Topic: AT853 Hypercard caps - worth it?

[scoper]

I've got tix for an arena show, and I'm about 2/3 of the way back in the arena. Would using hyper-cardioid caps with my AT853 (stealth mounted in a hat) help out, or am I too far away for the effect to be worth it? My usual set-up is with the standard cardioids.

Suggestions? Anyone have a set they could loan for Oct 9?

Scott

[audBall]

I've got tix for an arena show, and I'm about 2/3 of the way back in the arena. Would using hyper-cardioid caps with my AT853 (stealth mounted in a hat) help out, or am I too far away for the effect to be worth it? My usual set-up is with the standard cardioids.

Suggestions? Anyone have a set they could loan for Oct 9?

Scott

I dunno if this helps but I ran the hypers with my 943s about 40ft back from the PAs and it sounds like booty....and, no, I don't mean 'money'. 

I may end up just selling these caps cuz I dunno if I'll ever use them again.  I'm curious, though, to hear what others think of the 853h's.

[spyder9]

Hypers are definitely worth it.  Especially if you are stuck in reserve seats in front of stack.  I used the 853 hypers for Bob Dylan 11-13-2004.  Best recording I ever made. 

[mattb]

I'd say the hyper caps are worth it because they are cheap. I have a pair and rarely use them, but they have been handy on a couple of occasions. I think I paid something lilke $70 for the pair and based on that it's worth it even if I rarely use them.
The cards sound significantly better in most situations IMO.

[cgrooves]

I agree with Mattb.  I don't like my hypers unless the situation really calls for it (which it sounds like your situation might).  I'm even going to try my cards the next time I go to a particular club where I've always used hypers.  The cards just have more of a natural sound, IMO, but there is definitely a time & place to break out the hypers.  For what it's worth, I also prefer my omnis over my cards if the situation is right (i.e. Outdoors), so my ears obviously have a negative impression the tighter the pattern gets on these mics.