Topic: AT899/Sound Professionals "ultra premium" mics

[twoheadedboy]

Any opinions on these? They're attractive to me due to the croakie mount option that is available and they seem to be the best omni's available at sound professionals. Or does anyone know if Sonic Studios would work with the croakies?

[poorlyconditioned]

Any opinions on these? They're attractive to me due to the croakie mount option that is available and they seem to be the best omni's available at sound professionals. Or does anyone know if Sonic Studios would work with the croakies?

I would like to hear any info.  NOTE: They are $99 apiece in the "clearance" section there.  Don't pay $300 for a pair.  Solder yourself!

Ok, that said I'm interested in hearing a comparion between various Omnis such as: Sennheiser MKE2, DPA 406x, AT899 and the standby, AT853(O).  I've got pairs of MKE2 and AT853(O) right now.

  Richard

[Tyler McGhee]

how do you like the mke2?

[poorlyconditioned]

how do you like the mke2?

I like the MKE2 a lot.  Note that you can get two versions, MKE-2-4, the two wire version, and MKE-2-5, the three wire version.  I've got the latter and use a 3-wire connection (+9V on one wire, and a 10K resistor between the second wire and shield, take the audio off the second wire).   Three wire gives a lot more tolerance to loud sounds.

The mics sound bright and clear.  They are certainly better than than Panasonics.  Maybe a little bright, but I can live with that.  They are very clear.  I can't compare to the DPA406x.  I would love to try, but I don't have that kind of money.  I got lucky and found the MKE2 for $52 each (new) on Ebay!  If I had to pay retail ($200 or so each), I'd probably go for the DPA.

The other option is the AT899 that are $100 at SoundProfessional (look in the clearence section).  I think those are probably a good deal, but I have not tried them.

   Richard

[Tyler McGhee]

nice...we run the senn for our wireless lav mic for our video shoots.
it sounds great for vocals, so i was wondering how the rest of the freq range sounded.
i am about a step away from trying to put together a stealth rig.

[poorlyconditioned]

nice...we run the senn for our wireless lav mic for our video shoots.
it sounds great for vocals, so i was wondering how the rest of the freq range sounded.
i am about a step away from trying to put together a stealth rig.

I don't have a lot of experience with lav mcs.  So far I've tried AT831, AT853 (omni, card, hyper), Senn MKE2 and Panasonics.  I would rate the Senn MKE2 better than all except the AT853.  The MKE2 is pretty close though.  If you have some already, I'd borrow them an have a try.  I don't think there is any problem with the low end, though.  I think the main thing is they are a little bright.

By the way, I've been comparing MKE2 (omni, HRTF) and AT853 (H, 90 deg XY).  I found the MKE2 sound great on headphones, but a little fuzzy on speakers.  Also, the omnis are best in a good room, or an outdoor show.  For most indoor stuff I prefer the Cards/hypers.  The point is that I would not universally use an omni, even if it is the DPA.

  Richard

[Tyler McGhee]

thanks for the info.
i was wondering about the brightness. they seem to be more for vocals so i wondered if there was a peak in that freq range.
i have one for work...will have to get another one to get stereo!

[poorlyconditioned]

thanks for the info.
i was wondering about the brightness. they seem to be more for vocals so i wondered if there was a peak in that freq range.
i have one for work...will have to get another one to get stereo!

Just take one to the show and plunk it down beside your other gear.  You should be able to tell from the single mic.  Personally I really like the sound.  I like my omnis a little bright.  I noticed the brightness more when I listened on Sony MDR7506 phones too.  On other phones and on speakers it doesn't sound too bad to me.  I just wish I could hear the DPA.  Well, maybe not, otherwise I'll be wanting to upgrade!

  Richard