Topic: Which Version of SP-CMC-4U for Zoom F3?

[Pieteker]

I'm looking at getting the Sound Professionals SP-CMC-4U mics and I’m a little confused about whether I need the 4.7k low-sensitivity mod.

My recorder is a Zoom F3, which supplies regular 24/48V phantom power.

From what I understand:

- The mini-jack (3.5mm) version of these mics can clip on loud concerts unless you get the 4.7k mod.
- The Phantom 48V XLR version has an internal circuit that steps phantom down to around ~9–10V and has a much higher SPL handling (around 139 dB).

What I’m not sure about is:

If I'm using the Zoom F3, do I still need the 4.7k mod, or is the XLR Phantom 48 version already safe for loud shows?
I'm planning on recording loud rock/metal gigs, so headroom matters.

If anyone has experience running these mics with the F3, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

[beroti_music]

The white at853's you had were perfect for this.

[Pieteker]

The white at853's you had were perfect for this.

Well, the ones I had before were white and didn’t have XLR plugs, which would be way more convenient now since I’m recording exclusively with my Zoom F3.

I know it’s kind of funny and weird that I’m about to buy the same mic I sold just a month ago, but I really regret that decision, especially after listening back to some of the tapes I recorded with them.

[TheJez]

It's a pitty the original question wasn't answered, as I am in kind of the same situation as the Pieteker.
I'm considering getting the SP-CMC-8 for my Tascam FR-AV2. This recorder has XLR inputs with 24V/48V phantom, and 3.5mm mini-jack with 2.5V/5V PIP.
So what would anybody advice, and why:
1) SP-CMC-8 with XLR connectors. These only come with 'standard sensitivity'
2) SP-CMC-8 with mini-jack, with low-sensitivity option

(I assume SP-CMC-8 with mini-jack with 'standard sensitiviy' is not advisable, as I will be recording mostly higher-volume apmplified stuff)

Or does anyone have better suggestions for a set of stealth cardioid mics within a ~US$500 budget? E.g. what about the SP-CMC-4? Are they just as good, but only a bit bigger and cheaper than the SP-CMC-8's?

[beatkilla]

It's a pitty the original question wasn't answered, as I am in kind of the same situation as the Pieteker.
I'm considering getting the SP-CMC-8 for my Tascam FR-AV2. This recorder has XLR inputs with 24V/48V phantom, and 3.5mm mini-jack with 2.5V/5V PIP.
So what would anybody advice, and why:
1) SP-CMC-8 with XLR connectors. These only come with 'standard sensitivity'
2) SP-CMC-8 with mini-jack, with low-sensitivity option

(I assume SP-CMC-8 with mini-jack with 'standard sensitiviy' is not advisable, as I will be recording mostly higher-volume apmplified stuff)

Or does anyone have better suggestions for a set of stealth cardioid mics within a ~US$500 budget? E.g. what about the SP-CMC-4? Are they just as good, but only a bit bigger and cheaper than the SP-CMC-8's?

Yes the AT853 aka SP-CMC-4 are a liitle bigger but sound better than the smaller at943 aka SP CMC 8.


You need the Low sensitivity mod for sure on the mini jack version of AT853

[Pieteker]

It's a pitty the original question wasn't answered, as I am in kind of the same situation as the Pieteker.
I'm considering getting the SP-CMC-8 for my Tascam FR-AV2. This recorder has XLR inputs with 24V/48V phantom, and 3.5mm mini-jack with 2.5V/5V PIP.
So what would anybody advice, and why:
1) SP-CMC-8 with XLR connectors. These only come with 'standard sensitivity'
2) SP-CMC-8 with mini-jack, with low-sensitivity option

(I assume SP-CMC-8 with mini-jack with 'standard sensitiviy' is not advisable, as I will be recording mostly higher-volume apmplified stuff)

Or does anyone have better suggestions for a set of stealth cardioid mics within a ~US$500 budget? E.g. what about the SP-CMC-4? Are they just as good, but only a bit bigger and cheaper than the SP-CMC-8's?

Chris from Sound Professionals recommended using the SP-CMC-4U Phantom-48 (XLR) with the Zoom F3. It handles 139 dB SPL, doesn’t require the 4.7k mod, and includes a Naiant circuit that safely converts phantom power, making it fully compatible for loud shows without clipping. Using the XLR connectors also prevents accidental disconnects, which can sometimes happen with mini-jack plugs. This setup would also work very well with your Tascam FR-AV2.

[Pieteker]

Well… change of plans.
After all that research, emailing, and overthinking, I bought a pair of Line Audio CM3s instead (and I absolutely love them).

So for now, I’m not looking to buy the SP-CMC-4Us anymore.