Topic: AT853s vs. DPA 4061s? Big difference?

[Unitmonster]

Hey, I'm thinking of upgrading my current mini AT setup to something that works well in a "portable" setup but doesn't cost a bundle. I REALLY like the DPAs, and can probably get a decent price for them, but have read good things about the AT853's on this site.  

Question:  How big is the quality difference considering the price difference?  Any opinions?

[leegeddy]

Hey, I'm thinking of upgrading my current mini AT setup to something that works well in a "portable" setup but doesn't cost a bundle. I REALLY like the DPAs, and can probably get a decent price for them, but have read good things about the AT853's on this site.  

Question:  How big is the quality difference considering the price difference?  Any opinions?

what is the actual $ difference?  the MSRP for AT853a package is $260/mic. however, you can get them online for $190/ea.  if you go the SoundPro route with phantom power mod, it's even cheaper than that.

marc

[John Kelly]

Well if you want omni mics, the DPAs are pretty sweet (get the 4060s, not the 4061s).  But I prefer cards/hypers for stealthing, something you have the option of with the ATs.

[Unitmonster]

Why are the 4060's better?  I thought they were the High sensitivity pair, which, to me doesn't seem appropriate for the live taping context. Maybe I'm wrong.

Price difference new is a few hundred per pair i think.

[John Kelly]

They're not necessarily better, but I've heard in previous discussions that they're more appropriate for live taping.

[nickgregory]

alot of it depends on what, and where you tape.  For indoor, bassy rock shows, omnis can be tough to get a good tape, unless you are close to the stacks (not impossible, there is a great U2 MSG tape that was done midway back on the floor with 4061s).  For this type of environment, card elements give you a more directed pickup pattern which would be more ideal.

I use the AT853RXs because I tape in the previously mentioned environment....just my :twocents:

[Sean Gallemore]

Two totally different mics and sounds.  The problem I see with the 406X mics is that they are inconsistent, and that is largely due to the bass and room.  Listen to armen's KIng Crimson, marvelous sound (although the music isn't my pint of beer) and then listen to a metal show with big thumpy bass...

AT853Rx also have the option to use omni caps, if that's what yer looking for.

[blu666z]

Straighten me out here...I thought DPA were fairly high-end/high-dollar mics...much more than a couple hundred $ difference.

-Kevin

[nickgregory]

the 4061's are the lower end of the their portfolio...still good mics though

[macdaddy]

Two totally different mics and sounds.  The problem I see with the 406X mics is that they are inconsistent, and that is largely due to the bass and room.  Listen to armen's KIng Crimson, marvelous sound (although the music isn't my pint of beer) and then listen to a metal show with big thumpy bass...

AT853Rx also have the option to use omni caps, if that's what yer looking for.

I'm finding that out...

my recording of Banyan last week sounds wonderful, the Phish tapes are just alright/good (imo)...

[zhianosatch]

Right on, Schwilly, and you too, sox-man, although I've never done shit recordings with my 4061s.
Two totally different mics and sounds. I'm a big 406x fan. I've heard nothing sound more pure or natural. They kick serious ass given the right conditions and put up a fight in all conditions.

[tadjblack]

I think you guys covered it- the dpa's are higher quality but sometimes can pull a bad one- the 853's are a little more forgiving and versitile- you can change caps and run on a stand during non-stealthing situations

[neutrino]

Two totally different mics and sounds.  The problem I see with the 406X mics is that they are inconsistent, and that is largely due to the bass and room.  Listen to armen's KIng Crimson, marvelous sound (although the music isn't my pint of beer) and then listen to a metal show with big thumpy bass...

AT853Rx also have the option to use omni caps, if that's what yer looking for.

Is there a BT running for the forementioned King Crimson show? Anyone have a link?
-d

[Sean Gallemore]

I do not

[BC]

Why are the 4060's better?  I thought they were the High sensitivity pair, which, to me doesn't seem appropriate for the live taping context. Maybe I'm wrong.

Price difference new is a few hundred per pair i think.

Yes the 4060 is the high sensitivity model, but they can still take up to 134 dB SPL before clipping, which is WAY louder than virtually any show you will ever be at.

From DPA's website on the 4060:
The Miniature Microphone's size taken into consideration DPA has obtained an outstanding noise floor of 23dB(A) re. 20 µPa and an impressive sensitivity of 20mV/Pa and if powered correctly, the microphone will be able to handle sound pressure levels up to 134dB SPL before clipping occurs.

[Unitmonster]

Thanks a lot guys!  

I tape a pretty wide variety of music (upcoming shows will be David Bowie, Herbie Hancock, and Santana playing with Herbie, John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, etc) so I guess I might be better off going with the AT's and a couple different caps (maybe some cards and hypers).

My bud runs the 4060's, and indeed has pulled some sick tapes, but perhaps in ideal conditions (ie. 15th row centre at a jazz show).  NOt so sure aobut the sound quality you'd get at a Bowie show from the same location.

I've got my new JB3 on the way and will be getting the show on the road asap!

[zhianosatch]

Two totally different mics and sounds.  The problem I see with the 406X mics is that they are inconsistent, and that is largely due to the bass and room.  Listen to armen's KIng Crimson, marvelous sound (although the music isn't my pint of beer) and then listen to a metal show with big thumpy bass...

AT853Rx also have the option to use omni caps, if that's what yer looking for.

Is there a BT running for the forementioned King Crimson show? Anyone have a link?
-d

The stars were in alignment for that show, I tell ya... I just stood still.
I could B&P it for you - it's incomplete by about 10 minutes at the beginning due to traffic and setting up in the bathroom. Blows, but whattaya gonna do...
PM me if you want a B&P.