Topic: What is everyone using for stealth mics?

[jkm78]

Can anyone give me there opinion on the best inexpensive stealth mic and where I can purchase them from?  Please PM me if you are able to help out.

Thanks,
JKM

[NOLAfishwater]

what is your budget? what kind of recorder are you using? do you have a preamp? inquiring minds want to know..

[su6oxone]

Can anyone give me there opinion on the best inexpensive stealth mic and where I can purchase them from?  Please PM me if you are able to help out.

Thanks,
JKM

For the best balance of price and quality, Church Audio CA-11 cards/omnis are probably your best bet.  For a little more, you can try the AT853 or AT943 (CMC-4 and CMC-8 from Sound Pros).  I have the AT853s and they are pretty good, and all variety of caps.  Also, consider the Sennheiser MKE40s from Microphone Madness (HLSC-1).  All are easily stealthable and sound good.  Except for the CA-11 though, you may need the "Church/4.7k mod" for best performance for high-SPL shows.

[Arni99]

I use DPA 4061 omnidirectional mics or SP-CMC-8(AT943) cardioid mics.
DPA4061 are superstealth-mics 5,4mm diameter and 12mm length and their sound is excellent at venues with good acoustics.
Of course they are not "cheap".
630€ here in Europe for 2 DPA 4061 mics..that´s 1.000US$.

The SP-CMC-8 are about 259US$.

[muj]

russian mce 400

[Dede2002]

Can anyone give me there opinion on the best inexpensive stealth mic and where I can purchase them from?  Please PM me if you are able to help out.

Thanks,
JKM

For the best balance of price and quality, Church Audio CA-11 cards/omnis are probably your best bet.  For a little more, you can try the AT853 or AT943 (CMC-4 and CMC-8 from Sound Pros).  I have the AT853s and they are pretty good, and all variety of caps.  Also, consider the Sennheiser MKE40s from Microphone Madness (HLSC-1).  All are easily stealthable and sound good.  Except for the CA-11 though, you may need the "Church/4.7k mod" for best performance for high-SPL shows.

Second that. 
Plus Microphone Madness HLSO-micro (omnis), awesome sounding and really, really small.
The smaller of the bunch, I think.

[edtyre]

Omnis are a bad choice for stealth unless you are doing all
general admission shows and will stack tape them all.

Cards will bring home a better recording in most stealth situations
where you have a seat and can't change position. ( more directional,point
towards speakers)

Church Audio and Sound Pros both have good products as others have mentioned,
and both of these products are for sale quite often in the Yard Sale.

[tcf]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

[Dede2002]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

[Belexes]

Church Audio and Sound Pros both have good products as others have mentioned,
and both of these products are for sale quite often in the Yard Sale.

Some guy is selling SP-CMC-8's in the YS.  (me)

I like the MKE-40 cards, AT943s, AT853s, and I think I may give the CA-14 cards a try.  All are very good mics with the AT's being nice for the different capsules that can be used.

[su6oxone]

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

PS-2 mini (with 1/8" miniplug output) is an easy portable 48V phantom power source.  And with a standard 9V battery, I was getting 5-6 hours powering neumann km184 mics.  It's well worth it if you want PP powered stealthy mics to use with the R-09/R-09HR.

[Dede2002]

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

PS-2 mini (with 1/8" miniplug output) is an easy portable 48V phantom power source.  And with a standard 9V battery, I was getting 5-6 hours powering neumann km184 mics.  It's well worth it if you want PP powered stealthy mics to use with the R-09/R-09HR.

Hey, thanks for the heads up
+T

[setboy]

PS-2 mini (with 1/8" miniplug output) is an easy portable 48V phantom power source.  And with a standard 9V battery, I was getting 5-6 hours powering neumann km184 mics.  It's well worth it if you want PP powered stealthy mics to use with the R-09/R-09HR.

where can i find more info about ps-2 with 1/8's? could you post some pics?

[Dede2002]

PS-2 mini (with 1/8" miniplug output) is an easy portable 48V phantom power source.  And with a standard 9V battery, I was getting 5-6 hours powering neumann km184 mics.  It's well worth it if you want PP powered stealthy mics to use with the R-09/R-09HR.

where can i find more info about ps-2 with 1/8's? could you post some pics?

There you go

http://www.denecke.com/Products/Audio%20Accessories/audioaccessories.htm#PS2

[su6oxone]

where can i find more info about ps-2 with 1/8's? could you post some pics?

