Topic: AT831 - where to go from here for 007?

[shadowfax1007]

So I currently use a pair of AT831 mics as my mains for 007 missions. I run with them a set of AT853 subcards on the front and have generally loved the sound.
After 15 or so years of this setup, I've started thinking about other options and I'm curious what people think is the next big step up in quality?

My use case is purely 007. I've had a handful of occasions where I've been fortunate to get permission to record, use a stand etc - but its just not common for the gigs I attend, so 007 is the way. I don't specifically have a budget in mind yet, as it will depend what is out there, but I'm open to maybe $2000 AUD.

Has anyone made a similar jump from AT831, CA14 yet to something a bit nicer?

[guitard]

Has anyone made a similar jump from AT831, CA14 yet to something a bit nicer?

I'm also pretty much always running in mode.  I got a new set of AT853s eight years ago.  I ran those with CA-9100 and got good results.  And then switched to a new set of Schoepps MK41s + NBox (Baby & Platinum) four years ago.  And then two years ago, I switched to MK41Vs.

Not a single regret with either of my new pair of Schoepps mics.

[Melanie]

We love the DPA 4080s for stealth, about the lowest profile available. Did an AB comparison to Melanie's Shoeps V4s, not much difference. Bob and Melanie

[Craig T]

Schoeps mk4v, mk41v or DPA 4080.

[jbell]

DPA 4011 or 4018 with a set of MMP GR cables!  The hard part is the power supply, but you could use any microdot battery box or preamp.  Very low profile and great sounding rig.  I use a DPA MMA 6000, but they are discontinued and hard to find.  I don't stealth, but use it as a light weight rig. I was hoping that a microdot Riotbox would be developed. 

[goodcooker]

They aren't tiny but the MBHO KA series of capsules has a remote capsule adapter > mini xlr > Naiant PFA option that competes with many other high end mic choices at a much lower price. The KA (at least in the US) are around $300 each compared to $800 for Schoeps.

A MBHO active setup > Zoom F3 or Tascam FR AV2 would be jacket pocket sized.

KA300 subcardioid capsules are particularly fantastic and comparable to mics that cost 3X as much.

[shadowfax1007]

Thanks everyone. Lots of good options to review and consider......my poor wallet

[robeti]

I went from full bodied Nakamichi's to  ca-11/ca-14 and at-853's to chopped nakamichi cm-300 to Schoeps.
To me the Nakamichi was the mic I always wanted to run so I did. I love the sound and still use it now and then.

But the real upgrade was the Schoeps setup.

My advice: skip all the "in between mics" that are an upgrade from the at853's but not really as good as Schoeps and save up for some Schoeps.
Of course they're not cheap, but if you're planning to stay in this game a little while and tape quite some shows with them the cost per show is eventually just a few bucks.

Another advice: keep the subcards. They are as good as it gets miniture mic wise speaking.

Good luck!

[grawk]

in the sub $2000 category, I'm pretty happy with my Neumann KK14 capsules with custom cables, but I am not aware of anyone making them at the moment.  Otherwise, any of the DPA subminiature options are very good, when combined with any recorder or preamp that provides 5v power. 

Whenever I want to ensure I'm getting the best recording possible while staying unobtrusive, I run my DPA 4015gs with the d:vice. 

[pata63]

Maybe go the way I did. Line Audio CM4 and a recorder that supplies phantom power like the Tascam FRAV2, Zoom F3.

[Gutbucket]

007 missions

How 007 do you need to be?  And how much does size of the mics matter for incorporation into your particular 007 setup?

Lots of good options laid out above.  Some larger, some smaller, some requiring supporting gear between mics and recorder.

The little rig I recently setup for a friend to use is one of the tiniest and stealthiest I've ever put together. It is DPA4061>Deity PR2.   The key to it other than the quality and tininess of 4061 is the PR2 providing a full 5V PIP, allowing the mics to go straight in to the locking input jack of the PR2.  I've not yet tried DPA 4098 supercards into it yet which I use in my big rig, which are likely very close to the 4080 cardioids, except for being more sensitive and having a somewhat tighter pattern (the tiny interference tube grid on them is a bit longer, making the mic the same diameter as 4060/1 but about 2" long overall). 

Importantly, the 5V PIP of the PR-2 should also be able to directly power any of the highest quality, slightly larger DPA mics such as 4011 or 4015 when using the MMP-GR/GS preamp.  That's top quality in the smallest possible rig.

[grawk]

Importantly, the 5V PIP of the PR-2 should also be able to directly power any of the highest quality, slightly larger DPA mics such as 4011 or 4015 when using the MMP-GR/GS preamp.  That's top quality in the smallest possible rig.

I've done this, and it does work well. 

[robeti]

007 missions

How 007 do you need to be?  And how much does size of the mics matter for incorporation into your particular 007 setup?

Lots of good options laid out above.  Some larger, some smaller, some requiring supporting gear between mics and recorder.

The little rig I recently setup for a friend to use is one of the tiniest and stealthiest I've ever put together. It is DPA4061>Deity PR2.   The key to it other than the quality and tininess of 4061 is the PR2 providing a full 5V PIP, allowing the mics to go straight in to the locking input jack of the PR2.  I've not yet tried DPA 4098 supercards into it yet which I use in my big rig, which are likely very close to the 4080 cardioids, except for being more sensitive and having a somewhat tighter pattern (the tiny interference tube grid on them is a bit longer, making the mic the same diameter as 4060/1 but about 2" long overall). 

Importantly, the 5V PIP of the PR-2 should also be able to directly power any of the highest quality, slightly larger DPA mics such as 4011 or 4015 when using the MMP-GR/GS preamp.  That's top quality in the smallest possible rig.

care to show us a picture?

[Gutbucket]

Sure.  Here's mine setup as a glasses rig.  Can substitute any of the directional sub-miniature DPA mics in place of the omnis in that same format.  For use by others I can set it up to begin recording as soon as it is powered on and lock itself after 15 sec, eliminating the need to navigate any menus and making it quite newbie-mistake proof.  Just one button to roll.


Here's grawk's featuring Neumann KK14 > PR-2



Those photos from the PR-2 thread. A rig using the high-end DPAs could be setup identical to grawk's.  Small/light enough to allow for no exposed wires.

[robeti]

impressive! Thanks!