Topic: mic upgrade advice

[su6oxone]

If you're going the route of the AT853/SP-CMC-4U, I personally don't think you need the 4.7k/low sensitivity mod as along as you're powering them with a battery box or a Church pre, especially if you'll be recording acoustic jazz where the extra sensitivity could be an asset.

I think the OP mentioned that he would occasionally tape a loud rock-type show, in which case I would strongly recommend the 4.7k/low sensitivity mod.  I had several shows distort (AT853 > 9100/batt box > R-09) before I sent my AT853s to Sound Pros for the mod, after which they did fine.  Oddly enough, years ago when I ran AT853 (no mod) > batt box > Sharp Minidisc recorder, I never distorted even at loud rock and hip hop shows.  Never could figure out why that was...

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I should have been clearer in my post: my intention was to say that not having the mod done would give him greater flexibility in regards to recording sources that are both high and lower volume.  I've recorded almost nothing but loud rock shows with my SP-CMC-2 and haven't had any issues using a battery box (into a R-09).  The few times I've used them to record softer acoustic sources, my ears have perceived greater detail with them as opposed to a set of 4.7k modded mics that I also use so I'm opining from my experience.  I suppose the standard "YMMV" might apply.  Odd that when you used AT853's with different recorders you got different results; one of those audio mysteries.