Sound Pro sells the 1/8" output modded PS-2.  Costs $200, or you could probably mod it yourself if you have the know-how (I definitely don't).

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/DEN-PS2-MINI

[su6oxone]

Hey, thanks for the heads up
+T

No prob, +T as well. 

[TNJazz]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

[Dede2002]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

I'm very iinterested about that. That being said, a Nevaton MCE400 would work with a regular 12v or 9v battery box terminated with regular 1/8" plug?
I'd get a pair, that's for sure. IMHO they sound better than the DPA 4061 ( and costs less  )

[TNJazz]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

I'm very iinterested about that. That being said, a Nevaton MCE400 would work with a regular 12v or 9v battery box terminated with regular 1/8" plug?
I'd get a pair, that's for sure. IMHO they sound better than the DPA 4061 ( and costs less  )

I can't say for sure about the 9V box, but almost certainly a 12V box would work.  It would require XLR inputs but could be wired for 1/8" output.

Richard (illconditioned) is the only person I know (so far) who has a working battery box for the MCE400.  He is not making them for others at this time though. 

It's on our list of things to do, but we haven't gotten to it yet.

[Dede2002]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

I'm very iinterested about that. That being said, a Nevaton MCE400 would work with a regular 12v or 9v battery box terminated with regular 1/8" plug?
I'd get a pair, that's for sure. IMHO they sound better than the DPA 4061 ( and costs less  )

I can't say for sure about the 9V box, but almost certainly a 12V box would work.  It would require XLR inputs but could be wired for 1/8" output.

Richard (illconditioned) is the only person I know (so far) who has a working battery box for the MCE400.  He is not making them for others at this time though. 

It's on our list of things to do, but we haven't gotten to it yet.

Thanks a lot for your fast response. Good to know that this is on your list of things to do.
I'd really appreciate if you let me know about those battery boxes. The Denecke power supply looks like an awesome piece of gear and it is portable, but it's not quite stealthable for my standards, so a bb would be really nice.
Thanks again 

[Arni99]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

I'm very iinterested about that. That being said, a Nevaton MCE400 would work with a regular 12v or 9v battery box terminated with regular 1/8" plug?
I'd get a pair, that's for sure. IMHO they sound better than the DPA 4061 ( and costs less  )

NEVATON MCE 400 - Technical Data
Directional pattern
omnidirectional

Frequency-range
20 - 20.000 Hz

Free Field Sensitivity at 1000 Hz and 1000 Ω
10 +/-2 mV/Pa

Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651
24 dB-A

Max. Sound Pressure Level [for THD 0,5% ]
132 dB

Dynamic range
108 dB

Nominal Impedance
50 Ω

Recommended Load Impedance
1000 Ω

Current Consumption
10 mA

Supply voltage
9V -52 V

Diameter, Length
8mm, 15mm

Connector Type   
3-pin XLR-type standard
Pin assignment:pin1: ground, pin2:phase(+), pin3:phase(-)

http://russian-mics.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_28/products_id/38?osCsid=0ee002cbadb14207a0b284af9bfe4a6b

[TNJazz]

We have found some errors on the European distributor's site in the past, so you may want to take the information listed there with a grain of salt.  The word from the factory is they require 12-48V.

[Dede2002]

We have found some errors on the European distributor's site in the past, so you may want to take the information listed there with a grain of salt.  The word from the factory is they require 12-48V.

Thanks. Still, I'd need a 12V  BB with XLR inputs, which I do not have.

[muj]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

I'm very iinterested about that. That being said, a Nevaton MCE400 would work with a regular 12v or 9v battery box terminated with regular 1/8" plug?
I'd get a pair, that's for sure. IMHO they sound better than the DPA 4061 ( and costs less  )

NEVATON MCE 400 - Technical Data
Directional pattern
omnidirectional

Frequency-range
20 - 20.000 Hz

Free Field Sensitivity at 1000 Hz and 1000 Ω
10 +/-2 mV/Pa

Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651
24 dB-A

Max. Sound Pressure Level [for THD 0,5% ]
132 dB

Dynamic range
108 dB

Nominal Impedance
50 Ω

Recommended Load Impedance
1000 Ω

Current Consumption
10 mA

Supply voltage
9V -52 V

Diameter, Length
8mm, 15mm

Connector Type   
3-pin XLR-type standard
Pin assignment:pin1: ground, pin2:phase(+), pin3:phase(-)

http://russian-mics.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_28/products_id/38?osCsid=0ee002cbadb14207a0b284af9bfe4a6b

9 volt is all you need..

