Topic: Recommend an upgrade to chopped Nak 300's

[vanark]

I've got a friend running chopped Nak 300's > R-09.  He runs both open and low profile.  He would like to upgrade his mics and remain flexible to run open or low profile.  He loves the sound of the Schoeps but can't find himself spending $2800 on mics alone.  He has budgeted maybe $800 for his upgrade.  I'll refer him over here, but thought I could get the thread started first.

[sunjan]

I've got a friend running chopped Nak 300's > R-09.  He runs both open and low profile.  He would like to upgrade his mics and remain flexible to run open or low profile.  He loves the sound of the Schoeps but can't find himself spending $2800 on mics alone.  He has budgeted maybe $800 for his upgrade.  I'll refer him over here, but thought I could get the thread started first.

We're talking stealth, I guess? The current rig doesn't include any outboard pre?
DPA 406x perhaps?!

[vanark]

Not purely stxxlth, but with an option to do so if the situation calls for it.

[JasonSobel]

AKG bluelines (391's, 393's, etc...), with the hard to find "extension cable".

there's a set available in the yardsale now for a great price:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,114719.0.html

another option would be the Audix micros...
maybe the m1280's.  no "active" cable is available, but they're very small mics to begin with.
http://www.audixusa.com/docs/products/M1280.shtml

I think either the Audix mics or the AKGs would be an upgrade from the NAKs, and stay within the desired price range.

of course, the Nak's have an internal battery for power, yes?  most upgrades will require a phantom power source, which the r-09 cannot provide.  at the very least, something like a Denecke PS-2 will be needed for phantom power. 

[vanark]

Thanks, Jason.  I'll have to look for some recordings with the Audix M1280 - they look interesting.

On the phantom power issue, I've mentioned that to him already and think he'll need at least a PS-2 to get started.

[su6oxone]

Thanks, Jason.  I'll have to look for some recordings with the Audix M1280 - they look interesting.

On the phantom power issue, I've mentioned that to him already and think he'll need at least a PS-2 to get started.

One thing to keep in mind re: the 1280/1290s is that some people have reported very quick battery drain, maybe a couple of hours with the PS-2.  I remember reading a thread about it a few months ago.

[M]

The 1290's are kinda quite so I really don't think it would be reasonable to run them with a ps2 alone for that reason as well....I get maybe 2h20min on name brand aa's with the mp2 (no leds or headphone amp).  I dig the sound.

[SmokinJoe]

I've got a friend running chopped Nak 300's > R-09.  He runs both open and low profile.  He would like to upgrade his mics and remain flexible to run open or low profile.  He loves the sound of the Schoeps but can't find himself spending $2800 on mics alone.  He has budgeted maybe $800 for his upgrade.  I'll refer him over here, but thought I could get the thread started first.

There must be something between the chopped Naks and the R09.  Some sort of preamp or battery box?  Finding a pre which complements what he has may be a good place to start.

Realistically... what is there in the area of "actives".  On the high end you have Schoeps, DPA, and KM140s, MBHO.  On the lower end you  have AT853's, etc., and there isn't much in between.  People came up with the chopped Naks, and as noted the AKG 390 actives.  I believe Rode makes the NT6 actives, but I've never seen a pair at a show.

[vanark]

There must be something between the chopped Naks and the R09.  Some sort of preamp or battery box?  Finding a pre which complements what he has may be a good place to start.

There are some batteries built into the lines of the Naks and he runs mic in on the R09.  No pre that I know of.

Realistically... what is there in the area of "actives".  On the high end you have Schoeps, DPA, and KM140s, MBHO.  On the lower end you  have AT853's, etc., and there isn't much in between.  People came up with the chopped Naks, and as noted the AKG 390 actives.  I believe Rode makes the NT6 actives, but I've never seen a pair at a show.

I see.  I guess that is the issue here and thus only a handful of replies.

Maybe he would be happier if he ran a pre in front of his Naks.  I offered for him to run the Church 9100.  Anything else that could help his Naks sound sweeter to his ears?

[drewski1986]

I don't know much about the naks, but Busman is supposed to be coming out with an actives for his mics.  Not sure what the price on the actives will be but the mics with 4 sets of caps are around $500. 

[paulbaptiste]

I run a 9100 (mini xlr)in front of my chopped naks, you can hear a sample here: 

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,113251.0.html

and have been very happy with the results