Topic: Mic Upgrade?

[jamroom]

Hi guys

I am currently enjoying the sound produced by my CA ST-11 cards -> ST9100 -> R09. As I get more and more into taping, I would like to start considering my next upgrade. I would imagine that there is no point changing the R09 for my uses, and the pre will likely do me for quite a while, but realise that the mics are the main area where an improvement can be made. I do realise that like any hobby, huge money can be spent, but I would like to ask for advice on what you would recommend as the next logical worthwhile (cost versus noticeable improvement) mic upgrade - considering that I do not open tape, and record in anywhere from small clubs to large halls. Discreet is a must.

Thanks in advance - much appreciated.

[Arni99]

You could try 2 x "DPA 4061" omnidirectional mics.
They are not cheap but extremely tiny with 5.4mm diameter and 12mm length.
They need to be modded from microdots to a single 3.5mm stereo-plug for using them with your preamp.

DPA 4061

[Belexes]

I like MM-HLSC-1's and also enjoy my AT943's with the 853 cardoid caps.  There's a lot of mics in the $250 range or so that may or may not be a substantial upgrade from the ST-11's.  The DPA's would give you a definite jump in quality, but at an increased cost.

The ST-9100 > R-09 is solid. I have that as well. You are right to think about focusing on your mics, but the ST-11's can certainly give you better than average results.

[cybergaloot]

Maybe some Studio Project C4's and a battery box will do the trick for you. I sort of went that route except I bought an un-modded UA-5 instead of a battery box. I bought the C4's from another person on this forum and got the hypercard acpsules with them and that has been a big plus.

[nameloc01]

AT 853s,943s..MK4s,DPA's. You should move up to whatever sounds better to you than what you have..so that could be a lot of things. Don't just buy something because of the "namebrand". Best to spend some time and listen to a lot a tapes and see what stands out to you.

[Dede2002]

Hi guys

I am currently enjoying the sound produced by my CA ST-11 cards -> ST9100 -> R09. As I get more and more into taping, I would like to start considering my next upgrade. I would imagine that there is no point changing the R09 for my uses, and the pre will likely do me for quite a while, but realise that the mics are the main area where an improvement can be made. I do realise that like any hobby, huge money can be spent, but I would like to ask for advice on what you would recommend as the next logical worthwhile (cost versus noticeable improvement) mic upgrade - considering that I do not open tape, and record in anywhere from small clubs to large halls. Discreet is a must.

Thanks in advance - much appreciated.

The HLSO-Micro (Microphone Madness) has Sennheiser MKE 2 caps and sounds amazing. Plus, they are REALLY small.
I also use the HLSC-1 (also from MM). Very transparent and detailed, but do not expect strong bass.

[tfrench]

Best to spend some time and listen to a lot a tapes and see what stands out to you.

100% agree here....Try and find some recordings via BT's or on LMA that have the microphones mentioned above possibly matched up with the same equipment you currently have.  Give them all a listen and make an educated purchase.  This way you will not be disappointed.

Todd

[bubba5916]

Best to spend some time and listen to a lot a tapes and see what stands out to you.

100% agree here....Try and find some recordings via BT's or on LMA that have the microphones mentioned above possibly matched up with the same equipment you currently have.  Give them all a listen and make an educated purchase.  This way you will not be disappointed.

Todd

I am thinking about an upgrade myself.  Bought a Marantz PMD-620 and have some core sound binaurals w/battery box.  I don't need to use a preamp now.  I like that they are stealthy but am wanting to improve on sound.  The CSBs seem a little boomy or bassy (even with bass roll off).  The internal mics sound pretty darn good to me but harder to stealth that way and then there is "handling noise".  Am going to search for some samples of the CAs and others.  Also, is a preamp recommended?

Bubba

[cybergaloot]

I misspoke about the C4's, they aren't what you are looking for though they are good mics. Sorry, I didn't read your original comments close enough. But maybe you should check out Church-Audio's new CAFS-OMNI mics. Chris isn't ready to crank them out quite yet but mics just don't come much smaller. It sounds like they might run around $200 a pair but the price hasn't been firmly set. I'm on the list to give them a try and give Chris a report. http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,100201.0.html

Also Chris is testing another new mic set, the CA-14 Cardioids. See: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,99672.0.html I hear they'll run around $169 a pair. I'm on the list to test those as well.

[jamroom]

Wow - infomation overload guys! I'll go away and assimilate this over the coming weeks, as I'm in no rush. +t

My main intention is for a significant sq upgrade, but still retaining small discreet size, as the Church cards are excellent. Would I be right in thinking that omnis are a waste of time if I mainly tape rock music in clubs, etc?

[aegert]

You could try 2 x "DPA 4061" omnidirectional mics.
They are not cheap but extremely tiny with 5.4mm diameter and 12mm length.
They need to be modded from microdots to a single 3.5mm stereo-plug for using them with your preamp.

DPA 4061

Hey been thinking of geting the dpa's for a new hat... can't decide between 4060 or 4061's I was thinking high spl of 4060's would be better up font in front of the stacks... I am also thinking th esenn 8040's I have will be great for a hat as well....Anyone have practical experience with the 2 and what they found the diff was between them upfront...

Thanks in advance!
A

[Arni99]

You could try 2 x "DPA 4061" omnidirectional mics.
They are not cheap but extremely tiny with 5.4mm diameter and 12mm length.
They need to be modded from microdots to a single 3.5mm stereo-plug for using them with your preamp.

DPA 4061

Hey been thinking of geting the dpa's for a new hat... can't decide between 4060 or 4061's I was thinking high spl of 4060's would be better up font in front of the stacks... I am also thinking th esenn 8040's I have will be great for a hat as well....Anyone have practical experience with the 2 and what they found the diff was between them upfront...

Thanks in advance!
A

4061´s are better for infront of stack taping as they are less sensitive than the 4060´s .

[Dede2002]

Wow - infomation overload guys! I'll go away and assimilate this over the coming weeks, as I'm in no rush. +t

My main intention is for a significant sq upgrade, but still retaining small discreet size, as the Church cards are excellent. Would I be right in thinking that omnis are a waste of time if I mainly tape rock music in clubs, etc?

If you're considering DPA 406x, you should take a look at this one:

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,100914.0.html

For a lot of folks around here, it's the best there is.
Have fun

[jamroom]

^^^

Certainly discrete

I seem to have formed the opinion that omnis would pick up more unwanted audience sounds (than cards), when standing in the middle of a crowd. Can anyone disabuse me of this?

[MLKLuke]

^^^

Certainly discrete

I seem to have formed the opinion that omnis would pick up more unwanted audience sounds (than cards), when standing in the middle of a crowd. Can anyone disabuse me of this?

that's the reason why I've not moved to DPA 4061 yet...I think that cards/hypers are ok for every situation on the average...while omnis can be dangerous if you're far from the stacks or in a bad acoustic venue or in the middle of the crowd

so I'm curious if my tought is right or not at this point  can someone clear this up?