[muj]

We have found some errors on the European distributor's site in the past,

you mean too much copy and paste? 

[illconditioned]

I am another Nevaton MCE 400 user.  An incredible mic for my purposes.  These things have been wonderful on un-amplified, stage lip, electric and acoustic acts.  For what these things go for new, nothing can touch them in the class.  I owned AT 933's for over ten years, very significant upgrade to those and all of the Senn. tapes I've heard. 

The only thing that prevents me from getting a pair right now is the MCE 400 48v power requiriments. I've been listening to amazing recordings with those omni mics.

Power requirements for the MCE400 are actually 12-48V (some specs say 9V-52V, although I have not tested that yet to see if it's accurate).

I'm very iinterested about that. That being said, a Nevaton MCE400 would work with a regular 12v or 9v battery box terminated with regular 1/8" plug?
I'd get a pair, that's for sure. IMHO they sound better than the DPA 4061 ( and costs less  )

I can't say for sure about the 9V box, but almost certainly a 12V box would work.  It would require XLR inputs but could be wired for 1/8" output.

Richard (illconditioned) is the only person I know (so far) who has a working battery box for the MCE400.  He is not making them for others at this time though. 

It's on our list of things to do, but we haven't gotten to it yet.

Richard here  .

OK, I *love* the sound of the Nevaton, but watch out for quality control.  Two pairs purchased, one died, the other not matched at all!!!

I've recently tried Countryman B6 and Countryman B3.  These are *fantastic* sounding mics, pretty close to the Nevatons, and much better quality control.  Why do they sound good?  Someone @ Countryman.com told me they have a stainless steel diaphragm.  Maybe a coincidence, but Nevaton has stainless as well...

If you want to hear something great, listen to my clip "Hey Rosetta" on http://Soundmann.com.  This is an acoustic set (only voice and acoustic guitar are amplified a bit).  The B6 overload unfortunately (audience noise between songs).  Testing B3 now.  I got a great clip "Molly Johnson" with B3, but right channel is a bit off.  Mics exchanged and expected (tomorrow!).  Will report back, but I think B3 are a winner.  They are approx $150 each (street) with pigtails, and can use a standard (9v) battery box.  Check these out.  Sound fantastic and they're indestructable.  Sound better than DPA IMO.  Much better.  Maybe not as good as the Nevaton, but I can't deal with the mismatches and the fragility of these mics.

  Richard

PS: Anyone want to purchase some of my other "hat" mics?  I've got a pair of Sennheiser MKE2 (2.2k mod, miniplug end), and DPA4060 (hardwired to battery box, miniplug pigtail).

[TNJazz]

OK, I *love* the sound of the Nevaton, but watch out for quality control.  Two pairs purchased, one died, the other not matched at all!!!

Nevaton did not start supplying matched pairs to the US distributor until I requested they do so.  As far as I know, I am the only one who actually sells "matched" pairs at the moment though.

All Nevaton come with a 2 year warranty, so you should be able to exchange your dead mic for a new one Richard.

[illconditioned]

OK, I *love* the sound of the Nevaton, but watch out for quality control.  Two pairs purchased, one died, the other not matched at all!!!

Nevaton did not start supplying matched pairs to the US distributor until I requested they do so.  As far as I know, I am the only one who actually sells "matched" pairs at the moment though.

All Nevaton come with a 2 year warranty, so you should be able to exchange your dead mic for a new one Richard.

I can't really exchange the mic since I removed the XLR connector.  I ended up cutting the cables too, because I scuffed them.  The cables are of *really* poor quality.  Basically the only thing I like are the capsules.  If you could sell me a matched set of capsule, with pigtails only, I might consider it.  But then, I don't want to risk losing another pair.  Sorry, I've moved on to the Countryman!

 Richard

[illconditioned]

OK, I *love* the sound of the Nevaton, but watch out for quality control.  Two pairs purchased, one died, the other not matched at all!!!

Nevaton did not start supplying matched pairs to the US distributor until I requested they do so.  As far as I know, I am the only one who actually sells "matched" pairs at the moment though.

All Nevaton come with a 2 year warranty, so you should be able to exchange your dead mic for a new one Richard.

