Author Topic: Do MBHO bodies fit in Shure A53M Doughnuts? (Read 8455 times)

shaggy · « **on:** February 15, 2007, 09:25:21 PM »

Just curious. Maybe a list of mic bodies that fit in the A53M would be in order. I'll start and change the subject later as a 'list of mics that fit the doughtnuts'.

I have used A53M sucessfully with:

AKG C480b
Microtech Gefell SMS2000
Nakamichi CM300 (very tightly)
Neumann KM100 (very tightly and the badge gets in the way when comming from behind)
Schoeps CMC series

+T to any contributions!

TNJazz · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2007, 09:28:50 PM »

Beyer MC930
Beyer MC803
Microtech Gefell M300

Patrick · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2007, 09:53:10 PM »

Quote from: shaggy on February 15, 2007, 09:25:21 PM

Nakamichi CM300

The cm300's are a very tight fit in this mount. It works but pulling them out leaves some residue/scratch marks on the body. I wouldn't recommend it even though it technically does work.

Sanjay · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2007, 07:01:19 PM »

not a mic, but Kwon Bar's do

Church-Audio · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2007, 07:34:01 PM »

Quote from: shaggy on February 15, 2007, 09:25:21 PM

Just curious. Maybe a list of mic bodies that fit in the A53M would be in order. I'll start and change the subject later as a 'list of mics that fit the doughtnuts'.

I have used A53M sucessfully with:

AKG C480b
Microtech Gefell SMS2000
Nakamichi CM300 (very tightly)
Neumann KM100 (very tightly and the badge gets in the way when comming from behind)
Schoeps CMC series

+T to any contributions!

One of the most important things to remember and I think its often forgotten is this. The more of a profile your mount has behind the vents of your capsule. The more impact it has on coloring the sound of the microphone. So if you have a huge donut behind your mics capsule you will in fact color the sound by changing the geometry of the microphone and creating a space for sound to bounce off of.

Chris Church

shaggy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2007, 10:28:58 PM »

Chris, you seen these things. They ain't so big. Usually they are at least a two inches behind the vents (unless it is a KM140). I think the most important thing is not to cover the vents!

That said, there is nothing that can be done when you stealth and the caps go this way and that and have your skull next to one side of the vents and you hair brushing up beside them and the sound ofyou head pounding as blood rushes thru it..... OT, how many take the time to set something up proper when they wear mics on their heads?

+T to the ugly lot of youse...

Church-Audio · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2007, 10:50:39 PM »

Quote from: shaggy on February 16, 2007, 10:28:58 PM

Chris, you seen these things. They ain't so big. Usually they are at least a two inches behind the vents (unless it is a KM140). I think the most important thing is not to cover the vents!

That said, there is nothing that can be done when you stealth and the caps go this way and that and have your skull next to one side of the vents and you hair brushing up beside them and the sound ofyou head pounding as blood rushes thru it..... OT, how many take the time to set something up proper when they wear mics on their heads?

+T to the ugly lot of youse...

When you stealth NOTHING is optimal...This is the life of the stealth taper.. But when you don't have to stealth Why not make everything optimal? There have been many papers at AES on this subject. Its a known fact I have used these mic clips lots of times. They do change the sound. I would recommend a ring suspension system with a very small footprint.. as a good way to go about holding your mic and giving proper suspension and isolation. This ain't my first picnic into microphones and what effects the sound of them... When companies test mics for frequency response they build a test jig that holds the mic so that it has no effect on frequency response. Companies like earthworks made a pole that was 8 feet long with an XLR on the end so that there would be no disruption in the response of the mic. They know what I know a shure vibration damper that was never designed for the use on a high end condenser mic but was rather designed for use with a SM-58 OR SM-57 will color your sound....

Chris Church

shaggy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2007, 02:14:01 AM »

I can see your point. Those doughnuts are really convienent and can take a beating. The suspension mounts I have used are a pain in the ass to tote around (AT8510 for instance). The Schoeps A20s are better but you still have to be careful with them when you pack them up. For alot of us, using some equipment is weighed in favor of convienence and practicality.

What are your thoughts about using kwon bars? Those are the same size as mic bodies themselves but they seem to be more obtrusive in relation to the doughnuts (angle-wise). The bars are easy to use as they set up the distance and angle exactly the same each time. That said, I usually go for the doughnut for the kwon bars and leave the A20 at home, even though I know the A20 is better at isolation. In the case of the kwon bar, I think the A20 has a worse footprint.

hoyt · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2007, 01:53:41 PM »

Quote from: shaggy on February 15, 2007, 09:25:21 PM

Just curious. Maybe a list of mic bodies that fit in the A53M would be in order. I'll start and change the subject later as a 'list of mics that fit the doughtnuts'.

I have used A53M sucessfully with:

AKG C480b
Microtech Gefell SMS2000
Nakamichi CM300 (very tightly)
Neumann KM100 (very tightly and the badge gets in the way when comming from behind)
Schoeps CMC series

+T to any contributions!

