Topic: AT853 Subcardioid distortion

[shadowfax1007]

Just wondering if anyone has had any distortion issues with these capsules?
Running them on AT831 bodies. Recorded a gig recently and got some mild bass distortions, despite running my levels extremely low and using a battery box and line in.

Got a festival coming up soon and would like to use the subcards, I like the sound but I want to avoid the distortion issue. Suggestions?

Recording is up here if people want to listen
http://bnelive.blogspot.com/2011/07/01072011-grates.html

[hi and lo]

You should post a clip here rather than directing us to your website to dl a 140MB file.

[SmokinJoe]

I've always thought the subcard caps sounded awesome.

Are you familiar with the fact that AT853's (and probably 831 bodies) will brickwall at moderately loud show when they are wired in the "2 wire" configuration?  It's a well established fact that has bitten many tapers, including myself.  Do a search for "4.7k mod" or "low sensitivity mod".

[shadowfax1007]

 Couldn't upload a sample, as I have no access to decent internet (using my phone).

As for sensitivity, I ordered them as low sensitivity, although its still 2 wire. I've never had distortion issues before with these mics and cardioid caps, although its worth investigating further. Thanks

[SmokinJoe]

OK, if you have the low sensitivity mod, you should be all set.  Some other theories...

I have not had any particular issue with distortion with my subcard caps, or do I know anyone else who has, but in the particular tapes I've listened to we were all using AT853 bodies, not 831 bodies.  I know it's generally recognized that 853 caps can be used on 831 bodies... they fit, they send signal, therefore "it works".  But almost surely the electronics in the bodies are different.  Does it become problematic under some circumstances?  I don't think anyone knows.

If you battery in the battery box is getting weak, that will cause issues.  Check the battery with a voltmeter.  9V batteries will generally read more than 9.0 when new, probably 9.5v.  When they get down to 7 or 8 they are getting weak, and be sure to check it while the mics are plugged in.

Another thing is quite simply that the subcards seem to have a lot deeper bass response than cards... they sound FAT, as much as some omnis.  I'm just saying... they will capture more low end than cards, and if the bass was distorted in the room, these might pick it up accurately, and cards wouldn't have captured it.  Keep in mind I haven't listened to your sample (sorry, I can't get to your sample from here), I'm just saying it seems plausible that this situation could occur.