By the way, did anyone listen to my Countryman samples?  I really like these.

Oh yeah: here is a quick tip for matching test.  Listen up folks.  First, generate "pink" noise (I used the open source program Audacity, available on Windows, Mac and Linux).  Then play back at a moderate level, eg., 80dBA.  Hold the mics side-by-side (as close as you can get them, like 1/2" apart max) about 6 to 12" in front of the speaker, and record the noise.  Then analyse the spectrum.  I use the "Waves" plugin called "Analyzer" running in Wavelab.  I set the levels to RMS and response to "slow".  The curves are all over the place, but the mics should track each other.

Here are some curves.

First, a set of Countryman B3 mics that *do not* match:


Now a set of mics (Sennheiser KE4) that *do* match:


It is not showing absolute level well (you need an anechoic chamber and calibrated measurement apparatus to do that  ), but the relative level will tell you if the mics are OK.  Note that it is unlikely that both mics will fail in the same way, so if they are equal, they are probably both matched and working!

  Richard

[Dede2002]

By the way, did anyone listen to my Countryman samples?  I really like these.

Richard

Me too.
Very interested. What about high SPL? Are they OK?
+T for the tests.
Thanks in advance 

[oivindi]

I've recently tried Countryman B6 and Countryman B3.  These are *fantastic* sounding mics, pretty close to the Nevatons, and much better quality control.  Why do they sound good?  Someone @ Countryman.com told me they have a stainless steel diaphragm.  Maybe a coincidence, but Nevaton has stainless as well...

I'm a bit of a novice on this ... but is it at all possible to connect the Countryman mics to an Edirol R-09? No?

If yes, what would I need?

[Dede2002]

I've recently tried Countryman B6 and Countryman B3.  These are *fantastic* sounding mics, pretty close to the Nevatons, and much better quality control.  Why do they sound good?  Someone @ Countryman.com told me they have a stainless steel diaphragm.  Maybe a coincidence, but Nevaton has stainless as well...

I'm a bit of a novice on this ... but is it at all possible to connect the Countryman mics to an Edirol R-09? No?

If yes, what would I need?

I was so excited about those mics that I did not notice that they are 48V powered.
That's a no-no for me. Mini-plugs are the only way for me.

[tcf]

I've used two pairs of the Nevaton MCE 400 by now and one pair was dead on, my current pair is within a couple of db's from each other.  I personally like the cable that is permanently attached to the mics, it seems low profile enough and doesn't get tangled up too bad.  I use mine straight in with a microtracker/no battery box and and Fr2Le and they work great with both.  

Since there aren't a lot of users of these mics I am personally excited to hear other people's experiences, whether good or not so good.  

Richard, If you aren't happy with your mics, perhaps you could send them back to nevaton, and have new xlr adapters installed, then you could sell them in the yardsale.  It's too bad the caps weren't more matched, but I don't think that was the company's intention with these mics, although I'm not sure what the intended market was with using the full size xlr connector.  Either way the taping community lucked out when these things were discoverd, they sound great.

[sunjan]

I'm a bit of a novice on this ... but is it at all possible to connect the Countryman mics to an Edirol R-09? No?
If yes, what would I need?

The PS-2, just mentioned earlier in this thread. Or a UA-5, if you have a lot of balls for stealthing.

While on this topic, I have to throw in my vote for the AT853Rx (now superseded by U853R).
As pointed out by edtyre, many of the mics in this thread are omnis.
For cards - and especially if you want the flexibility of interchangeable caps - there are fewer choices...
That said, the price points of the Countryman mics looks good, if they really can compete with the DPAs.

Dede2002, how would you rate the MM-HLSO Micro compared to the others mentioned here?

[Dede2002]

I'm a bit of a novice on this ... but is it at all possible to connect the Countryman mics to an Edirol R-09? No?
If yes, what would I need?

The PS-2, just mentioned earlier in this thread. Or a UA-5, if you have a lot of balls for stealthing.

While on this topic, I have to throw in my vote for the AT853Rx (now superseded by U853R).
As pointed out by edtyre, many of the mics in this thread are omnis.
For cards - and especially if you want the flexibility of interchangeable caps - there are fewer choices...
That said, the price points of the Countryman mics looks good, if they really can compete with the DPAs.

Dede2002, how would you rate the MM-HLSO Micro compared to the others mentioned here?

