Topic: I like small mics andI can not lie

[mattb]

Hey, I'm running some sound pro's AT933s with card and hyper caps. Most of my recordings are from small clubs and these mics generally do a fine job being so close ortf or xy.

I've also had some MC012s that I sold not too long ago. I liked them, but they seemed obtrusive in the places I was taping.

I'm wondering what my other options are for nice small mics like my ATs but nicer. I like the sound of the DPAs I've heard and would probably go for the cards if I ever went that route. Those are probably more than I'm likely to spend any time soon, so I'm wondering if there's much between these two levels in mini mics. I'm not a big fan of omnis for these places so binaurals would be out for me. I like the rejection qualities of my current setup. I also like having interchangeable caps.

Suggestions?

M@

[Brian Skalinder]

Well, in the low profile / "actives" you've got some choices, all less expensive than the DPAs:

~used price | description
$1,100 | MBHO 603A w/ KAx caps
$1,400 | Neumann KM100s w/ AKx caps
$2,200 | Schoeps CMC6 bodies with MKx caps
$?,??? | AKG 460s with CK? caps (though I understand the active cables are tough to come by)

Even if the mics you're looking at don't have actives available, you could run any number of caps with a JK Labs setup.

I'm sure I've forgotten some, but there's a starter list.

As for being obtrusive, if the band and venue is cool with it, don't sweat it.  I felt a little self-conscious about being obtrusive initially but have gotten over it.  Another way to run less obtrusively: clamp and extension bar.  Clamp to a railing, chair, lamp, beam, all kinds of options depending on the venue.

[Simp-Dawg]

audix micros, check on sonicsense.com

[save]

nbox w/ actives & mk4    someday i'll own this rig!  check out some of alex xxxxx's recordings w/ this rig!  i run at933's for stealth and really like the sound, but they're no mk4's


*Edit by Moke, to remove member name, by request

[nickgregory]

you can also get JK Labs to build a box that will give you an active setup with Gefells and AKGs

[Scuba Jeremy]

I'm seriously oblivious. Just how expensive are DPAs?

[jpschust]

www.musicians-gear.com (list prices in us without tax) has all your prices approx for new gear

[mattb]

Yeah, I can be pretty low profile with my little home made 6" bar on the Ultrapod mounted to a railing or similar. I find all the XLR stuff to be really bulky and prefer dealing with miniplugs or mini XLRs (like DPA).
I guess I should be more specific about money too. I was wondering about sub $1000 mics too. I have too much other stuff (house, baby, skis, bikes, wife, etc) competing for my money right now. I suspect my choices may be very limited to stuff that's about the same quality as what I have. Just thought I'd check to be sure...

M@

[Brian Skalinder]

Definitely limited choices in the sub-$1,000 range for compact setups.  Since it doesn't sound like you're stealthing, I think your best bet is to upgrade the mics (regardless of size) and just keep taping and don't sweat the so-called obtrusiveness.  

[mattb]

Or save for DPAs...

I also just like to be able to travel light.

[pfife]

Definitely limited choices in the sub-$1,000 range for compact setups.  Since it doesn't sound like you're stealthing, I think your best bet is to upgrade the mics (regardless of size) and just keep taping and don't sweat the so-called obtrusiveness.  

Agreed.  I worry more about the footprint of the stand as opposed to the size of the mics...  and the only reason I worry about the footprint is because I don't want someone to accidently kick it or trip over it...  Usually put the mics high enough (like 7' or so) where they would only block Shaquille's line of site in a small club...

I think you are in the same boat I was in... I was worried about taking up too much space... but at some point, you got to become comfortable with the "f*ck 'em" attitude.  Then, by the best mics you can afford!

I don't know much about them, but the dude at sonic sense did offer me a  setup of DPA 4071
's w/ the micro-dot converter box they use for like $500...

 

[mattb]

I don't know much about them, but the dude at sonic sense did offer me a  setup of DPA 4071
's w/ the micro-dot converter box they use for like $500...

Really? I'll have to have a look...

[Brian Skalinder]

I don't know much about them, but the dude at sonic sense did offer me a  setup of DPA 4071
's w/ the micro-dot converter box they use for like $500...

Really? I'll have to have a look...

However, the 4071s are omnis:

I'm not a big fan of omnis for these places so binaurals would be out for me.

[mattb]

I hear what you guys are saying, but I still like them little mics. I had some full sized mics with better sound (IMO) and sold them mostly because I just want to have one set and got tired of lugging them around.
I'd like to have one set of multi-purpose mics that can be used stealth or in the open.

Now those little Audix mics (1244/45s) look interesting. Do people use them for live recording much? The'd need phantom, right?

[BC]

DPA 4022/4023 all the way!!!!