Topic: Mini-XLR 3-Wire Vs. 4.7K mod for ATU853

[scoper]

Is there a difference in results between having mini-xlr's put on ATU853's or having the 4.7K mod done at the plug? I know that the 4.7K mod affects the S/N ratio, as the mics have the same self-noise but are less sensitive. Does the same thing happen with true 3-wire power?

With a 10db loss in sensitivity I'll need to add a preamp for acoustic or maybe even amplified acoustic shows.

What's the better path?

Scott

[scoper]

I should clarify - these were purchase from SoundPro, with the two mics feeding into a stereo miniplug. They were not bought directly from AT.

[SmokinJoe]

IMO the 4.7k mod is "easier" from a practical standpoint in the sense that a lot of people have the standard minijack mic-on to the recorder and/or a battery box and/or a small preamp, and you can kind of use the minijack plugged into whatever.  When you go the 3 wire route, you can make a 3 wire battery box, or buy a special 3 wire preamp, but then those mics go with that power supply and that's it.  If that's all you want it for, not a problem.  If you are a constant mix-and-match kind of guy (like me), it's less handy.

[sunjan]

IMO the 4.7k mod is "easier" from a practical standpoint in the sense that a lot of people have the standard minijack mic-on to the recorder and/or a battery box and/or a small preamp, and you can kind of use the minijack plugged into whatever.  When you go the 3 wire route, you can make a 3 wire battery box, or buy a special 3 wire preamp, but then those mics go with that power supply and that's it.  If that's all you want it for, not a problem.  If you are a constant mix-and-match kind of guy (like me), it's less handy.

I went the 3-wire way and modded mine to mini-XLRs. SmokinJoe forgot to mention the added advantage (if you like) that you can put phantom adaptors on the 3-wire mics and plug them into a UA-5 (or similar) easily, so you're not totally stuck with the 3-wire pre. BTW, Church offers a mini-XLR version of the CA-9100, works OK for me.
I do have regrets once in a while not going the 3.5mm way for versatility, but there are pros and cons to everything.