Hello Sunja,

Hard to tell because I do not own the other models. Acording to Illconditioned ( who owns just about every omni mics there is ), they are the one of the best lavaliier omnis, period. Trully, they are awesome sounding mics. Plus, they are really tinny, way smaller than the DPAs. It's hard to believe how such small thing can sound so big. They make a perfect pair with my R-09HR. I posted two samples last week on the R-09HR thread.
Take care 

[oivindi]

Hard to tell because I do not own the other models. Acording to Illconditioned ( who owns just about every omni mics there is ), they are the one of the best lavaliier omnis, period. Trully, they are awesome sounding mics. Plus, they are really tinny, way smaller than the DPAs. It's hard to believe how such small thing can sound so big. They make a perfect pair with my R-09HR. I posted two samples last week on the R-09HR thread.
Take care 

Are they WAY smaller than the DPAs?! The DPA 4060s? Are you sure?

Also, do the MM-HLSO Micro compare with the 4060s in terms of noise (S/N ratio)? Self-noise? The specs don't seem to put them in the quiet category?

Have you tried recording quiet stuff with them?

[LZJoker]

PS-2 mini (with 1/8" miniplug output) is an easy portable 48V phantom power source.  And with a standard 9V battery, I was getting 5-6 hours powering neumann km184 mics.  It's well worth it if you want PP powered stealthy mics to use with the R-09/R-09HR.

When you are stealthing the KM184's does it matter if you can't directly point them at the stage, e.g you've got them standing up like your avatar, does it affect the recording much by not having the caps aimed at the sound source.

[Dede2002]

Hard to tell because I do not own the other models. Acording to Illconditioned ( who owns just about every omni mics there is ), they are the one of the best lavaliier omnis, period. Trully, they are awesome sounding mics. Plus, they are really tinny, way smaller than the DPAs. It's hard to believe how such small thing can sound so big. They make a perfect pair with my R-09HR. I posted two samples last week on the R-09HR thread.
Take care 

Are they WAY smaller than the DPAs?! The DPA 4060s? Are you sure?

Also, do the MM-HLSO Micro compare with the 4060s in terms of noise (S/N ratio)? Self-noise? The specs don't seem to put them in the quiet category?

Have you tried recording quiet stuff with them?

Yes, I'm sure. OK, maybe not waaaaay smaller, but smaller.

Check the pictures:

http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmhlsomsenmi.htm

Yes, not only tried, but I did recording quiet stuff with them with nice results.
Take care

[Arni99]

I had the HLSO for a while and now I'm using DPA 4061 since more than 1 year.
DPA 4061 sound a lot better to MY ears .
More detailed than the HLSO and DPA4061 do NOT distort at really high SPL.

[dactylus]

I had the HLSO for a while and now I'm using DPA 4061 since more than 1 year.
DPA 4061 sound a lot better to MY ears .
More detailed than the HLSO and DPA4061 do NOT distort at really high SPL.

I can't wait for the new dpa "instrument recording, mini-cards" to hit the street, maybe this Fall!!  Arni, have you seen the new, unreleased dpa mini-cards yet?

 

[Arni99]

I had the HLSO for a while and now I'm using DPA 4061 since more than 1 year.
DPA 4061 sound a lot better to MY ears .
More detailed than the HLSO and DPA4061 do NOT distort at really high SPL.

I can't wait for the new dpa "instrument recording, mini-cards" to hit the street, maybe this Fall!!  Arni, have you seen the new, unreleased dpa mini-cards yet?

 

No, I only read the rumors here at TS.com.
But I can ask my local DPA distributor in Vienna if something new is just around the corner .
 

[illconditioned]

I had the HLSO for a while and now I'm using DPA 4061 since more than 1 year.
DPA 4061 sound a lot better to MY ears .
More detailed than the HLSO and DPA4061 do NOT distort at really high SPL.

Yes, the DPA sound better then the Sennheiser MKE2.  However, the Sennheiser KE4 sound a bit nicer than the MKE2, to me a tossup between the KE4 and the DPA.  (The DPA have lots detail, but no warmth, the KE4 have warmth, but not as much detail, and there is some color.)  And, there are even better options, Countryman B3/B6, Sanken COS11 and Nevaton MKE400, all of which I like better than the DPA for various reasons.  Yes, I own (or have tried) all these mics.  No, I am not obsessive.  I have no more mics than necessary.

