Topic: AT-853 and sound quality

[Karl]

I run 853's right now, and have been pretty happy.  But sooner or later I'll be upgrading, and for comparison purposes I would like to know how the sound quality/tonal balance of these mics compare with the rest of the mic world.  I've done my share of listening, but I would like to know what others think.  Also, with these mics being "cheaper" than others out there, what makes these mics inferior?

[nickgregory]

they sound fine for what they are.  With more expensive mics you will get clearer highs, more defined midrange and less sloppy bass.  having gone myself from squids>853s>AKG391/3s>MG200, I can tell you there are distint improvements all the way through the cycle....you have to find what you like more...some will like the schoeps sound or the dpa sound, or the mg sound...they are all pretty distinct

[poorlyconditioned]

they sound fine for what they are.  With more expensive mics you will get clearer highs, more defined midrange and less sloppy bass.  having gone myself from squids>853s>AKG391/3s>MG200, I can tell you there are distint improvements all the way through the cycle....you have to find what you like more...some will like the schoeps sound or the dpa sound, or the mg sound...they are all pretty distinct

This (AT853) is where I am too.  I'm thinking of upgrading to C4.  Does anyone have opinions?  Aside from lower self-noise, can I expect much?

Thanks,
  Richard

[leegeddy]

i love my little AT853 mics. made some damn nice recordings with them mostly using them in stealth situations, but sometimes open taping.  as nick mentioned, they are sound great for what they are (and how much they cost).

i've yet to hear a stealth recording made with with c4's, octavas, c1000's or other similar priced mics that rival some of the stealth tapes made with phantom powered AT853 running into a nice pre like the MP2, Mixpre or the MV100.

i've open taped with the AT's right next to ak50's, schoeps, dpa's...... 
sure they're not in the same caliber as the aforementioned, but the little AT's weren't too shabby, imho.

perhaps one of these days i'll do up a sample test of all the mics i have (and have access to) and see who can pick out what's what. i'd bet some of you will be quite surprised how good the AT's sound if properly powered and utilized.

my $.02.

marc

[F.O.Bean]

i love my little AT853 mics. made some damn nice recordings with them mostly using them in stealth situations, but sometimes open taping. as nick mentioned, they are sound great for what they are (and how much they cost).

i've yet to hear a stealth recording made with with c4's, octavas, c1000's or other similar priced mics that rival some of the stealth tapes made with phantom powered AT853 running into a nice pre like the MP2, Mixpre or the MV100.

i've open taped with the AT's right next to ak50's, schoeps, dpa's......
sure they're not in the same caliber as the aforementioned, but the little AT's weren't too shabby, imho.

perhaps one of these days i'll do up a sample test of all the mics i have (and have access to) and see who can pick out what's what. i'd bet some of you will be quite surprised how good the AT's sound if properly powered and utilized.

my $.02.

marc

nice post marc!

as w/ anything, its how well you know what you have, and how to deal w/ that situation!

experience can go a long way, and id def put some of my 'less expensive' tapes up against any rig in the house on some nites

[Karl]

i love my little AT853 mics. made some damn nice recordings with them mostly using them in stealth situations, but sometimes open taping.  as nick mentioned, they are sound great for what they are (and how much they cost).

So how would you actually describe the sound quality of the 853's?

[leegeddy]

i love my little AT853 mics. made some damn nice recordings with them mostly using them in stealth situations, but sometimes open taping.  as nick mentioned, they are sound great for what they are (and how much they cost).

So how would you actually describe the sound quality of the 853's?

punchy, crisp, tight, great dynamics, good bass (although not as smooth as my km140s).

i'll re-seed these 2 shows if you want:

=========================
Buckethead's Giant Robot  http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=6678

House of Blues
Anaheim, CA
July 8, 2004

Taper: leegeddy
Media: 2CDR (1CDR SHN)
Recording: Audience (DAT Master)
Source: Audio Technica AT853 cardioid (DIN, 90deg) > AT8533 > Beyerdynamic MV-100 (48V phantom, +20dB) > Sony PCM-M1. approx. 30' from stage. 8.5' up, just behind the SBD, DFC!
Transfer: Sony PCM-M1 > Oade 7-pin > Audioquest VSD-2 S/PDIF > M-Audio DeltaDio 2496 > CDWave > CoolEditPro 1.2a > CDWave > SHN (mkwACT)

=========================

OZRIC TENTACLES  http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=6967

The Grove of Anaheim
Anaheim, CA
July 22, 2004

Taper: leegeddy
Media: 2CDR (2CDR FLAC)
Recording: Audience (DAT Master)
Source: Audio Technica AT853 (DIN 90deg) > AT8533 > Beyerdynamic MV-100 (48V phantom, +20dB) > Sony PCM-M1. Approx. 40' from Stage, 3' LoC, 8' high
Transfer: Sony PCM-R500 > Canare AES/EBU > S/PDIF > M-Audio DeltaDio 2496 > CDWave > CoolEditPro 1.2a > CDWave > FLAC (level

[Karl]

i love my little AT853 mics. made some damn nice recordings with them mostly using them in stealth situations, but sometimes open taping.  as nick mentioned, they are sound great for what they are (and how much they cost).

