Topic: Help with CMC-8 Options (ended up with SP-CMC-4U, sample inside)

[Nickeh]

Hi everyone. I've been stealth taping casually for almost a decade now, and have for the most part run CA-14s with the small piece for a 9v into a (for the last few years) Tascam DR-07. I've always gotten decent results, with perhaps a few poor and a few great captures as well. Recently however most of my recordings recently have had a little bit of an odd noise in them. Whether this is a problem in the cables, or with the mics I figure it's time to try something new out. On a budget it has looked like the CMC-8s are a great option judging by some things I've read here.

Now the issue comes in that I'm not highly knowledgeable on all that goes with the microphones, and would like to know what things, within reason, I should purchase to go with the mics, or between them and the recorder to have a high quality recording in a variety of environments. In a given year I tend to see shows in clubs, theaters, and outdoor venues or stadiums.

Here is where I'm looking w/ all the options: http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-8 I do wear glasses, and I've heard about mounting them there, and I would certainly be open to that option if it's best, and would just need to know the best thing to buy to make that happen.

I'm hoping to get this sorted in a somewhat timely manner, as I'd like to test things out on Feb. 8. Because come Feb. 18-22 I'll be seeing dozens of bands on a progressive rock/metal cruise.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Nickeh]

Bueller?

[brad.bartels]

Hey Nickeh - I started out with SP-CMC-9's, which I think are very similar to the CMC-8's (and on hindsight, I think the CMC-8 is a better choice, not even sure if they still make the CMC-9's). Looks like the Tascam DR-07 has a 1/8" / 3.5 mm line in, I assume that's what you plan to use. These should run on the PIP from the recorder if it supplies that (not too familiar with the DR-07), but depending on the type and volume / SPL of what you plan to record, the only other thing I think you need to consider is a battery box. It will supply the power to the mics (so turn off your PIP on the recorder) and will allow the mics to handle greater SPL (loudness) and have greater sensitivity. I always ran a SP battery box with my CMC-9's and never had any issues. Hope that helps, as far as mounting, you'll need to figure out how you want to mount them and what you might need for that. If you're planning on mounting to your glasses, not sure what the best way to do that is, haven't tried that one.

I also saw on the SP website that the CMC-8's offer interchangeable capsules, that might be something to consider if you want additional options. I'm guessing they come with cardiods - you might want super-cardiods if you're further from the source or omni's if you're very close to the source.

Other than that, good luck!

[Nickeh]

Hey Nickeh - I started out with SP-CMC-9's, which I think are very similar to the CMC-8's (and on hindsight, I think the CMC-8 is a better choice, not even sure if they still make the CMC-9's). Looks like the Tascam DR-07 has a 1/8" / 3.5 mm line in, I assume that's what you plan to use. These should run on the PIP from the recorder if it supplies that (not too familiar with the DR-07), but depending on the type and volume / SPL of what you plan to record, the only other thing I think you need to consider is a battery box. It will supply the power to the mics (so turn off your PIP on the recorder) and will allow the mics to handle greater SPL (loudness) and have greater sensitivity. I always ran a SP battery box with my CMC-9's and never had any issues. Hope that helps, as far as mounting, you'll need to figure out how you want to mount them and what you might need for that. If you're planning on mounting to your glasses, not sure what the best way to do that is, haven't tried that one.

I also saw on the SP website that the CMC-8's offer interchangeable capsules, that might be something to consider if you want additional options. I'm guessing they come with cardiods - you might want super-cardiods if you're further from the source or omni's if you're very close to the source.

Other than that, good luck!

Thanks Brad, I'll definitely get the box. Any advice on which one? I figure they will all do fine for my purposes, and either way I will pay a bit more to have the hard-wired one I think.

[adrianf74]

I'd grab AT853's over CMC-8's, personally.  Much fuller sound.  Compared to the CA-14's, the CMC-8's are thinner sounding.  I don't think I'm alone in saying this, either.

[Marshall7]

AT853's are my favorite stealth mic by far.  They pop up often on the Yard Sale, might even be a set there now.

[Nickeh]

Am I correct in saying those are now this: http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=SP-CMC-4U&type=

If so, they are less expensive, and you guys are saying they are better. Is that generally accepted here? Even if they are comparable, might as well save the money. Checked yard sale, doesn't seem to be anything on the first two pages.

[Nickeh]

Also, I've seen various discussions here about the sound modification for mic sensitivity. Is that something necessary with these mics?

[Marshall7]

Checked yard sale, doesn't seem to be anything on the first two pages.

You must have missed this, then

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=166271.0

Great package because you get the mini XLR connections, as well as phantom adapters.  If you didn't want the hyper caps, I'm definitely interested.

[adrianf74]

JusTapin's a good guy to deal with so if the OP's thinking about that package, it's a good deal.  And if the OP doesn't need the hypers, Marshall7's also a good guy to deal with (I've sold to him in the past with no problems -- as have others).

[Nickeh]

Checked yard sale, doesn't seem to be anything on the first two pages.

You must have missed this, then

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=166271.0

Great package because you get the mini XLR connections, as well as phantom adapters.  If you didn't want the hyper caps, I'm definitely interested.

I searched without a space in the name, hence why I missed! Package seems to come with some stuff I don't know if I'll need, but might still be a great deal. Will I need to buy a battery box, as I don't see one included there?

[Marshall7]

Battery box or preamp

[Marshall7]

Seems to be a debate about whether a battery box (or preamp) is needed.  My opinion is better safe than sorry.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=166275.0

[Nickeh]

Thanks everyone, I ended up deciding to just get new stuff. Got the mics you recommended with the modification and battery box. Will let you know what I think after Saturday, assuming weather doesn't cancel things.

[Nickeh]

Well, not only did I have new mics to try out, but I also pulled off hat mounting for the first time, and was sitting center section a few rows ahead of the sound board. Perfect conditions, and while I'm still a little groggy this morning, as of now I'm quite pleased with the results.

www.wpapu.com/sounds/TA2014-02-08Kaleidoscope.mp3