Topic: AT943 + SP-SPSB-8 (distortion, problems etc.)

[Mr.Scully]

In the past weeks I was using this combo (together with Edirol R-09 HR) for recording (loud rock gigs indoors). While I'm overall pleased with the results, I'm still experiencing two significant problems, maybe you can help.

1. I have AT943 bodies with omni capsules and a set of ES943 (=newer) cardioid capsules. The omnis get distorted (on bass drum) even with a battery box; the cardioids are fine. I thought maybe I should get the bodies "patched" with that Church mod but is it really a problem of the bodies, considering that the cardioid capsules deliver excellent results? I know omnis are more sensitive and I should use XLR etc. etc. but I thought I should be able to make a decent recording with the omnis even with just the battery box.

2. The battery box has the bass roll off switches. I'm taping stealth but if I put this battery box into my pocket or bag, always some of the switches switch themselves into the other position. Which means I either get a different sounding recording or no recording at all. Any suggestion how to "mount" them in the requested position without having to use a glue?

[Humbug]

1. I've been waiting for someone more technical to write a response, and I'm disappointed noone has. Some AT943s do benefit from the mod, it depends what you're taping. I may be wrong but the mod works for the combination of mics and body. Perhaps send a pm to Chris Church requesting further info.

2. Try a thin strip of masking tape or gaffa tape over the switches. In any case the mics aren't bass-heavy, so probably would benefit from no bass roll off (16Hz).

Humbug

[Mr.Scully]

1. I've been waiting for someone more technical to write a response, and I'm disappointed noone has. Some AT943s do benefit from the mod, it depends what you're taping. I may be wrong but the mod works for the combination of mics and body. Perhaps send a pm to Chris Church requesting further info.

2. Try a thin strip of masking tape or gaffa tape over the switches. In any case the mics aren't bass-heavy, so probably would benefit from no bass roll off (16Hz).

Humbug

1. Yes, as you say, it's probably the combination of the body and capsules. Also I heard omnis are more sensitive (even though they should handle around 125 dB with the battery box and they definitely DIDN'T). I guess I wait until the "taping season" is over here and then I'll send them to Chris Church to get the mod done.

2. Yes, no bass roll off is the best option but that requires three switches in one position (on) and one switch in the other position (off). That's how the Sound Professional battery box works. So the problem remains :-) I tried to use some scotch tape but it didn't help much. Dammit!

[taperwheeler]

Have you contacted Sound Pro's regarding the batt box?  I can't imagine that the switches should be that easy to toggle.  The bb I have from Sound Pro's has the switches inside the casing and they don't move on me.

I suggest that if you can't get a fix thru Sound Pro's for the box then to glue them with no roll off.  You can alway remove low end in post.

Final .02... pick up a preamp and get the mod in the "off-season".  I run at933 cards (told pretty similar mic, just the older version) and got mine modded.  Pre mod, I didn't have any major distortion issue but was a lil' unhappy with the overall sound.  Since the mod have been much more pleased.  Recording sound crisper, less tinny (not sure if that's a real descripter, but to me, was how my old recordings sounded).