Topic: AT853a vs. U853a Audio Technica Cardioid Condenser Microphones & CM100

[gd420mj]

Hi TS
I've recently found a pair or AT853a mics with AT8531's modules power locally for about $160. This looks like a good deal and I think I may pic em up. The only other mics I have right now are superlux SM8.

My question is this. Can anyone comment on the difference between the AT853a (now discontinued) and the current U853a? I am not sure when the AT853 was disc. but it appears from what I've read that the AT's have been around for a long time. (the AT853 data sheet says 1999, the U853 data sheet says 2005).

Should I pick up these mics now while they are a deal? or, is $160 too much for the old AT853's?

I recently heard a recording on the archive made with Nak CM100 mics: http://archive.org/details/eilenjewell2011-08-14.nakcp1.flac16 and I was blown away with quality of it. It just sounded really good to me and was a very enjoyable listen. Of course, this could all just depend on the room and sound system. But after seeing a pair of CM100's recently go for $175 here, I'm wondering if I should wait for a different mic. $150 is my limit, and I know I won't get the best, I've also considered some CA-11's but I am really not sure. I've been listening and reading soo much in the last week, I'm a little burnt.

edit: I see that there is a pair of CA-14 on YS right now for 120. (but I like the AT are modular and can change caps)

Thanks TS
~Steve

I'm pretty sure this is an AT853:

[acidjack]

Are you recording open? 

If you are, then I think a larger cardiod mic like the CM100 would get you better returns at a good price. 

If you aren't, then of course the Naks don't help you much.  There is a difference in sound b/w the 853 and U853, but I think a lot of people like the old 853s, and that seems like a fair price to me. 

I (personally) would never, if I had a choice, run a mini-cardiod like the 853 on a stand over a fullsize SDC like the Naks...

[gd420mj]

Thanks Jack. I'm a little torn because I want to run both stealth and open, though I'm leaning more towards a stealth setup. Now as I think about it, I may wait and get a set of CA's. And get both CA's and NAK's. Though for now, I'd like something stealthy.

[acidjack]

Thanks Jack. I'm a little torn because I want to run both stealth and open, though I'm leaning more towards a stealth setup. Now as I think about it, I may wait and get a set of CA's. And get both CA's and NAK's. Though for now, I'd like something stealthy.

If you want something stealthy, new CA-14s (if you're willing to wait for them to get made - 2-3mo) are cheaper than the used 853s.  Given the relative similarity in quality, I'd buy new 14s over the 853s.

[gd420mj]

I am thinking that. Although, I don't like the integrated wind screen on the CA-14's. They just look so bulky. Maybe I should consider the CA-14's in the YS right now.

FWIW, I just got a PCM-M10, and am wanting a set of mics to go along with it.

[Hypnocracy]

I've got an run both Naks and the Old AT853a's...Personally I think the old Omni Cap's on the AT's shine when compared to the Nak's...

Short of that...I find myself even using the AT Cards more just due to the ease and small foot print of the AT's mounted DinA on a Lowe's Plumbing stereo bar>Mic Clip>Clamp.

AT's  mounted on reading glasses is easy...with all that I'll never get rid of my old Nak's

Omni AT's
http://archive.org/download/bs2011-11-10.FLAC16/Bs111110_casbah_09_theUndertow.mp3

Nak's
http://soundcloud.com/hypnocracy/cross-eyed-child-john-hartford

[SmokinJoe]

I've had AT853's, U853's, Nak100s, and 300's.  I still have 2 sets of AT853's and the rest are gone.  That tells you my opinion.

You could set all those mics up next to each other on a stand for a hundred different shows, and some nights you would decide you prefer the recording from one mic over the others, the next night you would prefer one of the others.  There is no universal rule "this one is better than that one".  I've run AT853's open many times, and I've had nights were the AT853's blew away my AKG414's or AKG480's they were running along side, although it's certainly not like that every night.  In particular I'm always amazed how good they sound running into my Busman Tmod R4.

[paulbaptiste]

I'd get the 853's over the CA14's.  It's worth the 20-30 dollar difference in my opinion.

[Cheesecadet]

I'd get the 853's over the CA14's.  It's worth the 20-30 dollar difference in my opinion.

What he ^ said 

Although personally I am not a fan of the 853 Hyper caps.  I sold some off a few months back to someone who was looking for some.  To each their own is a fair rule of thumb when it comes to personal preference.

I will say that I made a stellar recording the other night with the 853 subcards! 853sc NOS > Tinybox v1.5 > M10...Wow!

[trustthex]

Just ran my new-to-me AT853a cards tonight for the first time in a position to pull the heat...  I'm very satisfied w/ these mics!

[ninjadave]

how does one know if its the old or new version of the AT853 or the U version? i have some omni's I just bought (and one spare for sale shortly) but don't know if they are the U verison or not. I will have to post a picture.

[Ziggz]

New U ones have cap type in big white lettering on one side, and the AT logo on the other. Old ones have pick-up pattern diagram / lettering on one side, AT logo on other. Never noticed the new ones are slightly "taller", at least the Hypers are.

[beatkilla]

Thanks for that pic and info on the caps.

I dont have them in front of me but im pretty sure the sub cards i got from at warehouse just say SC really small and have no pick up pattern diagrahm.

[Roger Gustavsson]

You could set all those mics up next to each other on a stand for a hundred different shows, and some nights you would decide you prefer the recording from one mic over the others, the next night you would prefer one of the others.  There is no universal rule "this one is better than that one".

That is very true! There will also be a very large difference between recording the sound of the PA and the sound of the stage.

[junkyardt]

If you want something stealthy, new CA-14s (if you're willing to wait for them to get made - 2-3mo) are cheaper than the used 853s.  Given the relative similarity in quality, I'd buy new 14s over the 853s.

no offense, but I think that's goofy. to me, the U853s clearly sound better than any mic Chris Church has ever made.