Topic: ISO: Info on Step up stealth mics...

[MarkE]

     So I hope Im not barking up the wrong tree here, but are there any mics / mods done to mics that would take a standard small condenser mic, use an active cable, to some type of project box (as opposed to mic bodies (Ex. MBHO's)).?? I want to stealth with something a little more "high end". I swear Ive seen something like this before. Anyone with some pics? Im used to entering shows with my sonics> Custom 1/8" to XLR w/ mic power and rolloff > > A Zefiro Inbox and a D7. Ive searched around a bunch on here, but found nothing.. Any info would be great\!!!
      I love my Sonics, but want to see what wold be a "step up" stealthwise..... Opinions? 
Thanks,
Mark E

[Brian Skalinder]

What's your budget?

[MarkE]

Budget, smudget... Actually Im trying to get some info, then hope / pray someone around here throws them up on the "yard sale" section and will trade me for my 414's Im reluctantly thinkin of moving out of. Or at least sell them to go towards the purchase...
Ideas?
Mark E

[Brian Skalinder]

If budget is not an issue, and you don't want to deal with mic caps + active cables + bodies then...consider replacing the Sonics and AD20 and D7 outright and go with something like:

Schoeps MKx > custom actives > NBox > R09
or
Schoeps MKx > Schoeps KCY > Sonosax SX-M2/LS2
or
Schoeps CCMx or DPA 402x > Sonosax SX-M2 or Sound Devices MP2 or Shure MixPre or Aeta/EAA(?) PSP2 or PSP3 > R09
or
Neumann AKx > Neumann actives (forget model #) > Sonosax SX-M2/LS > R09

Where x = the specific capsule designation, determining the polar pattern for Schoeps and Neumann, and the connector type for the DPA 402x cardioid line.

Edit to add:  I've heard rumours of an AKG CKx or Microtech Gefell cap > NBox, but don't know if either actually exists.

[JasonSobel]

Edit to add:  I've heard rumours of an AKG CKx or Microtech Gefell cap > NBox, but don't know if either actually exists.

yeah, there has been talk about an nbox for AKG's and Gefells for some time now, although at this point, it's not yet a reality.

in addition to the options that Brian listed above, you could also go:
Schoeps MKx > KCY > Schoeps VMS 5U (or Schoeps vms02ib)

those Schoeps vms boxes are similar to the nbox or the sonosax sx-m2/ls2 in that you can run active cables directly between the box and the caps.

and then another option, if you can find it used, is to get a JK Labs box.  you've got to get lucky and pick one up used, because Jon of JK Labs pretty much fell off the face of the earth.  to see what these are like, there's some good photos from a recent MBHO jk labs box that recently sold here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,84432.0.html
there are JK Labs boxes to run AKG caps, MBHO caps, and Microtech Gefell caps.  so if that's something that you're really interested in, be patient and keep your eyes on the yard sale.

[tree]

Any recommendations for those on a tight budget? Im ISO some new stealth mics myself. Thanks.

[rainingvodka]

If budget is not an issue, and you don't want to deal with mic caps + active cables + bodies then...consider replacing the Sonics and AD20 and D7 outright and go with something like:

Schoeps MKx > custom actives > NBox > R09
or
Schoeps MKx > Schoeps KCY > Sonosax SX-M2/LS2
or
Schoeps CCMx or DPA 402x > Sonosax SX-M2 or Sound Devices MP2 or Shure MixPre or Aeta/EAA(?) PSP2 or PSP3 > R09
or
Neumann AKx > Neumann actives (forget model #) > Sonosax SX-M2/LS > R09

Where x = the specific capsule designation, determining the polar pattern for Schoeps and Neumann, and the connector type for the DPA 402x cardioid line.

Edit to add:  I've heard rumours of an AKG CKx or Microtech Gefell cap > NBox, but don't know if either actually exists.

I think the ccm4 -> psp2/3 ->r9 is your best stealth option of the lot brian's mentioned, from personal experience anyway.  I've run a decent amount of "micro mics" before jumping at a set of schoeps on ebay many years ago . . . the best tapes I've pulled have been cmc34->psp3->sbm1->d100.  I've been VERY pleased with the results in tiny clubs like the Troubador in Los Angelos (OK seats) arenas like the Budokan in Toyko (decent seats . . . ) and ampitheatres like the Concord Pavillion (wonderful taping seats).  I'm dumping the sbm1 and putting an R9 in the place of the recorder soon. 

I've heard it mentioned that schoeps are "cold" and that the sanosax pres are also "cold," while the Aeta psp2 or psp3 are "warm."  I've never run a sax so i can't say for sure, but i love my stealth tapes in the sweet spots with the schoeps and the aeta together, and i love those tapes in the less than sweet spots too.  The neumann are great mics but they're a little "boomy" for my tastes -- i think the schoeps have a tighter bottom end (by which I mean, they don't bleed over much).  Personally, I prefer tighter and more discernible high end (and i'll clarify = vocals and guitar) than low end (bass guitar and percussion) -- which is why the schoeps appeal to me more than the neuman.  If you like more low end than high end, the neuman would probably suit you better.   

Another thing to consider with active cable setups i handling noise of the cable itself.  I know it was an issue with the earliest schoep actives, but I can't say too much how much has changed or if other mic manufacturers have the same trouble. I run full body + cap cmc34s in the hat which reduces/elimanates handling noise and the cmc3s actually cut the low end a tad (which also reduces handling noise) so I can't say for total sure that the ccm4s would be as awesome . . . but they would definitely be a tad more comfortable at least, especially in instances where windscreens are needed.

Schoeps prices have jumped a bit however, from what I've noticed.  If price is a consideration, the neuman km140 -> active cables -> sax/beyer route is really appealing as well and probably a bit cheaper.  The "cold" pre in that rig makes up for the "warm" mics I think.

take what I say with a grain of salt -- I've never run neumans or sax or beyer and can only speak from comparisons of other's recordings . . . 

another thing to take into consideration is serviceability of your gear.  the Aeta pre's are no longer made and their customer service reponse time is AWFUL (still waiting on an email  reply from them from a week ago about a checkup/powering issue).  The nbox/rbox maker is only one person and that piece of gear is wired with epoxy that i'm sure makes repair insanely difficult in any case.  I'm not sure about sanosax or beyer service but i'm guessing it's better than the service you could get from nboxes or aeta pre's.  Of course both schoeps and neuman have no authorized repair/service centers stateside either meaning long delays for shipping . . .

bottom line, however, is tape for yourself.  Decide what sounds good to you by listening to recordings made with a variety of gear you're in the budget for.  If you start thinking too much on money . . .start thinking about this -- If you're happy with your tapes, why upgrade?  Don't upgrade to make better tapes for people you'll never meet and never care about your expenses.  Upgrade to make better tapes that you'll enjoy listening to again and again.

[Brian Skalinder]

Any recommendations for those on a tight budget? Im ISO some new stealth mics myself. Thanks.

You may get more results starting a new thread.  First things first:  define "tight budget"?