i'd go for the cmc-4 (at853 caps) rather than cmc-8 (at943 caps). i've got recordings with both and the cmc-4 just sound way better to my ears....and they are much cheaper.
marc
Bet I could send you some 943 tapes that would change your mind.
-Kevin
kevin;
i'm not knocking the at943s as crappy mics. definitely not true, they are fine mics for their price point. however, in COMPARISON to the at853 there's a definite difference between the 2 according to my ears.
i actually recorded a Buckethead show recently and simultaneously ran 2 (almost) identical setups:
1. at853>at8533>mv100>m1
2. at943>at8533>mv100>d100
they were on the same stand, same height and near identical config,
the at853 tape sounded much better with the fullness that i like. both were punchy as hell, great crisp highs, but the at943 did lack the power in the low end, in comparison to the at853.
marc