So how would you actually describe the sound quality of the 853's?

punchy, crisp, tight, great dynamics, good bass (although not as smooth as my km140s).

i'll re-seed these 2 shows if you want:

=========================
Buckethead's Giant Robot  http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=6678

House of Blues
Anaheim, CA
July 8, 2004

Taper: leegeddy
Media: 2CDR (1CDR SHN)
Recording: Audience (DAT Master)
Source: Audio Technica AT853 cardioid (DIN, 90deg) > AT8533 > Beyerdynamic MV-100 (48V phantom, +20dB) > Sony PCM-M1. approx. 30' from stage. 8.5' up, just behind the SBD, DFC!
Transfer: Sony PCM-M1 > Oade 7-pin > Audioquest VSD-2 S/PDIF > M-Audio DeltaDio 2496 > CDWave > CoolEditPro 1.2a > CDWave > SHN (mkwACT)

=========================

OZRIC TENTACLES  http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=6967

The Grove of Anaheim
Anaheim, CA
July 22, 2004

Taper: leegeddy
Media: 2CDR (2CDR FLAC)
Recording: Audience (DAT Master)
Source: Audio Technica AT853 (DIN 90deg) > AT8533 > Beyerdynamic MV-100 (48V phantom, +20dB) > Sony PCM-M1. Approx. 40' from Stage, 3' LoC, 8' high
Transfer: Sony PCM-R500 > Canare AES/EBU > S/PDIF > M-Audio DeltaDio 2496 > CDWave > CoolEditPro 1.2a > CDWave > FLAC (level

Thanks!  No, don't worry about reseeding, I'm on dialup anyways!  I know how the mics sound, but I don't know how they sound in comparison to other mics, and your description helps me understand.  I think my next set of mics I'm looking for something detailed, crisp, and tight.  Right now I'm also running digi-mod UA-5, and I'm thinking that another Oade mod will get me closer to what I'm looking for, purely cause the quality of the recording will get that much better.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

I really enjoy my AT933(body) + AT853C (caps). In fact, I just ordered the AT8533x phantom power units from Sound Pro's and will testing out the updated rig this weekend. 24" split > UA-5. I've been mostly using my mod'd 463's the last 2 years but am very anxious to try out some of the same local recording situations with my AT's. For the price and size, they're hard to beat. I pulled an insanely good Kings of Leon tape on the 5th without even trying -- totally stealth; just laid my mics on the balcony ledge inside my coat and didn't expect much. When I got home I was literally blown away... better/comparable than some of my AKG pulls in the same bar.

[Karl]

Thanks for the posts!  +T's to all

[Idle Wind]

I'm real happy with my 853Rx's.  I run them into an MP2/SBM1,
and for the money, they are one of the more versatile mics out there.
you can stealth, you can run them on a stand, they have interchangeable caps..
really a nice reasonably priced solution.

frankly, I don't see myself upgrading, until I can drop say, $1500 on an
SKM-140 stereo set, or something.  I like the AKG 460 / 480s too, which
are a little cheaper.

The killer on the Neumann set is another set of caps adds another
$1200 or whatever - and I know I'd want the 50s too -
I'm into my whole AT853Rx set, with 4 sets of caps for about
$350.

So until I have like $1500 I don't know what to do with,
 I'll run my humble little ATs - Omni / SubCard / Card / Hyper
as the need may dictate.  As Marc said, when properly powered and
utilized, they turn out some nice tapes. 

[marc0789]

i love my little AT853 mics. made some damn nice recordings with them mostly using them in stealth situations, but sometimes open taping.  as nick mentioned, they are sound great for what they are (and how much they cost).

So how would you actually describe the sound quality of the 853's?

about on par with nak100. not bad but you better be damn close.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

not bad but you better be damn close.

My intention is to prove this wrong.... I think the phantom power unit's and a preamp will make a world of difference in sound quality.

[nickgregory]

not bad but you better be damn close.

My intention is to prove this wrong.... I think the phantom power unit's and a preamp will make a world of difference in sound quality.

actually having owned these, I agree with marc...these mics need as high an SPL level as possible...otherwise they get distant sounding quickly...

[ashevillain]

not bad but you better be damn close.

I disagree. I've run from the section at a few outdoor shows and indoor shows and not found this to be true.

[marc0789]

not bad but you better be damn close.

My intention is to prove this wrong.... I think the phantom power unit's and a preamp will make a world of difference in sound quality.

that's not a slam. you're just not gonna make a $300 or so pair of mikes sound like $1000+, no matter what you put behind them.

