Topic: Merry Xmas to me, looking for new gear. Schoeps MK41s....

[dunebug81]

While this is more then just mics in my question here is what I want to buy, however I have a few questions.  I currently have DPA4061s > MMA6000 > Sony M10.

Schoeps MK41s + Nbob actives + Tinybox + Sony PCM-M10 (I already own the M10 and plan to keep it since its working well for me)

About what will this setup run me new? I'd also consider used if the price was right from a fellow board member. 

I've found the MK41s on B&H for about $1,000 each.  Are these stealthable?  currently i just tape the mics down to my shoulders under a tshirt and run the wires down my back, thru beltloops and into the MMA6000.  How much larger are these MK41s then the DPA? 

I'm not finding a website for the Nbob actives.  I assume these are just fancy cables.  What makes then "active"? Price?  My current DPAs have a 3ft cable attached to them and thats a good length for me.  Any longer I think would just get in the way.

Tinybox, how big is this thing? It looks like its a similar size to the MMA6000.  That thing is like walking around with a brick in my pocket, something smaller sure would be nice!
http://www.naiant.com/naiant/microphoneamplifiers.html
The website says it has an internal rechargeable battery.  Whats the battery life with this particular setup?  There are quite a few options on inputs and outputs.

Would I need any sort of preamp?  I currently am using 12.5db of gain on the MMA6000 running into the M10 at somewhere between 5 and 6 (per the discussion in the various M10 threads)

[tim in jersey]

Photo of Tinybox next to M-10 with a quarter in front for scale, to give you an idea of size.

I just got the TB recently and have yet to test for runtime on the battery using MKxx caps, so I can't comment to that. That being said, I've read here that the runtime is sufficient to get you through a day at your typical festy.

The MKxx series capsule is definitely doable for 007 missions...

[tim in jersey]

TB, M-10, and MK4's attached to Schoeps Collette connnectors + quarter for scale.

Please note that the cables are actually NboX cables with genuine Schoeps Collette connectors and not NboB cables. The Nbob actives use custom-machined connectors in place of the Schoeps Collettes. The Nbob "Collettes" are slightly longer than the stock Schoeps Collettes by a few millimeters, if I recall correctly.

But don't let that slight difference deter you. Unless you are doing extremely scientific measurements in extremely controlled environments a few millimeters, or inches for that matter, won't be audible. Unless your hearing is on par with a bat.

[H₂O]

I would hunt for used caps as u can save a bunch - esp on well used caps

[Lostbrook]

Is Mr. Natural weighing in on the subject?

[Marshall7]

"Would I need any sort of preamp?"

The Tinybox IS a preamp

[dunebug81]

Ok well that pic really helps. The Tiny box is quite a bit smaller than the MMA6000!  What is your input/output connections on the Toybox?

Marshall, I didn't see any gain adjustments on the Tiny box. What range does give for boosting signal?  Can I adjust the l/r channel independently as needed?

What's the cost of those cables and what sort of termination is on the other end?  I would assume that if I could have the cables made to the length and termination I wanted so I wouldn't need any sort of adaptors.   Are these cables and mics fairly sturdy?  I'm taping rock shows and sometimes can get knocked around pretty good. Since it's rock shows in arenas/clubs theres nothing scientific at all so cable length isn't much of an issue so much as I have enough to run it across my person comfortably.

So all in I'm looking at $3000 new and a good deal less used? 

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Is Mr. Natural weighing in on the subject?

   

[Marshall7]

Marshall, I didn't see any gain adjustments on the Tiny box. What range does give for boosting signal?  Can I adjust the l/r channel independently as needed?

The toggle switch in the middle is the gain adjustment.  Mine was a stock +4, +18, +32 dB, but I think Jon will do custom settings for you.  If you're doing loud rock shows +4 is probably perfect anyhow.  I've never clipped, and unless it's going to be exceptionally loud I usually use +18 (but my mics have the 4.7 k resistor mod).  No l/r adjustments, unless he has changed this in the newest versions.

[dunebug81]

What is the resistor mod for?

[Marshall7]

I'm sure somebody with more technical knowledge will climb in, but I believe it allows the mics to handle higher SPL's.

[pohaku]

I have a TB that is 10-20-30 db and one that is 4-18-32 db.  Never used more than the mid level setting.  Fine gain adjustment on my PCM-M10 or DR-2D.

Output is a miniplug (or two if you want dual output with transformers on one).

Input connector is typically 6 pin mini xlr which probably gives you the greatest number of options for powering different rigs through adapter cables.  I have one TB that is set up for a Schoeps CMR rig and will also power P48 XLR mics through an adapter cable.  My other TB is being set up to power a Schoeps KCY rig, as well as an AKG active rig, and P48 XLR mics.  It will also power my Church audio mics.  Depending on what you want, Jon offers input connector options as well.

For cables, see Ted or Darktrain on this Board.  First class custom cables that are techflexed if you want.

[tim in jersey]

The bulk of your budget will be the mk41 caps. Keep an eye on the yardsale. The 41s pop up there fairly often. You'll save quite a bit. The nbob actives and tinybox are both pretty cheap in comparison. You'll probably come in well under the 3k budget if you buy used...

[it-goes-to-eleven]

MK41's are typically run in DINA.  They won't work well spaced far apart on your shoulders. If running them on your shoulders is a must, you might want to consider other capsule patterns.  Also, the mk41 will be more sensitive to motion than a mk4.  So depending on your situation the mk41 may not be the best choice.

If you buy new schoeps caps, go to a small dealer like Jerry at Posthorn.  He has spare parts on hand, and much more individual service.

If you are patient you can find used mk41's for $1300-$1500.  Attach them to the genuine Schoeps KCY cable that is for sale in the yard for $600, and add a tinybox for $269 or so = $2269

The KCY can be re-cabled with thinner cable, if you desire.  The Schoeps KCY or KC5 are the smallest option available for running schoeps.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=165452.0

[schoepsnbox]

Pm sent on active cables