Topic: Anybody know what model these Audio Technica mics are?

[Billy Mumphrey]

I got a pair of these a while ago, and I might have a chance to permanently mount them in a venue. But I'd like to get some different capsules, but I don't know which model these are. I recognize the "uni-line" or "uni-point" removable capsule, but I am unfamiliar with bodies. These are terminated with an at8533x 48v adapter, and the actual cable has the small, white "audio technica" inscription, so they're obviously an AT product.

So many thanks in advance!

[Gutbucket]

Looks very similar to the AT 853 "uniline" miniature shotguns.

I suspect the capsule itself might be housed inside the body portion and the interference tube in front of the capsule unscrews.  I say that because the rear-venting needed by the directional capsule is on the body portion, not on the interference tube section.  If there are no obvious electrical contacts between the two parts that unscrew from each other, and if you can see down into the hollow interference tube by into the threaded end, then that is likely the case.  If that's the case, the capsule is likely not interchangeable.

[beatkilla]

Here is a pic I just took of a 933 series microline capsule next to a 853 cardioid capsule.

The 9 series are smaller than the 8 series.

And also mine doesn’t seem to come apart like yours did.

Seems like part of your shotgun capsule is still on the body.

I feel like yours are the 9 series but i could be wrong.

I have extra 853 cardioid capsules if thats what yours turn out to be.

[Gutbucket]

^ See those round vent holes with screening behind them? They are located just behind the capsule.  The capsule is in the section with those holes.

In beatkilla's photos the capsule section is attached to the interference tube, and that combined assembly of interference tube and capsule is unscrewed from the mic-body.  Often the interference tube and capsule are a single part.  But maybe on your microphone there are two (or perhaps even 3) threaded junctions rather than just the typical one? One at the back of the interference tube in front of the capsule and another between the capsule and body?

I've only used the 853 cardioids, and do not have hands on experience with the microline mini shotguns, so I'm unsure of the assembly of the AT mini shotguns.

In the original photos I can see two additional feature lines around the body, one in front and one behind the vent holes.  See if the section with the vent-holes can be unscrewed from the body.  If so you should be able to switch to using different capsules with the same diameter.

If so, you'd change capsules by unscrewing the parts there (at the point farthest back on the mic-body), rather than unscrewing the interference tube from the capsule as shown in the photos of the original post.  That will keep the capsule and its interference tube together as a unit. 

Might search for the various AT miniature mics at the AT website. I bet housing diameter is listed in the specs, which should get you closer to a positive ID.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I’m away from home now, but I definitely tried to unscrew the vented portion AFTER removing the long microline mini-shotgun portion and it didn’t budge at all. Perhaps I’ll have to try with pliers when I get home.

Thanks for the replies. Beatkilla have you tried any indoor PA recording with the microline mini-shotguns? Perhaps I should try taping a show with these before writing them off..

[Gutbucket]

It might not be a threaded connection. Be careful.

[beatkilla]

I’m away from home now, but I definitely tried to unscrew the vented portion AFTER removing the long microline mini-shotgun portion and it didn’t budge at all. Perhaps I’ll have to try with pliers when I get home.

Thanks for the replies. Beatkilla have you tried any indoor PA recording with the microline mini-shotguns? Perhaps I should try taping a show with these before writing them off..

I haven't made any indoor recordings with them but i'm sure they will be pretty good.

[Billy Mumphrey]

There's definitely some scratch marks that looks like someone tried the exact same thing with pliers; I just tried it as gently as I could and I'm pretty convinced there's no thread there. *shrugs

Oh well it looks like I just need to try these at a show, see if they even work for our purposes. I'm sure they're fine, although they won't be as low pro as the other standard AT capsules. Thanks guys for the help.

[Gutbucket]

As mentioned I've no first hand experience with these, but as low cost interference-tube mics they are likely to sound best on-axis.  Point 'em at what counts!  Used in a stereo-pair configuration, the Improved PAS arrangements for supercards will be applicable. 

As an installed rig the same PAS approach applies, although you might alternately set them up as wide as the PA, with the two mics parallel to each other and in-line with the PA speaker on each side, or even pointing inward somewhat to pickup a bit more sound arriving directly from the stage sound in addition to PA.. just keep them mostly on axis to the PA speakers.

[goodcooker]

Those side vent holes are exactly like the AT831 mic. Never seen one with an interference tube.