Topic: AT853 and AT933 Unmod Thread

[AT853rxwh]

Ok, this info is scattered across a bunch of threads, and I thought it would be a good idea to get it into a single thread and maybe the archive.

(Will try to give credit where due!)

By doing this mod you will increase the max spl by 12db or so.

SP offers this as a option or a service, but you can save a fair amount by doing this yourself.

Here is a pic of their mod (they use mini stereo plugs and Samson adaptors.)




Basically LeeGeddy's diagram below describes the options of doing this mod



There are a few options for powered Xformers.

Samson - These are the cheapest - Round $30 ea from Sound Professionals.  (found em for $25, see link in parts section) Here is a pic of them from Hoyt:



AT8533x (Pic from Dano420) Bout $70 ea The 8533's are also available but they have a mini xlr instead of hard wired)




Here are the step by step pics with instructions following... credit to LeeGeddy

-undo the heat shrink on the stero mini and remove silicone and cut the wires.



Step 2:

-insert the mini xlr components as shown.
-pre-tin the 2 yellow conductors, the 2 red conductors and the shield



Step 3:

-solder the connections. 

NOTE:  on a separate note, when i shortened my AT853 cable from 25' to 6', i noted the pin assignments respect to the conductor colors.

Yellow > Pin 2 (+)
Red > Pin 3 (-)
Shield > Pin 1




Step 4:

-assemble the mini xlr connector by crimping the 4 holders to the cable.



Final Step:

-the finished modification. ready for phantom power module and phantom power from your preamp.




If using 8533x you will need 2 male and 4 female if you want to be able to switch between phantom and battery.  If you are using 8533's you will need 2 male and 2 female.

An alternative to all the extra connectors required when using 8533x's is to use 5 pin mini xlr's like Dano420 did.

Sources for parts:

AT8533 http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=560&item=AT8533&type=store

AT8533x http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=163118&is=REG

Samson Adaptors PM4's http://floridamusicco.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SPM4

Mini XLR Female 3 pin http://www.trewaudio.com/catalog/items/item669.htm

Mini XLR Male 3 pin http://www.trewaudio.com/catalog/items/item670.htm

Mini XLR Female 5 pin http://www.trewaudio.com/catalog/items/item673.htm

Mini XLR Male 5 pin http://www.trewaudio.com/catalog/items/item674.htm

Edit by BSkalinder:  fixed image URLs (removed /yabbse)

[blu666z]

Nice work.

-Kevin

[caymanreview]

this seems to me like a thread for the archive

[AT853rxwh]

this seems to me like a thread for the archive

That was the idea, Hopefully Brian will think so too...

[Brian Skalinder]

Mike  --  Great post!  I don't own or control the Archive Info forum's contents, anyone can post there - I'm just motivated to get stuff in there on my own.  Feel free to post this in the Archival Info forum - doesn't hurt in this case to have it in both places.

[AT853rxwh]

My bad, will put it there too!

[Sean Gallemore]

I wish my connectors look that clean!  Mine are so messy, but they work!

[leegeddy]

nice archival stuff, mikesus.  +t

marc

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

+T for the great info!!

Out of curiousity, why would I want the phantom power units AND a battery box? Just for a smaller option? or bass roll-off? or ??

Thanks!

[mattb]

I think the primary reason would be for steathiness, but roll-off is about the only other reason I can think of. FWIW I think the AT phantom adaptors have some kind of adjustable roll-off, don't they?

[Sean Gallemore]

AT8531 yes
AT8533 no
AT8533x yes

[AT853rxwh]

Basically if you can find a phantom adaptor that works 9-52v you should be able to get it to work...  I had a set of Astatic phantom adaptors on a set of AT853's that worked great.  (didn't have roll off tho, but from all of the folks that are using em phantom, it doesn't appear that you even need the rolloff...

As to why would you want to go both ways?  

Well Options of course.  The ability to go either stealthy and use a batt box, or go for high spl rating and use phantom with the same set of mics is pretty killer...

[Sean Gallemore]

bah, I may never build the adapter for the BB because the adapters are stealthy enough for me

[AT853rxwh]

bah, I may never build the adapter for the BB because the adapters are stealthy enough for me

Believe that when we see your batt box in the yard sale  

[Sean Gallemore]

bah, I may never build the adapter for the BB because the adapters are stealthy enough for me

Believe that when we see your batt box in the yard sale  

now the heat is on