Topic: Mic question...

[pfife]

On the NJB3tapers yahoo group, people were discussing higher-end microphones, and I am interested in getting some nicer stealth mics, at some point.  Thing is though, is that I don't really 'stealth' - I just use a stealth setup in situations where a non-stealth setup would be a bad idea - such as at a packed bar or something like that.   So, what I am ideally looking for is a set of stealth mics that I can run into my UA-5, power them with phantom power, and then into my NJB3.

So, on this group, someone responded to my query about higher end stealth mics w/ some examples of Neumanns and Shoeps where the capsule can be removed from the body - the message seemed to say that capsules can be removed from the bodies and used as stealth mics... if I have an 'active' cable?!?

If I could buy a set of mics that would work well for stealth applications when they are disconnected from the bodies (with phantom power), then toss them on a stand for situations where it is suitable (with phantom power), I would be pretty stoked.  Basically getting two birds with one stone.

So, is what I am saying here possible?

Thanks-
Andrew

[Tim]

sure...

Schoeps cmc6 bodies with kc5 active cables and mk4 cardioid capsules (or whatever you prefer)

Neumann km100 bodies with lc3 active cables and ak40 cardioid capsules (or whatever you prefer)

DPA 4021/4022 have fixed capsules (can't be swapped out) but they are small and you don't need bodies ( a major advantage if you are truly "stealthing")

Schoeps ccm4 are like the DPA's, fixed cap but no body.

FWIW - many, many people always run the actives, even on stand from a taperssection.

[Brian Skalinder]

Some folks also run MBHO 603A bodies with KA200 card caps (don't know the part number for the cables).

[pfife]

FWIW - many, many people always run the actives, even on stand from a taperssection.

What do you mean by active?

Thanks-
Pfife

[Tim]

"actives" are the cables that allow you to seperate the mic cap from the mic body, for schoeps you need the kc5's for Neumann's you need the lc3's. so for neumann's you can run ak50(cap)->lc3(active cable)->km100(mic body). They are called "active" cables or actives. They are much, much smaller than regular mic cables.

[pfife]

"actives" are the cables that allow you to seperate the mic cap from the mic body, for schoeps you need the kc5's for Neumann's you need the lc3's. so for neumann's you can run ak50(cap)->lc3(active cable)->km100(mic body). They are called "active" cables or actives. They are much, much smaller than regular mic cables.

Thank you - thank you - I am learning  a lot here - So, is it possible to get the mic body outta the equation here?  I guess I am imagining the mic body as a hollow tube... which I am sure is completely underestimating their importance...

IOW, if I were to truly stealth, I would probably have to sneak the mic bodies in as well, unless I get the DPA 4021/4022, which don't need them?  But the downsides to these is that you can't change the capsules, right?

Once again, thanks for answering my questions...  I am at the point right now where I want to upgrade, and the jump from my current mic to the 'next level' involves a little more knowledge that I don't have.

~Pfife

[Tim]

I'm doing my best to explain things simply and clearly, let me know if anything confuses you!

The mic body contains the amplifier for the capsule... it is much more than a hollow tube. Sneaking them in can be done but it's just two more pieces of gear to mess with.. plus they're metal so if they have metal detectors at the door the bodies will be working against you

If I was you I would look long and hard at the DPA 4021/4022 or the Schoeps ccm4. Both are excellent pieces of gear and you wouldn't be going wrong with either but both sound very different.. the DPA is quite transparen while the Schoeps is more colored with "fatter" low end.

the only draw back is not being able to utilize hypercards or other patterns (DPA doesn't even make hypers) but if you think cards will be all that you need then go for it. There are many tapers who solely use cards!

Personally I like the ability to have different capsules but I don't usually see shows where sneaking mic bodies in is that big of a deal... I've never truly "stealthed".

Hopefully Scott Brown will chime in here... he runs the DPA 4021's and tapes opne taping bands and stealth.

[pfife]

I'm doing my best to explain things simply and clearly, let me know if anything confuses you!

The mic body contains the amplifier for the capsule... it is much more than a hollow tube. Sneaking them in can be done but it's just two more pieces of gear to mess with.. plus they're metal so if they have metal detectors at the door the bodies will be working against you

If I was you I would look long and hard at the DPA 4021/4022 or the Schoeps ccm4. Both are excellent pieces of gear and you wouldn't be going wrong with either but both sound very different.. the DPA is quite transparen while the Schoeps is more colored with "fatter" low end.

the only draw back is not being able to utilize hypercards or other patterns (DPA doesn't even make hypers) but if you think cards will be all that you need then go for it. There are many tapers who solely use cards!

Personally I like the ability to have different capsules but I don't usually see shows where sneaking mic bodies in is that big of a deal... I've never truly "stealthed".

Hopefully Scott Brown will chime in here... he runs the DPA 4021's and tapes opne taping bands and stealth.

I believe I have just seen the light.  So I presume there are batteries of some kind in the mic body, which is what my current mic does?

Thanks! +T!  

[Tim]

no they do require phantom power...

you can use the ua5 or get a phantom power supply like a Dencecke ps2.

[pfife]

Cool - thanks- I see what's going on now!

~Pfife

[Tim]

just keep asking questions, plenty of smart folks here who can help you out

[Joe w.]

Some folks also run MBHO 603A bodies with KA200 card caps (don't know the part number for the cables).

i'm not sure there is a part #. they are really just a mini xlr.

[Rick]

So, is it possible to get the mic body outta the equation here?  

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=9383

 

[Brian Skalinder]

So, is it possible to get the mic body outta the equation here?  

http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=9383

 

Yeah, definitely an option.  I'm considering an N-Box for my Schoeps.  Same kinda deal as the JK Labs box.  It's a preamp that provides phantom power and hooks up directly to the mic caps, taking the bodies out of the equation.  AND, you can then swap out different caps if you want.  Bonus!

Only catch with the N-Box and JK Labs setup is it's tougher to unload because the preamps are customized to a specific mic capsule type (e.g. Schoeps MK series).  Very stealth and sounds great, though!  And obviously, can still be run openly.

[creekfreak]

I just use my kc5 cable now, even when in the section. I love the small footprint using these cables creates, also makes it real easy to break down at the end of the show. I do have to use the bodies still down in my bag, but that is no big deal, plus having those cool DIN and ORTF bars makes setting up sooo much easier, its idiot proof.

[plucks]

There are also the Audx M1245 or M1290.  They are the smallest condenser mics available.  They do not have active cables, but they are so small that you don't need them!  
The M1245, the smallest of the 2 is about half the size of your pinky finger. The M1290 is about the size of your ring finger.  
I was quite impressed with them!  They are also much more affordable than the Schoeps/Neumann/DPA/MBHO mics that are mentioned.  

Granted they don't have the same specs as the "high end" mics, for a starter set of stealth mics, these are fantastic.  I have samples if interested

Phil

[Sean Gallemore]

i hope to be using these soon, hopefully I can offer more feedback on them then

[Tim]

totally forgot about those Audix mics. I haven't heard much but what I've heard has been quite impressive. Thye are tiny too!

[F.O.Bean]

the micros def fell under radar for quite awhile.....look very promising tho....