Topic: AT853 or CA-14 for Zoom H2

[Denes]

I am looking into either Church Audio-14 cardoids or AT853PMX.   Until I get a pre-amp mixer, I will be using the power supplies for the AT's.   I also need 1/8" stereo to go into the zoom H2.  I think the CA-14's will be easier to do.

I can get AT853PMX for $100 each new with the power supply, windscreen, and overhead holder.   I will be making my own mount to the mic stand.

[fandelive]

Hi,

the AT853PMX won't probably be able to handle high SPLs, even when powered with a battery box... So if you want to tape loud shows keep in mind you'll have to mod them (search this board for "4.7k mod").

Have you listened to live shows made with either CA-14 or AT853PMX ?
Which one(s) sounded better to your ears ?

[acidjack]

Given the constraints you mention, CA-14 plus a CA-UBB (cheap battery box) seems easier. And assuming you're buying new, cheaper.

[Denes]

Virtually everything I will tape will be pretty loud.  I PM'ed the church audio guy about CA-14's.  Going to see if he can custom make a 25ft one for me, or atleast 15ft.

I was wondering what all the letter after the AT853 meant.  $100 each for new AT853PMX's with power module is not bad at all.

I eventually want 3 machines.  A real nice one, plus two basic ones.   Most places I record have 3 stages.  I like the fact I don't need to move my machines around to get the stuff I want.   I prefer the stuff from the smaller stages rather than the main one.   I primarily want a soundboard patch If I can get one.   As long as the sound is even through it.  Some of them don't include drums or just a little of them.

Listening wise, I can't tell the difference between a B+ recording and an A+.   What I do notice is people talking, sometimes the stuff is funny.  Most of the time it's annoying chatter.  The problem I have is not being able to clearly see my sound levels when my recorder is 10 feet in the air.  A mic setup and a taller lightstand or a 2 to 3ft extension on the one I have will fix that nicely.

My ears do have some damage from playing with loud things and working in a plant setting for many years.

[adrianf74]

Virtually everything I will tape will be pretty loud.  I PM'ed the church audio guy about CA-14's.  Going to see if he can custom make a 25ft one for me, or atleast 15ft.

Listening wise, I can't tell the difference between a B+ recording and an A+.   What I do notice is people talking, sometimes the stuff is funny.  Most of the time it's annoying chatter.  The problem I have is not being able to clearly see my sound levels when my recorder is 10 feet in the air.  A mic setup and a taller lightstand or a 2 to 3ft extension on the one I have will fix that nicely.

Two thoughts here... buy your CA-14's with the standard cable length (5-6 feet) which will be good when you're wearing them.   Buy a good quality 1/8" male to female cable of 10-15 feet from one of the cable makers on here when you need to mount them.   That's what I've done and don't regret it.

As for the "chatter" that gets picked up, there's almost no way around this these days as people treat live music as a backdrop to their personal lives (regardless if the tickets were $10 or $300).

[SmokinJoe]

You don't want the PMX ones.  Those are designed to be mounted in an electrical box in your house, like a light switch or 110 outlet.  Useful at a church, but not in the field.  If you had other powering modules (AT8531/8533) you might find someone who would buy them off you if you later decide to terminate 1/8", but no one is going to want to buy those ones 8534 wall plates.

[Denes]

Thanks for the input.   I will be picking up those CA-14's with a church pre-amp, maybe.   I work on electronics for a living, so I may want to give making my own pre-amps a try.