  Richard

[MarkE]

Another mic not mentioned here is the Sonic Studios DSM-6S. Ive had them for about 6 or 7 years now and think they are the smoothest sounding stealth mic around.. (IMHO). They handle loud volume excellent and are made well. They are omni, I'd love to hear a Sonic Studios Cardiod, but Ive had great success with them. And I love the omni's because I am a stack taper...
MarkE

[illconditioned]

Another mic not mentioned here is the Sonic Studios DSM-6S. Ive had them for about 6 or 7 years now and think they are the smoothest sounding stealth mic around.. (IMHO). They handle loud volume excellent and are made well. They are omni, I'd love to hear a Sonic Studios Cardiod, but Ive had great success with them. And I love the omni's because I am a stack taper...
MarkE

DPA and the others (Sanken, Countryman, Nevaton) are better IMO.

I think the Sonic Studios are great but can't compare to the high-end stuff.  They remind me a lot of the Panasonic WM61a.  Open, natural sound, but some artifacts (upper mids) and not quite as much detail.  That's my opinion, fwiw.

  Richard

[Dede2002]

I had the HLSO for a while and now I'm using DPA 4061 since more than 1 year.
DPA 4061 sound a lot better to MY ears .
More detailed than the HLSO and DPA4061 do NOT distort at really high SPL.

Yes, the DPA sound better then the Sennheiser MKE2.  However, the Sennheiser KE4 sound a bit nicer than the MKE2, to me a tossup between the KE4 and the DPA.  (The DPA have lots detail, but no warmth, the KE4 have warmth, but not as much detail, and there is some color.)  And, there are even better options, Countryman B3/B6, Sanken COS11 and Nevaton MKE400, all of which I like better than the DPA for various reasons.  Yes, I own (or have tried) all these mics.  No, I am not obsessive.  I have no more mics than necessary.

  Richard

Richard,

Thanks for all the great info.
Question: is there any chance for me to use the Countryman mics terminated with a mini-plug and 9V battery?
Which one is the best in your view, B3 or B6?
Thanks in advance

[TNJazz]

Another mic not mentioned here is the Sonic Studios DSM-6S. Ive had them for about 6 or 7 years now and think they are the smoothest sounding stealth mic around.. (IMHO). They handle loud volume excellent and are made well. They are omni, I'd love to hear a Sonic Studios Cardiod, but Ive had great success with them. And I love the omni's because I am a stack taper...
MarkE

DPA and the others (Sanken, Countryman, Nevaton) are better IMO.

I think the Sonic Studios are great but can't compare to the high-end stuff.  They remind me a lot of the Panasonic WM61a.  Open, natural sound, but some artifacts (upper mids) and not quite as much detail.  That's my opinion, fwiw.

  Richard

I would agree.  We used the DSM6 a number of times and while they sounded good, they didn't come anywhere close to the Nevaton, DPA or Sanken.

I have not tried the Countryman lavs, so I will have to give them a go sometime.

[illconditioned]

I had the HLSO for a while and now I'm using DPA 4061 since more than 1 year.
DPA 4061 sound a lot better to MY ears .
More detailed than the HLSO and DPA4061 do NOT distort at really high SPL.

Yes, the DPA sound better then the Sennheiser MKE2.  However, the Sennheiser KE4 sound a bit nicer than the MKE2, to me a tossup between the KE4 and the DPA.  (The DPA have lots detail, but no warmth, the KE4 have warmth, but not as much detail, and there is some color.)  And, there are even better options, Countryman B3/B6, Sanken COS11 and Nevaton MKE400, all of which I like better than the DPA for various reasons.  Yes, I own (or have tried) all these mics.  No, I am not obsessive.  I have no more mics than necessary.

  Richard

Richard,

Thanks for all the great info.
Question: is there any chance for me to use the Countryman mics terminated with a mini-plug and 9V battery?
Which one is the best in your view, B3 or B6?
Thanks in advance

I'm still working on this.  Will report to TS.com when I figure it out.
I love both the B3 and B6.  Maybe B6 has the edge on sound (and size), but overloading/powering is a question.
B3 can be powered with Edirol R09 plug-in-power believe it or not, B6 are more tricky to power.
My main issue with B3 is matching quality (non existent it seems).  Not sure if it is defect, or manufacture quality.

