORE the REC level adjustment that VU meter monitors, so (actually a gain) control of first stage 'level' is limited to 'mic attenuation' switch; mostly with only two (0dB/-20dB) choice on minidecks if available at all.  In other words, first stage can be overdriven, and you will adjust REC level so VU reads "not clipping," but preamplifier overload-distorted sound is being recorded regardless. 

Fast, short duration mic preamplifier clip distortions usually go unheard or unrecognized, but are clearly visible in the waveforms using editing programs like CEP/Adobe Audition. 

I do not believe most tapers desire NOT to know when clip distortions happen or are likely, even if the clips were not easily heard.

Point is, accurate/well designed mic preamp clip (or near clip) LED indicator has proven most useful in keeping the first stage from overloads, whether audible or not. 

Just because some or most preamps have poorly designed clip indicators does not downplay the need for such features.   

Anyway, this is some of the design considerations of my own mini preamps, all with (very useful) -3 dB near clip LED.

[jhirte]

I got my 853rx's the other day. Shortened the cables last night to about 7'. Took about 30minutes. I also tinned the leads after shortening.

I also will be running Jcrabb66's MP2 tonight with them... before he has run it. muhuwhahahaah new toys rule.

My plan when I am not mooching the mp2 is to run direct to Microtrack. I'm gonna build some XLR -> 1/4" TRS jacks in the next couple days here.. 

[poorlyconditioned]

I wouldn't put too much emphasis on a clipping light on a pre.  I know Chris posted elsewhere about why these generally aren't that useful, but I've been taping for years and have always relied on my levels on my recorders.  After awhile, you get a feeling for each venue that you'll tape in and will know what settings to go in there with.  I've had my MD levels show that I was clipping, but never had any distortion from that.  I just don't run as hot anymore and don't have to worry.  Experience and watching your levels are much more useful than a clip light, IMHO. 

Sounds like you decided on mics, you'll be happy w/them.

VU indicators usually show LINE level signals, but do not indicate when first mic (preamp) stage is overdriven to clip distort.  Good to remember the first mic stage is BEFORE the REC level adjustment that VU meter monitors, so (actually a gain) control of first stage 'level' is limited to 'mic attenuation' switch; mostly with only two (0dB/-20dB) choice on minidecks if available at all.  In other words, first stage can be overdriven, and you will adjust REC level so VU reads "not clipping," but preamplifier overload-distorted sound is being recorded regardless. 

Fast, short duration mic preamplifier clip distortions usually go unheard or unrecognized, but are clearly visible in the waveforms using editing programs like CEP/Adobe Audition. 

I do not believe most tapers desire NOT to know when clip distortions happen or are likely, even if the clips were not easily heard.

Point is, accurate/well designed mic preamp clip (or near clip) LED indicator has proven most useful in keeping the first stage from overloads, whether audible or not. 

Just because some or most preamps have poorly designed clip indicators does not downplay the need for such features.   

Anyway, this is some of the design considerations of my own mini preamps, all with (very useful) -3 dB near clip LED.

Yep, good explanation. 

This is called "brick wall" distortion.  Your levels look fine, but it still distorts.  Common on early minidisc recorders with "hot" electret condenser mic inputs.  The newer MD (and all HiMD models) have a "MIC SENS" item in the menu.  This reduces the mic pre gain, probably by -20dB but I'm not sure.  Anyway, I use either LO on MIC SENS or LINE IN if it is really loud.  In both cases the recorder sounds great, and you have real analog gain control and nice metering.

BTW, I have heard one report that the MIC input on the Edirol R1 recorder has brickwall distortion.  The solution here is to either use LINE IN or to build an external attenuator (eg. -10 or -20dB) to put in front of the MIC input.  I have not used this myself though.  And I'm not about to pay $400 for a piece of gear that does not solve this problem for me like later generation MDs already do.

  Richard

[jhirte]

853rx -> MP2 = nice!