Topic: Newbie question - suggestions making a M-Audio MicroTracker rig

[prof_peabody]

I've been lurking here for a while and looking at putting together my own rig in the fall.

I've been reading about the  M-Audio MicroTracker with anticipation, but I have have a few questions about the rest of the gear I want to buy.  Basically, I will be stealth recording all the time.  I am pretty set on getting cardiod mics as most of the stealth arena boots I've heard sound best from cards.

I think I will be buying one of the card sets from sound professionals, but the big question for me is whether I get mics powered by a batt box or go for a phantom power set-up since the  M-Audio MicroTracker supports phantom power.  Also if you can recommend other mics feel free.

I don't have too many financial restrictions, but since this is a new hobby I probably don't want to drop more than $1000 to start up, and then upgrade later.

I don't want to stealth a lot of gear into shows!  Thanks!

[The Kilted Taper]

...stealth arena boots...

Those must be some pretty damn big boots to fit a whole arena in them! 

[prof_peabody]

AT-853Rx (omni, card, hyper, sub caps) > ?? > JB3 (MicroTrack *coming soon*)

How are the 853Rxs working out for you?  This is the kind of rig I am looking at making.

[The Kilted Taper]

AT-853Rx (omni, card, hyper, sub caps) > ?? > JB3 (MicroTrack *coming soon*)

How are the 853Rxs working out for you?  This is the kind of rig I am looking at making.

I love them. I've only used the omni's and card's so far though. They need 48v phantom and *should* be able to be used with the MicroTack. The thing is, it's not out yet so no one reall knows what little quirks it may have.

I don't know about the sound pro mics, as I've never used them. Can't the be modded to take 48v?

[prof_peabody]

AT-853Rx (omni, card, hyper, sub caps) > ?? > JB3 (MicroTrack *coming soon*)

How are the 853Rxs working out for you?  This is the kind of rig I am looking at making.

I love them. I've only used the omni's and card's so far though. They need 48v phantom and *should* be able to be used with the MicroTack. The thing is, it's not out yet so no one reall knows what little quirks it may have.

I don't know about the sound pro mics, as I've never used them. Can't the be modded to take 48v?

Yeah, they have a mod option at SP.  Should I consider buying them somewhere else?

I guess I should say that I'm assuming that the A-D on the microtracker will be good enough (close to sony DAT?).  I guess I'm also assuming I can get the 3 hours of phantom power they are claiming on the spec sheets. 

On other thing.  I'm assuming that if I go phantom power I don't really have the need for bass roll-off because the range should be good enough, is that correct?

[leegeddy]

http://www.alphasoundandlighting.com/monthlysales.html

please support Alpha Sounds. they have been super good to many us for all our AT853 needs.

AT853Rx for $145/ea.

edit:  if you plan on taping mostly in arenas, i would grab a pair of the Hypercardioid capsules. they are great for attenuating boomy hall sounds.

marc

+t for stealthing!

[The Kilted Taper]

I'll second what Marc said. Alpha is great. Great prices, great customer service, etc. All my caps were purchased through them.

[prof_peabody]

Thanks for the advice.  Looks like Alpha is the way to go.  I have a feeling I will end up with:

AT853Rx (with card and hypercard caps) > M-audio microtracker

Hopefully the A-D and battery life on the microtracker are decent.  Is this all I would need for my stealth set-up aside from some CF cards?

I'd do some serious +Ts right now if I could.

[The Kilted Taper]

You'll need a way to get the XLR ends on the AT's to a 1/4" end to use with the microtrack. There are 3 threads on the microtrack right now. Check out PART I and II. I believe there was some discussion on that.

[prof_peabody]

You'll need a way to get the XLR ends on the AT's to a 1/4" end to use with the microtrack. There are 3 threads on the microtrack right now. Check out PART I and II. I believe there was some discussion on that.

Ok, I went throughthe threads again, and I see what you mean.  The easiest thing to do would be to buy a couple XLR>1/4" male adapters.   I'm guessing you could also mod the XLR plug to a 1/4", but that seems like a lot of work.  Can't wait to hear some reviews and get my hands on the microtracker.

A dumb question: How long are the cables on the AT853rx from Alpha sounds?

[Ray76]

and FWIW, some folks get weird around here when you call em Boots.

Tapes is a more accepted term.
+T for doing what Ill never have the balls to do.(stealth)

[prof_peabody]

How long are the cables on the AT853rx from Alpha sounds?

25', but can easily be made whatever you want them to be.  I prefer ~ 5' for stealthing as do most others.

I guess I'll ask about all of this when I call.  I'm assuming they'll do itfor me for a small charge.  I think I'm going to hold off buying the mics and the microtracker until the first field tests/reviews come in.

Tapes, I know, I will never sell; only torrent if I get a good recording.