I use the MBHO 603's with the A53M. Fits. It's snug, but it fits. Seem to recall that the HO's are 18 mm mics? Sound about right?

--hoyt

shaggy · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2007, 09:48:49 PM »

A20s with MBHOs? Anyone?

OOK · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2007, 12:17:04 AM »

Quote from: hoyt on February 21, 2007, 01:53:41 PM

Quote from: shaggy on February 15, 2007, 09:25:21 PM
Just curious. Maybe a list of mic bodies that fit in the A53M would be in order. I'll start and change the subject later as a 'list of mics that fit the doughtnuts'.

I have used A53M sucessfully with:

AKG C480b
Microtech Gefell SMS2000
Nakamichi CM300 (very tightly)
Neumann KM100 (very tightly and the badge gets in the way when comming from behind)
Schoeps CMC series

+T to any contributions!

I use the MBHO 603's with the A53M. Fits. It's snug, but it fits. Seem to recall that the HO's are 18 mm mics? Sound about right?

--hoyt

21 mm to be exact....

Nick Graham · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2007, 02:09:53 AM »

Quote from: shaggy on February 21, 2007, 09:48:49 PM

A20s with MBHOs? Anyone?

Nope, I tried a few years ago and would always get right to the point of breaking the A20 and give up.

barrettphisher · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2007, 11:05:33 AM »

Would these work with either Oktava MC012's or KM184's? Thanks again.
Barrett

manitouman · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2008, 12:26:19 PM »

Old thread, I know, but didn't want to start a new one....

The Neumann KM100's are 22mm in diameter. I'm using the Peluso CEMC6 mics which are also 22mm. So my question is...Just how tight is the fit? I really like this mount for non-bulky (is that a word?) purposes, but want the advantages of using a shock mount. So I guess what I'm asking is what are your experiences with these shock mounts and 22mm diameter mics. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

newplanet7 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2008, 02:11:27 PM »

What are the recommended mm sizes.
Would these fit my 391's?
They are 19mm.

EDIT:
Figured it out.
The mounts fit any 1.875 cm mic = 18.75mm
Duh!

Must have been snug for the 480's

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2008, 02:36:40 PM »

VERY tight fit. I use teh donuts for my KwonBars and they are 20mm. I have tried them on both my 480's and my MBHO's(both 21mm) and they are TIGHT. I have never successfully got them on there because I didntw ant to break them!

Jammin72 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2008, 03:20:21 PM »

Check out the Shocks for the Milabs... for 21mm mics!

Milab 3221

manitouman · « **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:35:46 PM »

Quote from: Jammin72 on January 20, 2008, 03:20:21 PM

Check out the Shocks for the Milabs... for 21mm mics!

Milab 3221

At $80 a piece that's a bit steep. I was wondering if the rubber donut comes out of the A53M? If so, may be I can cut a notch at the very top of the shock mount so that it allows the rubber donut to expand some more. I'm sure the rubber will expand it's probably just the plastic fitting that the donut sits in that restricts it from moving too much. Does that sound feasible? All I need is for it to give a couple of millimeters and we're good. So even if I just split the top of the mount it would allow a bit of movement.

Let me know what you'all think about that...

Jammin72 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:50:35 PM »

Quote from: manitouman on January 20, 2008, 06:35:46 PM

At $80 a piece that's a bit steep.

I thought so too... I'm on the hunt for a pair a bit less pricey I'll let you know if I find them retail.

I'm dubious about modifying shocks, it seems like such a critical place in the transmission line. If you've got a couple thousand dollars invested in microphones and recording gear transmitting unwanted vibrations to the transducers just seems poor form. That being said, the Shures are economical enough to think about modification. Good luck!

manitouman · « **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:22:11 PM »

Thanks for that reply! +T

And that's what I was thinking, I've found the A53M's for $31 and some change brand new. I'm thinking if I just split the top of the plastic, perhaps even just notch out 2mm, it should allow the rubber piece to expand and not be so tight with a 22mm mic. There would still be enough plastic to hold the rubber piece firmly where there may be no vibration to speak of. It's all just speculation though. I have to find out if the rubber piece comes out, and if someone has already done this and what are their success/failure stories about it.

Anyone know if that rubber piece comes out?

johnw · « **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:29:16 PM »

Not sure if the rubber comes out, but it is filled with a white powder like talc that seems like it could damage diaphragms, so be careful not to get any holes.

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:31:41 PM »

that sucker is GLUED in there good. I doubt that would do anything. if you nothc a hole in it, how is the shock going to isolate? it will be like a flattened water balloon

OFOTD · « **Reply #22 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:37:16 PM »

Quote from: manitouman on January 20, 2008, 12:26:19 PM

Old thread, I know, but didn't want to start a new one....

