Topic: Using CMC-8 mics without a battery box with 48V supplied by the Microtrack II

[adrianf74]

So - as it's been a while since I taped a show - when I bought my CMC-8's back in 2003, there was no "low-sensitivity-mod" available at that time.  If I was to get them modded today, would I be able to use the mics with plug-in power and NO battery box and not run into brick-walling?

I should add that my mics have a 1/8" mini jack as opposed to any sort of XLR connection, obviously.

Many Thanks

[nameloc01]

So you only have mini in? How about xlrs for phantom?  If you went with the adaptors you'd have to get dual xlrs>mini plug cord.

Ps. The AT 8532s are selling for 57.00 each right now.

[Liquid Drum]

From what Chris Church said, the CMC-8 (AT933/43) don't need the mod as they can handle the SPL ok. As mentioned already, the diaphragm is what causes the mic to distort, not the FET. As far as I know, its a good idea to use windscreens to try prevent this (I've used them plenty of times with zero distortion).

So if the problem is the diaphragm ( not the FET), does the  Sound Pros "low sens mod" solves the problem at all?

No, it doesn't. And I guess that even when powering via phantom you would have the same problem. The thing is, the AT933/43 (AFAIK) is apparently supposed to be a lav mic when it was made (I could be wrong though). However, the AT853 is supposed to run via phantom power.

[Javier Cinakowski]

The thing is, the AT933/43 (AFAIK) is apparently supposed to be a lav mic when it was made (I could be wrong though). However, the AT853 is supposed to run via phantom power.

That is kinda backwards and wrong.

The AT933 is a phantom only, contractor exclusive series microphone line, known as Engineered Sound.  There was no lavalier in this line.  The line was updated to inclued a 943 lavalier microphone.  It is identical to the 933, except that it has a groove for a lavalier clip.

The 853 series, known as UniPoint is a slighly larger consumer line, that also includeds options for battery or phantom power.  It was recently updated with better RFI sheilding and slightly better statistics...  This line does not have a lavalier...

Being electret microphones, their phantom requirements are relativly low, making them more versitle at 11v-52v....

The distortion issue is a matter of different capsule design IMO. They are just differnt mics....

[Liquid Drum]

The thing is, the AT933/43 (AFAIK) is apparently supposed to be a lav mic when it was made (I could be wrong though). However, the AT853 is supposed to run via phantom power.

That is kinda backwards and wrong.

The AT933 is a phantom only, contractor exclusive series microphone line, known as Engineered Sound.  There was no lavalier in this line.  The line was updated to inclued a 943 lavalier microphone.  It is identical to the 933, except that it has a groove for a lavalier clip.

The 853 series, known as UniPoint is a slighly larger consumer line, that also includeds options for battery or phantom power.  It was recently updated with better RFI sheilding and slightly better statistics...  This line does not have a lavalier...

Being electret microphones, their phantom requirements are relativly low, making them more versitle at 11v-52v....

The distortion issue is a matter of different capsule design IMO. They are just differnt mics....

Thanks for the correction.

[Javier Cinakowski]

no problem.  I am jsut trying to help.  I have spent an embarasing amount of time researching AT.....

T+

[paulbaptiste]

So you only have mini in? How about xlrs for phantom?  If you went with the adaptors you'd have to get dual xlrs>mini plug cord.

Ps. The AT 8532s are selling for 57.00 each right now.

where are these at?  looking through the sp site.  I just really wanna get some 853 bodies to run w/ the caps i have now.

[nameloc01]

The 8532s are phantom power battery belt packs. One per mic, they were up until just recently like 170.00 each, SP is selling them for 57.00 each. Apparently AT has stopped making them or at least this version. I just ordered a set friday.

[paulbaptiste]

just curious, why carry around 2 batt packs, what advantage does that have over the ps2 in your signature?

and +T on the explaining your post, i found it right after i posted.

[Sunday Driver]

From what Chris Church said, the CMC-8 (AT933/43) don't need the mod as they can handle the SPL ok. As mentioned already, the diaphragm is what causes the mic to distort, not the FET. As far as I know, its a good idea to use windscreens to try prevent this (I've used them plenty of times with zero distortion).

While we are the topic...does anyone know if the FET electronics (inside the "body") in the AT943 series are the same as those found in the AT853 series?

[Sunday Driver]

The 8532s are phantom power battery belt packs. One per mic, they were up until just recently like 170.00 each, SP is selling them for 57.00 each. Apparently AT has stopped making them or at least this version. I just ordered a set friday.

Do you plan to use these with a phantom power source (without the battery in the box) or off the battery supply of the "belt pack"? I really want to see how far you could push 853s using the 8531 or 8532 on battery power with no phantom source before they distort.

[nameloc01]

No, these actually are phantom power boxes,one per mic. The advantage over my ps2 is the spl handling is a little higher and the output signal is balanced (ps2 is not)

[Sunday Driver]

Oh, the slightly older 8531 boxes that I have do not provide phantom power. When you put the battery in, it is strictly sending supply voltage to the mics. When you remove it, it acts as a phantom adapter, similar to the AT 8533. If the 8532 really sends phantom power to the mics, I need two of these. 

[nameloc01]

Well, it obviously doesn't send 48v to the mics, but apparently the mics can handle the highest spls with these and unlike the denecke, the outbound signal is balanced. But yes,when the batteries are removed you can plug them into a separate phantom supply and they will act as phantom adaptors so the mics don't get FUBAR. I was hoping mine would arrive today,as I am taping CLUTCH tonight,but I ordered a custom cord so It will be a few more days. Shit.

[Sunday Driver]

OK, thanks, that's pretty much what I figured. In fact, it's probably the same as running a "three wire battery box", except in the AT box you get a transformer for a balanced output signal. I'm going to run both and compare the gain loss soon.