Topic: new mics

[charles]

sounds like sticking with the ua-5 is the way to go. Plan on buying stock and modifying myself to save money. Anyone done that? How'd it work out?

[pfife]

SpeshulEd did it- he said its really easy.

Do you think you'll be modding the mics at some point?  If you don't, I'd strongly, strongly suggest the AD-20 instead.  I think might sound better than a stock UA-5 (subjective, but possible) - and you'll get one for cheaper than a new UA-5 (I got mine used for $175). 

Also keep in mind that all of the battery power stuff for a UA-5 is going to run you about another $60 or so- that's how much I dropped into mine purchasing 2 batteries from battery space, and creating Blue666's power cord to go with it.  I think those Wal-Mart batteries are about $45 - $50 as well...

If you are going to mod the mics, disregard what I have said, and go for the UA-5.

[charles]

It's hard to say what I'll do down the road...I've only just begun....I like what I've heard from the Nak's and if I like them as much once I've got my own, I very well may do the mod. That's a tough one. How much of a difference in sound are we talking about b/w the ad-20 and stock ua-5?

[pfife]

I can't answer that question for you- Its subjective, really.  check some samples.  I can't compare the two and give a subjective opinion cause I don't have much experience with a stock UA-5, except from SpesulEd's - his tapes sound great, IMO.

but, the more I think about it, the more I'd sway to the UA-5, regardless... if you are unsure, its prolly in your best interest to give yourself the most possibility of upgrading later on. 

With the AD-20, if you ever switch mics (which you prolly will - we all do!) - you'll most likely need to get that phantom power supply anyways.

[Sanjay]

its really not that hard, i have only soldered once or twice in my life and i did it.  Be aware though you are working in an area the size of your thumbnail, so its gonna be tight. 

[bagtagsell]

I did it.  I was very terrified, considering the size and what is at stake.  Get a magnifying glass, an exacto, and pray

[Sanjay]

try it yourself first, its very hard to permanently fuck up the UA-5, you have to really try to fuck it up, i mean really try.  My hands shake alot and I got one of those clip thingy's for holding wires in place when you solder and a fine point iron and I was alright.   If you don't get it I am sure someone around here would be happy to help you do it. 

[Electric Cowgirl]

The walmart battery is super compact.....about the size of an M1.  What I like the most about it is the amount of power it gives (~5500mAh).  This battery will hold out with my power hog Earthworks mics for 5+ hours.  It also charges really fast and has a meter so you can tell how much power is left. 

Let me put it this way -> I used it to tape SCI (2.5hours of phantom power + 45mins of just being on) about a month ago.  Last Friday I was gonna charge it up for a Sat. show but only one bar of power out of 4 was used.  A MONTH LATER!!!  Ya this battery rocks.

[coop]

just an FYI,  the nak cm-100's run on AA batteries.  the cm-300's use the tricky 9v.
     coop