Topic: AT853 and Phantom Power--clarification

[Karl]

There have been a few in depth threads about the AT 853's, and the consenus has been that you can get the best sound out of them when they are using phantom power.  One thing that needs clarification--Sound Professionals offers two different options for phantom power--what EXACTLY is the difference? One option allows phantom OR battery power, the other only phantom power--what's the physical/electrical difference? (see link):

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=120&item=SP-CMC-4&type=store

In one of the previous threads, joemango asserted that the power adapters choked 48V down to about 10V--I have real doubts about that.  I don't know how 10V would get you 13 additional dB of SPL capability.

[leegeddy]

There have been a few in depth threads about the AT 853's, and the consenus has been that you can get the best sound out of them when they are using phantom power.  One thing that needs clarification--Sound Professionals offers two different options for phantom power--what EXACTLY is the difference? One option allows phantom OR battery power, the other only phantom power--what's the physical/electrical difference? (see link):

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=120&item=SP-CMC-4&type=store

In one of the previous threads, joemango asserted that the power adapters choked 48V down to about 10V--I have real doubts about that.  I don't know how 10V would get you 13 additional dB of SPL capability.

see Fintstoneesq drawing attached:

>>In one of the previous threads, joemango asserted that the power adapters choked 48V down to about 10V--I have real doubts about that.  I don't know how 10V would get you 13 additional dB of SPL capability.

i haven't verified those voltages mentioned above, but you should understand that phantom power (equal voltages across pins 2 and 3 respect to pin 1 ground) is not the same as "plug in" power.

marc

[BCostigan]

I could give a whole bunch of educated guesses as to the difference between plugin power and phantom power......but cannot say for sure.  I CAN say for sure that 99% of all high end gear supplies 48 volts phantom power and not plug in power.

Do you have a pre with phantom power?  If so I'd say get that phantom adapters...if not get the battery box.

[Sean Gallemore]

if you can swing the cash and you have a pre that provides 48V phantom, go for it.  There is most likely no difference between options 2 and 3 as long as you use phantom on option 3, it just gives you the option of battery or phantom....I believe the sound to be much better with phantom.

[hoyt]

There have been a few in depth threads about the AT 853's, and the consenus has been that you can get the best sound out of them when they are using phantom power.  One thing that needs clarification--Sound Professionals offers two different options for phantom power--what EXACTLY is the difference? One option allows phantom OR battery power, the other only phantom power--what's the physical/electrical difference? (see link):

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=120&item=SP-CMC-4&type=store

In one of the previous threads, joemango asserted that the power adapters choked 48V down to about 10V--I have real doubts about that.  I don't know how 10V would get you 13 additional dB of SPL capability.

The difference is that the option with the power box, allows you to be a little more stealthy if you can't crotch the preamp.  If you ever think you'll stealth a pretty secure place, it's a nice option.

--hoyt

[nickgregory]

there are lots of threads about this on this board, so I wont go into too much detail, but I can tell you from experience, if you are going to be taping loud rock/rap/metal shows, you will have distortion problems with the mic overloading with the 9V batt box option.  By raising the SPLs the mics can manage with the use of a preamp, this risk is minimized.

[lds490]

I purchased the phantom power only option of the AT 831s.  I'm happy with the results and I bet the 853s will be even better.  Keep in mind that the set up from SP is a little differend from what you get from purchasing directly from an AT dealer.  SP gives you phantom power modules by Samson, not AT.  I think the AT modules have a bass roll-off switch which the Samson's lack.  Also, one of my Samson modules was dead and I had to send it back.  SP turned it around quickly.

[Karl]

So, I'm taking it that the only difference between the two options is how the cables are terminated.  Right  Does any know for sure?

[blu666z]

And the power adapters.

-Kevin

[Sean Gallemore]

they have pictures of all this on the site

[pfife]

IS there anything in particular about these mics that allow this to mod to be done, or can I do this mod with any SP mics?  I have a set of their Innovative Specialist mics... and making them run on phantom power is pretty appealing...

Thanks...

[Karl]

Kevin, it looks like both options come with power adapters.

[hoyt]

Kevin, it looks like both options come with power adapters.

I think Kevin was refering to modified or non-modified.  If you get option 2 you do not have the option to run it on a battery box.  In other words, if you go to a show where you don't have your phantom powering preamp, your mics won't work.  In essence when I modified the mics myself, I would get option 2 if I juts cut my wires and tossed the 1/8" end.

Option 3 allows you to choose (at a show) whether or not you want to run off of phantom powering, or off of a battery box.  When I modified mine myself, this is achieved by taking that cut off 1/8" piece and adding male mini xlrs to the ends.

If you're going to stealth with these things, it's certainly worth it to go with option 3.  Just in case you can't get in with that pre...

Kevin - your's went in the mail today!

--hoyt

[blu666z]

Can't wait to try them out...going to Boise this weekend.  Maybe then.....repot to follow.

-Kevin

[Karl]

Okay, thanks, I think I got it now.  Nowhere was it very obvious that the phantom power adapters were modified also.

What I have right now is the standard AT853's from sound pro's, terminated in the 1/8" miniplug (they are the option with the gooseneck).  Couple of questions--if I hack the ends off, right near where the miniplug is, can I make the necessary mods right there?  Or is the wiring further up in the mics?  And is it easy to mod the Samson adapters, to work with phantom and/or battery box power?