Topic: Mic Upgrade Recommendations

[stantheman1976]

You could get an adapter from Beachtek that has XLR inputs, phanthom power, an built in preamp.
http://www.beachtek.com/dxa6hd.html

It says it's for Sony cameras but with the mini plug it should work with any camcorder.  It's close to $500 though.  You can contact Beachtek and make sure it would work for you.

[shlacking]

I appreciate your suggestion but I don't need any of that stuff and to spend $500 just to attach a mic to my camera isn't really in my budget. hah

I was thinking more a long the lines of gluing a hot shoe to them or something.

[shlacking]

So jkmb was nice enough to point me in the direction of the NT4. I listened to some samples on the RODE website and I was blown away.

Literally 97% of my performances are filmed on stage, this mic looks like it is probably going to be the one. Does anyone have anything to say  about it (either pro or con)? I was also looking at the Avantone CK-1. Would this give the NT4 a run for it's money?

As always, thanks so much for the help.

[Nick's Picks]

I can't see how that would work w/o being large and cumbersome.
I'd stick w/a stereo mic made for what you're doing.

examples
  the AT pro24
under $100.  probably sounds like crap and would distort...but you never know.

Rhode NT4 (battery operated), can be found new under $400


Sony MS957 (a decent sounding mic, IMO)


then there is this thing:  http://tinyurl.com/yublqa
have no idea what it is.  but its cheap.

there are other cheapo's out there as well.  but for what you're doing i'd stick w/the Sony's (for the money), or buck up for the NT4.

Edirol makes a stereo mic too, for the R09.  but it would work w/a battery box and camcorder too.
its also inexpensive.

[shlacking]

Thank you.

Does anyone know how NT4s do with loud volumes?

[Nick's Picks]

i've never used one, but I have seen them used many times for all sorts of loud bands.
i'm sure it'd be no problem.  I bet their www site will even tell you what it can handle spl wise.

[shlacking]

I actually did check Rode's site and they have a nice media section where you can listen to different recordings.

This is definitely the mic for me. All I need to do now is find the right price.

Thanks so much for everyone's help. I think I really am making the right decision this time.

[Nick's Picks]

pays to do your homework.
+T

[guitard]

If you were happy with the Sony mic you were using, why not send it to Chris Church and get it repaired.  He repaired some mics for me that sounded like they had a similar problem.  And he only charged me shipping - the repair was free.  I'm not saying he'll do it for free for you also, but I'm sure the cost will be very reasonable.

[shlacking]

Well I figured my old one broke so now was a good time for an upgrade.

[Todd R]

For that budget, you might want to think about a set of Chris Church's cardioid mics and either his ST-9000 preamp or his ST-9100 preamp.  Find a way to rig up the mics to your camera, though you'll also have the Church preamp to deal with as well.

But for around $200-300, these will probably be one of your better choices.  Full size mics like the SP C4s will be that much more to deal with, plus you'll need a preamp or at least a phantom power supply to go with them.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,80054.0.html

[rastasean]

I can't see how that would work w/o being large and cumbersome.
I'd stick w/a stereo mic made for what you're doing.

examples
  the AT pro24
under $100.  probably sounds like crap and would distort...but you never know.

THe pro24 isn't that bad. I bought mine for $40 from a pawn shop. I sure wouldn't drop $100 for a mic like this. I have a sony ecm-907 that I als bought from a pawn shop for about $40 and its pretty great. I've used it with recording video and I don't have any complaints. The adapter that comes with it, its the worst design ever and should have never been used. You can switch from 180 degrees to 90 degrees on the mic. which is also a new thing. New, I think they sell for $80 which I also wouldn't pay.

Go check out your pawn shops and yard sales. Sometimes they have junk for a lot of money and other times its decent. I have an AT3035 on lawaway right now. They wanted $100, but she dropped it 20 bux. $80 for a $200 mic, I'll take. Don't ask me when I'll be using it but its practically brand new. I couldn't pass it up.

Anyway, you'll find something that will work for your application, just give it time. You can't expect great sound from the very first shoot or else you're setting yourself of for major disappointment.

[jim90501]

Hi,

Also is there any audio examples of the AT822 around? If there is anything of an AT822 filming live music that would be super helpful.

I have put a short recording of an AT822 into an R09 up at
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/edirolr1/files/SampleAt822R09/

I've feed my Sony HC3 with the AT822 while playing around. Seems ok, but didn't do any
loud stuff.

thanks
jim cowan