Topic: AKG c34 > ? (Pre/Recorder Advice needed)

[Sanjay]

Not sure whether this is Pre related, Mic Related, or Recorder related since its a bit of all.  So i'll post it here.

I purchased a New Old Stock AKG c34 Stereo mic (Specs Here: http://www.danalexanderaudio.com/Micpics/AKG/AkgC34.jpg), this is a small diaphram adjustable pattern stereo microphone based off of the AKG ck1 capsules.  There are not too many tapes around with it, the only one I can find is AKG c34 > W-mod Fostex FR-2, and while it sounds alright its a little bloated sounding for me.  I've heard VA_Taper's AKG c33 (SPA modded card only version) > v3 recordings and they sound awesome, I realize this is mostly due to the SPA mod, but also due to the transparent pre behind it.  I was almost sure about a v3, and still am strongly considering it, but I wanted some input from you all on what you think would sound best with the C34, as well as have the most researched informed decision about this purchase.  I have listened to pres/recorders being considered here, and each has their strengths and weaknesses and as a result I can't decide with any certainty.  24 bit recording isn't a consideration at the moment but could be in the future who knows.  I'd love to not spend my entire budget but in any event it is $1400 (this would have to include at least 1 4gig CF card if needed).  So i'd love to hear some opinions of the combos from better trained ears.  Below are some samples of these pre's recorders that i've listened to.  I've tried to match AKG sources > them since i'll be running an AKG.

AKG 463 > ACM PMD 660: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=26995

AKG 481 > ACM PMD 671: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=26830
AKG 483 > ACM PMD 671: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=26943

AKG 481 > R4 (couldn't find an AKG > R4 Source): http://www.archive.org/details/mnathanson2006-04-11.late.akg483.r4.flac16

AKG mod 461 > V3: http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=27006

They all just sound really good, so I can't quite decide, so like I said all comments appreciated and considered. 

[muj]

get a jw mod ( or drefahl) with a new jensen transformer ( like va-taper has) peace

i was gonna ask who won this mic at te auction last week, congrats.

[RebelRebel]

I will tell you this...Chris's Modded Mic sounds NOTHING like the Stock Microphone. Might as well be a completely different mic..

1400 is enough for a portico. ;)Anything with tubes or xformers..his hamptone recordings sound much better than the v3 ones to me.

 Or you could use a v3 like everyone else on this board. 

[VA_TAPER]

I'd go Portico, 148, or Aerco in that order and go line in to a DAT (they are sooo cheap now).   Then when you get the bug, get the A/D du jour. 

peace, chris

[aberg]

sanjay, no matter what you run behind the c34, it'll sound good, considering your budget. 
like I told you last week, if you want to blow your budget, get the acm671; the ease of use, small footprint and great sound are worth it for the few hundred you'd be spending over the v3.  c34>acm would be a small setup that sounded top notch.

however, another route that would sound almost as good (better?) would be cheaper, but it's not 24 bit capable, since you would be utilizing your iriver you already own in the chain. 

buy mark's psp2 for ~6-700$ and you're done. http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=68383.0

these boxes are rarely sold nowadays, you know how it took me atleast six months to find mine.  c34 > psp2 > iriver would sound mighy fine, and you could fine tune the gain with the iriver, since the psp2 outputs ~20dB at a minimum.
then, just throw a pair of phantom powered stealth mics in front of the psp2 > iriver, and your stealth setup is also complete.
you can run mics > psp2 via the xlr inputs, and mini out of the psp2 > mini in on the iriver.  simple, clean setup. 

I like the sound of that, but a v3 is hard to pass up I'd personally go 671 but that's just me.