Topic: which choice for a stereo large-diaphragm microphone?

[Napo]

Many thanks to you all for the extensive replies and suggestions.

Unfortunately a pole is a no way. Venue staff are not that relaxed 
I made an experiment with a short flexible pole connected to a tripod: I was holdining it on the seat between my legs. It came to noting as I got sound inteferences, I guess from the pumping of the large  blood vessel  we have next to the crouch  and other contacts from my body!!!!

As for hend-holding, Italina tapers go to a great lenght to tape in a tape unfriendly environment (which is the case most of the time)

Best,
Mauro

[thunderbolt]

I'm in the same situation, and would like a LDC stereo mic for open taping of classical and jazz.  After looking around at all the mics mentioned, I'm leaning heavily towards getting this:

http://www.avantoneaudio.com/ck40.htm

It is not an LSD2 with a red paint job.  They appear to be totally different mics.  I like the fact that I'll be able to do Blumlein with a twist of the top element, something that not all the stereo mics mentioned can do (the AT 4050st has no figure eight).  That may not be important to you, and if not, the AT4050st is certainly a proven performer and very reliable.

Here's a review of the CK-40:

http://www.studioauditions.com/gearreviewdetail.php?GearReviewID=166

I emailed the guy who wrote it, and he told me it has performed flawlessly for the 3 1/2 years he's owned it.

[ashevillain]

I like the fact that I'll be able to do Blumlein with a twist of the top element, something that not all the stereo mics mentioned can do (the AT 4050st has no figure eight). 

Actually the AT4050ST does have a Figure-of-eight. It just doesn't have the two of them that are necessary for Blumlein.

[thunderbolt]

My bad, thankls for the correction.

[ducktaper]

Peluso P-Stereo was my favorite stereo mic ever owned. Here are some samples if wanted...

http://www.archive.org/details/outformation2008-04-25.hometeam.flac16 (midside/fob/dfc))

http://www.archive.org/details/outformation2007-11-29.hometeam.flac16 (bloom'n/onstage)

http://www.archive.org/details/outformation2007-12-01.hometeam.flac16 (xy/fob/dfc)

http://www.archive.org/details/outformation2008-06-21.hometeam.flac16 (bloom'n/onstage)

http://www.archive.org/details/ween2008-01-25.hometeam.flac16 (xy/fob/roc)

[Javier Cinakowski]

Just came into say I love my 4050st. 

[dogmusic]

Just came into say I love my 4050st.

Since almost all mics these days give a freq response up to 20kHz, I'm surprised the 4050ST only specs 18kHz. Is Audio Technica just being conservative?

[Javier Cinakowski]

AT has a good reputation for being honest about specs.  I wouldn't worry about that 18k spec....

[dogmusic]

AT has a good reputation for being honest about specs.  I wouldn't worry about that 18k spec....

So, you find there's plenty of high end on this mic?

[page]

AT has a good reputation for being honest about specs.  I wouldn't worry about that 18k spec....

So, you find there's plenty of high end on this mic?

You'd be surprised what "air" sounds like and how low that actually is on the frequency chart.

Hell, I can't realiably hear micro detail above 15-16khz anymore and I've taken care of my hearing (wear plugs often, get tested, etc).

[dogmusic]

I'm in the same situation, and would like a LDC stereo mic for open taping of classical and jazz.  After looking around at all the mics mentioned, I'm leaning heavily towards getting this:

http://www.avantoneaudio.com/ck40.htm

It is not an LSD2 with a red paint job.  They appear to be totally different mics.  I like the fact that I'll be able to do Blumlein with a twist of the top element, something that not all the stereo mics mentioned can do (the AT 4050st has no figure eight).  That may not be important to you, and if not, the AT4050st is certainly a proven performer and very reliable.

I can't find too many posts on the forum about the Avantone CK-40. Any opinions about its quality vs. the AT4050ST? The refurbished AT's are around the same price now as the CK-40.

[dogmusic]

AT has a good reputation for being honest about specs.  I wouldn't worry about that 18k spec....

So, you find there's plenty of high end on this mic?

You'd be surprised what "air" sounds like and how low that actually is on the frequency chart.

Hell, I can't realiably hear micro detail above 15-16khz anymore and I've taken care of my hearing (wear plugs often, get tested, etc).

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I wanted to say thanks to Javier and Page for their advice re the AT4050ST. I ended up getting a refurbished model and I'm really liking it, especially in the 127º setting. Really nice wide ambience.