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

not bad but you better be damn close.

My intention is to prove this wrong.... I think the phantom power unit's and a preamp will make a world of difference in sound quality.

that's not a slam. you're just not gonna make a $300 or so pair of mikes sound like $1000+, no matter what you put behind them.

I agree to some extent. I think it really depends on where it's being played back... if it's on a boombox, the mics may not matter too much. If it's on a nice home stereo w/ an EQ it may matter a little more, but the EQ could help balance it out.... I dunno.... it's hard to tell a multi-$1000 difference to my ears, at least based on where I'm listening to the recordings. A lot is based on location of the mics too, of course. It's basically a neverending debate in my mind. I've heard $5000 rigs that sounded like ass and $500 rigs that sounded great. Just spewing thoughts..... no offense was ever taken or inferred.

[spyder9]

I'll fluff my Audio Technica factory AT853RXs (phantom) all day long.  Nice balanced sound.  I use mine strictly for stealth purposes.  Hypers caps really do a good job.  I have nice recordings to backup my claim.  Granted, they do pickup bass real well.  Too well, sometimes.  But, its better than sounding tinny.   

[marc0789]

I can say that I've heard real good tapes, including yours. I have an outstanding SP tape of wilco from the fall, just great. but the situation was near ideal..right in front of a stack. and for sure, $ don't guarantee a damn thing if you don't have location and the right configuration.

[leegeddy]

and for sure, $ don't guarantee a damn thing if you don't have location the right configuration.

QTF!

marc

[spyder9]

What he said!   

[pfife]

I'll fluff my Audio Technica factory AT853RXs (phantom) all day long. 

I haven't noticed...

 

+t

[spyder9]

            T+ backatcha

[nexus6]

Posted my old Neko Case show up here to demo the AT853Rx for those wishing for a sample of the capabilities of this mic....

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=21823.0

ANDY (aka dwonk)

[Sean Gallemore]

one word

phantom

[Evil Taper]

I've been having a few problems taking these mics to loud metal shows without phantom power, but otherwise they sound great.

[KingReptile]

I'll fluff my Audio Technica factory AT853RXs (phantom) all day long. 

I haven't noticed...

 

+t

LOL

[George]

  Granted, they do pickup bass real well.  Too well, sometimes.  But, its better than sounding tinny.   

Agreed.  I taped a Faint show last October and the bass was overwhelming, my pants and shirt were literally bouncing from all the bass.  I figured i was gonna have a really mid-bass heavy tape after the show.  I got home and started converting the tape and was startled at what i was hearing, some earth shaking low bass...it was wild to hear that come from these little tiny mics.  Everytime i listen to this show i have memories of how freaking bass heavy the show was.

Evil Taper , if you get them modded for phantom power, you'll be happy with the change.  It definitely made a world of difference. Although it can be a little tricky sneaking in the mv-100 compared to the slim line battery module sp sells.

[Evil Taper]

Well, I didn't have the confidence in my gear anymore so I sprung for a pair of DPA 4061s, may keep the 853s around for multi mic mixes or some other craziness in the future.  Without the phantom style setup those mics just can't perform the way they need to.

[Karl]

I've mentioned in a couple other threads--I've ran these mics with 18V battery power, and they help handle the loud shows much better.

[Evil Taper]

They're a good buy for the price.  But beware.

[Brendan]

be aware of what?

[Evil Taper]

Bass distortion when not phantom powered.  I will no longer stealth these for that reason.  If you can get a phantom setup into the show, you'll dig your results.

[Jimna]

great thread, very informative. +t

[George]

Without the phantom style setup those mics just can't perform the way they need to.

Agreed.  I listen to some of my shows when i used a sp battery box and the sound is generally dull and bassy compared to when i got them converted for phantom power based on comments from other ts members (i think nickgregory was one member who had a lot of issues with the bass distortion). 

[nickgregory]

issues dont even begin to describe it...distortion to the point of the tape being unlistenable...of course this was from being 15 ft from the PA at the RHCP and 35 ft from the PA at Kid Rock

[Evil Taper]

i agree, my mudvayne recording came out with enough bass distortion where i can't help but be completely annoyed by it...the high end sounds fine though.  that show was recorded FOB at a bassy venue.  once i get my dpa's flying i might never use these again unless i'm running a mic tree for a local band....in which case i'll have them modded and plugged into a board.

[Brendan]

Bass distortion when not phantom powered.  I will no longer stealth these for that reason.  If you can get a phantom setup into the show, you'll dig your results.

cool cuz i only have phantom power unit~ Ps-2

[George]

issues dont even begin to describe it...distortion to the point of the tape being unlistenable...of course this was from being 15 ft from the PA at the RHCP and 35 ft from the PA at Kid Rock

yeah man, i remember you were talking about that.  Thanks for getting me to convert my mics to phantom power, they sures hell sound a lot better