Topic: AT853 (old versions) Repair or Replace?

[scoper]

My AT853's (from Sound Professionals, the original CMC-4 series) are in need of repair. There is a bad hum associated with the caps and body threads - if they aren't in exactly the right spot, loud hum results. By the right spot I mean that fully tight I get the hum, and in most other positions too, but can find a "hum-less" spot if I carefully screw the cap on slowly. This can change in mid-show if I turn my head and the mics get bumped.

Also, the cables have developed intermittent drop spots, which seem to be right behind the mic body - if you move the cable even a little, you can lose that channel. Again, subject to movement during a show.

These mics are now 10 years old, and both of these issues are mechanical, not electrical. Sound Professionals seems to be out for the day, so I'll throw it out here - anyone have an idea of what a good rewiring job would be, and how to correct the hum issue?

And depending on the repair cost, should I consider replacing them with the newer "U" series. If I did, will the older capsules still fit?

All help/opinions appreciated......

Scott

[taperwheeler]

Bummer deal dude!  At least see if SP will look them over and quote you a fixin' price.

And check this... http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,123238.0.html

[scoper]

Bummer deal dude!  At least see if SP will look them over and quote you a fixin' price.

And check this... http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,123238.0.html

I have an email in to Chris at SP - they had actually looked at these mics late last year and did a small mod, but the symptoms remain.

[scoper]

Talked to Chris at SP - he's going to send the mics back to Audio Technica with the request that they replace the circuit boards and wirings. Essentially, I'll get brand new mics in an older body.

SP is aces, folks - the best Customer Service in the business!!!

Scott

[taperwheeler]

That's great!  I've had some pretty good dealings with them as well.

Hope it'll be a quick turn around for you.

[acidjack]

Talked to Chris at SP - he's going to send the mics back to Audio Technica with the request that they replace the circuit boards and wirings. Essentially, I'll get brand new mics in an older body.

SP is aces, folks - the best Customer Service in the business!!!

Scott

Have to agree with you there. I had a (what turned out to be) very minor problem with my CMC-4's. Chris at SP repaired and returned them with one-day turnaround.  Mailed Monday, had them back Wednesday.  And he is great about returning emails, including answers to my many technically-ignorant questions 

[bobcat]

 totally! i am having slight problems with drop outs in my one channel with my mics. sort of an ongiong issue.. i bought them used..so maybe i will get chris to check them out. or its the jack on my MD. but i dont think so anymore...that was fixed...

 they have amazing customer service,,and hearing the good news i constantly hear i definatly will send them to him when i got some extra coin...

 cheers to that!

[scoper]

Update - I'm sending the mics back to SP tomorrow. I also had a long discussion about possible upgrades - he considers the new U853 as being superior sounding to the 943's, and noted that the difference was primarily in the off-axis response, with the CAPSULE being the primary reason.

So naturally, I asked if the "U" series caps can be used with the "old" series bodies, and they can. So, I'm going to try ordering a set of the U853 cardioids to see if I can hear any improvement. I can get 2 sets of caps for the price of one set of the new mics.

I'll report back when I receive the mics back.

Scott