gloco, check this page outin pics shown I am open taping *gasp*
these are the Rxs (with bar and screens) run into an mp-2, which acts partially as a battery box if you want to think about it that way. The mp-2 provides phantom power (48V) and a preamp (gain stage). I am using the M1 as adc and recorder. You can see they are roughly the same size, the mp-2 being a little wider.
When I record, mics run in the elastic band of my hat, which connects to the mp-2 in my back pocket, which runs to the M1 in the front pouch of a hoodie.
Regarding the CSBs
It's a totally different sound from what you might be used to with your current setup. You would be limiting yourself to one polar pattern (the AT853 has 3 caps) and me and my ears feel you would experience a degradation in sound quality.
I guess this should have been asked first, but exactly why are you looking to switch mics?