I'm trying out Sanken COS11 as well.  These are really well matched, and sound very good.  I think I like the Countryman a bit better though.  And they are much cheaper.

Stay tuned...
  Richard

[Dede2002]

Richard,

Thanks for all the great info.
Question: is there any chance for me to use the Countryman mics terminated with a mini-plug and 9V battery?
Which one is the best in your view, B3 or B6?
Thanks in advance

I'm still working on this.  Will report to TS.com when I figure it out.
I love both the B3 and B6.  Maybe B6 has the edge on sound (and size), but overloading/powering is a question.
B3 can be powered with Edirol R09 plug-in-power believe it or not, B6 are more tricky to power.
My main issue with B3 is matching quality (non existent it seems).  Not sure if it is defect, or manufacture quality.

I'm trying out Sanken COS11 as well.  These are really well matched, and sound very good.  I think I like the Countryman a bit better though.  And they are much cheaper.

Stay tuned...
  Richard

You bet I will 

[illconditioned]

OK, I've just tried the Sanken COS11.  Great mic, small (4mm diameter, 16mm long, but OK to poke end out of hat or something).
Very smooth and warm sounding, natural EQ.  But there is something wrong with the transients maybe.  "Jangly stuff" like tamborine, cymbals, etc, seems "smeared", or lose detail.  Believe it or not I prefer Sennheiser KE4 over this.  Sennheiser seems a bit colored, but seems to sound OK on everything, including the jangly stuff.

I guess I'll focus on Countryman B3/B6 now.  Until then using KE4.

  Richard

[Dede2002]

OK, I've just tried the Sanken COS11.  Great mic, small (4mm diameter, 16mm long, but OK to poke end out of hat or something).
Very smooth and warm sounding, natural EQ.  But there is something wrong with the transients maybe.  "Jangly stuff" like tamborine, cymbals, etc, seems "smeared", or lose detail.  Believe it or not I prefer Sennheiser KE4 over this.  Sennheiser seems a bit colored, but seems to sound OK on everything, including the jangly stuff.

I guess I'll focus on Countryman B3/B6 now.  Until then using KE4.

  Richard

Thanks .
Please let us know as soon as you have new about powering the B6. That would be great.
+T

[pgadams]

Can anyone give me there opinion on the best inexpensive stealth mic and where I can purchase them from?  Please PM me if you are able to help out.

Thanks,
JKM

I haven't seen Core Sound Stealthy Cardioids mentioned in this thread. I have used them for several years in hats and on glasses. Can anyone campare them to some of the other mics mentioned? BTW for reasons I won't get into I am poised to purchase the Edirol and am wondering if I should continue with the Core Sound mics or invest in something better.
Tks

[Belexes]

Can anyone give me there opinion on the best inexpensive stealth mic and where I can purchase them from?  Please PM me if you are able to help out.

Thanks,
JKM

I haven't seen Core Sound Stealthy Cardioids mentioned in this thread. I have used them for several years in hats and on glasses. Can anyone campare them to some of the other mics mentioned? BTW for reasons I won't get into I am poised to purchase the Edirol and am wondering if I should continue with the Core Sound mics or invest in something better.
Tks

Many of us has Core Sounds in the 90s, but mine turned to Sore Sounds as I had issues with them and wasn't happy with the customer service.  I'd put most of the mics in this thread above Core Sounds.

[Industrial]

Core Sound Binaurals for bigger bassier concerts and Audio Reality Binaurals for smaller concerts.  The actual sound quality on Audio Reality Mics is a more realistic than my CSBs, but when there is too much bass they get really heavy distortion.

[run_run_run]

The actual sound quality on Audio Reality Mics is a more realistic than my CSBs, but when there is too much bass they get really heavy distortion.

are they just Panasonic WM61a caps? I have a set I have run open and I love them.

[Industrial]

are they just Panasonic WM61a caps? I have a set I have run open and I love them.

I dunno, the guy audioreality.com claims they were made by him.  I kind of hope they weren't Panasonic WM61a caps or else I seriously overpaid for them :\

[run_run_run]

I purchase the microphone elements direct from Japan

Panasonic = Japanese. Look about the same size 

[Industrial]

I purchase the microphone elements direct from Japan

Panasonic = Japanese. Look about the same size 

Damn, I think I got ripped off on those mics.

When I bought it, he gives a battery box with a -30 and -150 db setting.  If I did make those WM61-A homemade mics would I need that box to get a good recording?