The Neumann KM100's are 22mm in diameter. I'm using the Peluso CEMC6 mics which are also 22mm. So my question is...Just how tight is the fit? I really like this mount for non-bulky (is that a word?) purposes, but want the advantages of using a shock mount. So I guess what I'm asking is what are your experiences with these shock mounts and 22mm diameter mics. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Not happening i'm afraid. The KM100 (22mm) is just way too big to even stretch the doughnuts out to try and get them to fit. Sorry.

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #23 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:40:51 PM »

my mics (at U873R) are 20.6mm, I just bought one and will repot back when it arrives. I hope it fits!

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #24 on:** January 20, 2008, 08:46:32 PM »

Quote from: AudioTechnicaster on January 20, 2008, 08:40:51 PM

my mics (at U873R) are 20.6mm, I just bought one and will repot back when it arrives. I hope it fits!

theyll fit, along w/ the 480's/MBHO's, but its VERY tight. if you could leave them on, then youd be SET. Id just be way too afraid to put them on/remove them every show

manitouman · « **Reply #25 on:** January 20, 2008, 10:31:13 PM »

Thanks for the info. I was under the impression that the rubber donut may be able to come out and that it was made of solid rubber. Being filled with talc really puts a stake through that one. And I can see how notching the plastic retainer piece would not help things at all. I'll just have to keep looking for something else.

+T's all around. Thanks everyone!

manitouman · « **Reply #26 on:** January 20, 2008, 11:45:10 PM »

I wonder if the A55M shockmount would work if I added some electrical tape to the inside of the rubber piece to decrease the diameter? It's rated at 23mm...

Any thoughts?

F.O.Bean · « **Reply #27 on:** January 20, 2008, 11:48:51 PM »

Quote from: manitouman on January 20, 2008, 11:45:10 PM

I wonder if the A55M shockmount would work if I added some electrical tape to the inside of the rubber piece to decrease the diameter? It's rated at 23mm...

Any thoughts?

sure would! might not even need it.

datbrad · « **Reply #28 on:** January 21, 2008, 10:35:38 AM »

I have been running A53M mounts for many years with my 460s with no issues. Snug fit, particularly in summertime. To avoid this, I simply swipe a little talc on my fingertip a couple of times a year and swab the inside of the rubber ring just a tad, and the 460 bodies slide in and out just fine. I actually like the snug fit because I know the mics are secure when mounted.

A couple of clarifications on some statements from earlier posts.

The ring is hollow and filled with air, not powder. It is basically like an inner tube, and just like an inner tube, has some talc inside but air is what inflates them. Also, they can deflate permanently if mishandled, and I don't believe they can be modified without risk of deflating the shock ring.

If you look at photos of GD shows from the late '80s and early '90s, you can see Bob, Jerry, and Phil singing into Milab mics with either Milab shocks or the A53Ms shocks. That is how I first found out about these Shure mounts.

DSatz · « **Reply #29 on:** January 21, 2008, 01:04:15 PM »

The Shure A53M fits a microphone with 20 mm outer diameter, e.g. Schoeps or the original AKG C 451 from the 1970s.

Neumann fet 80 KMs used to have 21 mm diameter, and you could force them into the A53M, but doing so would rip the Neumann badge off sooner or later. Nowadays Neumann makes their small microphones 22 mm, so they don't fit at all any more.

--The attached photo shows the wrong way to use a shock mount, or at least one wrong way that I've seen a lot (surely there are others). A limp loop of cable should be isolated from the stand before it plugs into the microphone, or else it will conduct vibrations from the stand to the microphone like a string between two paper cups. The microphone should have a range of free motion within the shock mount, so that the elasticity of the shock mount--not the cable or anything else--is what restores the mike to its center position, if you push on it one way or another and let go.

The one major shortcoming of the A53M is that it doesn't give you a way to form this isolated "limp loop" of cable. You have to use a clip on the boom arm to do it.

--best regards

datbrad · « **Reply #30 on:** January 21, 2008, 02:20:06 PM »

DSatz is absolutely correct about the loop of cable, and this applies to any shock mount. Just like with spider type shock mounts such as the AT, you cannot allow the cables to pull down against the mount or have strain. What I have always done, probably a throw back to my GD taping days, is simply hold the cables at a point where a natural loop forms and tape them to the mic stand just below the stereo bar. This isolates the mount from cable vibrations and also prevents an accidental tug on a cable from pulling on the mics.

You can see when the weight of the cables lifts off the mics as they will straighten out inside the mount naturally, and this tells you the point to anchor the cables.

Also, I determined the point of the center of gravity on the 460 mic body with the cable plugged in where it will balance somewhat in the mount, and that makes setup easier knowing that spot beforehand.

manitouman · « **Reply #31 on:** January 21, 2008, 09:48:33 PM »

J.T.L. pointed me to http://www.olsenaudio.com/micclips.html and just ordered a couple SP-20's from B&H for $9 a piece. F@cking awesome and saved a few bucks!