Topic: AT853 vs. AKG C1000s

[dmbpettit]

I am looking for an entry level mic setup.  I have a budget of $200-$300 for microphones.  I was looking at soundprofessionals.com and it looks like the AT853 are $200 a pair but you have to buy some extra equipment to make them work wtih phantom power.  I believe the C1000s are ready to go.  I will be plugging them into a mixer that supplies phantom power so I would prefer to use phantom power. 

Obviously these mics are vary different in construction but is one any better than the other?

[pfife]

I am looking for an entry level mic setup.  I have a budget of $200-$300 for microphones.  I was looking at soundprofessionals.com and it looks like the AT853 are $200 a pair but you have to buy some extra equipment to make them work wtih phantom power.  I believe the C1000s are ready to go.  I will be plugging them into a mixer that supplies phantom power so I would prefer to use phantom power. 

Obviously these mics are vary different in construction but is one any better than the other?

Get AT853Rx from fullcompass.com - those run off phantom power, and are way nicer than the battery powered ones on SP - I got mine for $155 each or so. 

I can't comment to your comparison though.

[rowjimmytour]

If ya don't have to go stealth how about another vote for Studio Projects C4's. I sure dig mine.
Peace

[setboy]

right now AT853RX are on sale http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/AT853RX

[pfife]

I think the AT's are prolly more versatile, in that you can run them open and stealth.  A lot of people buy the AT's and stay with them for quite a while...

[olyrc]

If you are looking at sticking with the mics for a while, you might consider the AT943s instead.  A little bit easier to stealth, and in my opinion they sound better than the AT853s.

[leegeddy]

If you are looking at sticking with the mics for a while, you might consider the AT943s instead.  A little bit easier to stealth, and in my opinion they sound better than the AT853s.

i realize we hear things differently, but what's your basis to your comparison?

marc

[jeromejello]

i have no problem fluffing my at853's 

for the price and flexibility (stealth/open, switchable caps, battery/phantom) i dont think there are many better options for the under $300 pair route.

[jkbyram]

i have been happy so far with my c1000's, but they are big and heavy. i could knock someone out with them!

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

I'm really liking my AT933 + AT853 caps. Bought from Sound Pro's in 1999, recently cut off mini-plug and added P48 adapters.

[Sanjay]

I have run both, observations.

AKG's - You get both hypers and cards in 1 package, internally powered and shockmounted, big as a billy club it seems, which makes it a bitch to put on a smaller stand.
853's - Multiple caps cheaply available including omni's, nicer sound than the 1000's in my opinion but only with phantom, ready resale when upgrade time comes. 

I would go for the 853's they make some impressive tapes, i've been thinking about picking up a pair again to toy with.  If you have any specific comparison questions i can try and help, I know many people have run them both i think.

[NJFunk]

I'll put in a second vote for the Studio Projects C4s in that price range.  I like the sound much better than the C1000s, although if you are going to be stealthing at all, then the AT's are definitely the best option.

[jokerdataper]

i have been happy so far with my c1000's, but they are big and heavy. i could knock someone out with them!

Hey man what up? Just have a minor question. I have recently upgraded my mics from a at822, to akg c1000. I've done all my recording onto my Hi Minidisc. Now I'm doing more and more research on mics that would suit best for my md. Did I make a wrong investment on getting the akgs? Should I have gone with the  AT853's? Or just stayed with the AT822? I'm just looking for a nice smooth crisp sound. All my recording have been in the same section as where the Sound board is. So yeah, that's all...hit me back withs some feeback if u can. I'm hoping to get answers before the summer starts....late

Cheers,

-hec

[dgodwin]

I ran C1000s for the better part of 6 years, and I was consitiently happy with their sound.  Sure, they're not schoeps or neumanns, but for the $$ they were nice.  When I got them, there weren't as many options as there are today (studio project C4s, etc) but you can still make good sounding tapes with them.   I wouldn't have buyers remorse until you've taped a few shows with them.   Then decide.

[Brian Skalinder]

I have recently upgraded my mics from a at822, to akg c1000.  [snip]  Did I make a wrong investment on getting the akgs? Should I have gone with the AT853's? Or just stayed with the AT822?

What do your ears say?  Do they prefer the C1000S or the AT822?  IMO, before upgrading gear, one should know how one is trying to change the sound, i.e. what sonic characteristics in my current gear do I...

[1]  like in my current gear that I want to improve or maximize?
[2]  dislike in my gear that I want to remove or minimize?