Topic: First outing with new MBHO PFAs

[acidjack]

Thought some folks would be interested to hear a first run with the new MBHO PFA setup.  For anyone looking to put one together, you need:

MBHO mic capsules
Two of these active adapters: http://www.daleproaudio.com/p-13273-mbho-603a-capsule-cartridge-for-mbp603a-microphone.aspx
mini-XLR terminated cables
Naiant PFAs: http://www.naiant.com/naiant/inlinedevices.html [Note, you will need to specify these are for MBHOs]

From what I understand, Jon had to rejigger the PFA circuit to work with the MBHOs, which require a balanced signal.  This was my first time running them, and they worked great.  Note that there are kwon bars, etc out there for MBHOs for those so inclined. 

You can check out my pull here: http://archive.org/details/gpn2013-02-23.capitol_acidjack_MBHO
While it's hard to "comp" these since the Schoeps were M-S and both sources have been edited, you can compare to the Schoeps pull here: http://archive.org/details/gpn2013-02-23.capitol_acidjack_schoeps

[hi and lo]

I will upload my MK41 recording soon to compare. I think we need to take some pics of that sweet sweet rig of yours.

[OOK]

Nice....

[F.O.Bean]

Sweet!

[bryonsos]

I will upload my MK41 recording soon to compare. I think we need to take some pics of that sweet sweet rig of yours.

I'm really interested to hear that unscientific comp! 

[bryonsos]

I hate you a bit right now AJ. This made me start checking out MBHO sources on LMA. I'm really liking what I'm hearing, and I can feel the sluttiness being activated.

[acidjack]

I hate you a bit right now AJ. This made me start checking out MBHO sources on LMA. I'm really liking what I'm hearing, and I can feel the sluttiness being activated.

Heh.  I will say this - the KA200N cardiod is really, really different than other cardiod mics we usually play with around here.  They are super-bright - and oddly, much brighter than the hyper.  I consider them to be a useful tool if I know I'm going to get a bassy show, but I don't want to get the 'tunnel effect' of using hypers.  I ultimately got them after comparing sources where I ran Schoeps and just found the MBHOs put the sound more "front and center".  Now, a lot of times, I still prefer the sound of the Schoeps... 

The KA500N hyper MBHO does has a very interesting sonic signature, too, in that it seems to have more bass than a Schoeps MK41, and also has a bit "tighter" feel to the sound. 

To be honest, I see myself reaching for the cardiods more than the hypers if I'm going to run MBHOs.  MBHO hypers vs. MK41s, I feel like the MK41s are probably just the better mic - based on what I've tried so far.  Though, that said, check out some of the recordings Bean did with them prior to his turn to the darkside. Most of them I like, and some of the pulls are exceptionally sick. AFAIK (I'll let him chime in) he doesn't EQ, either, so you're pretty much hearing the mic raw.

I do also have MBHO omnis, but I've never run them (they came with my set).  Hoping to try them outdoors this summer.

I think in their price range, the MBHOs are a great competitor.  They are going to be a bit more of a love 'em or hate 'em situation than some mics, I think.

[hi and lo]

I agree with everything AJ just said and absolutely love the KA200N MBHO's after picking them up 8-9 months ago. They have such 'utility' and just 'suck the sound' right from the PA not unlike a pair of Neumann KM150s, but are less extreme. They're not necessarily an everyday mic (although I wouldn't be bothered if they were the only capsules in my bag) and Schoeps are always going to be more 'well-rounded,' but there are plenty of venues where their sonic signature is of tremendous value.

And yes... the mbho hypers have more bass than the mbho cardioids or the Schoeps MK41. To a degree, I think this negates their utility vs. the KA200n Cardioids, but it makes them way better than most hypers that are thin and tunneled.

I also like the KA300 sub-card recordings I've listened to on the LMA. Certainly, they too have more bass than the cardioids.

[F.O.Bean]

Ka500 hypers were peer the most used when I owned the k200/ka500 caps. The hypers are def killer for a killer price. IMO they aren't as brassy as schoeps, because that's why I love my mk41 caps, but they are damn close. I ran ka500>littlebox(ot) and a phriend ran mk41>sax and they are damn close in recording quality. The mbhos are often overlooked IMO!

[axomxa]

Is Atlas Pro Audio the only vendor available for MBHO ??

Never mind I just looked up Dale Pro (much better price too!) and can contact Dan who I have dealt with for years.

[acidjack]

^^. No. If you look at my links above, they are to Dale Pro Audio, who have excellent customer service.

[OOK]

If you like the KA200 you will love the KA300(wide cards).  I find myself running them when is good acoustical enviorments, up close and on stage. The omnis are great on stage or close to a pa....and are also nice outside.

[Sebastian]

I like the recording, but the amound of background crowd chatter is freaking me out.

[acidjack]

I like the recording, but the amound of background crowd chatter is freaking me out.

Don't disagree w/ you, though nothing could be done about that.  Insanely chatty crowds at this venue generally, not helped by 7ft height restriction, further not helped by it being Saturday night 

[F.O.Bean]

I like the recording, but the amound of background crowd chatter is freaking me out.

Agreed. Exactly why I run hypers 99% of the time