Comments

Steve Mann wrote on 3/23/2006, 8:24 PM
Can't help you, but I have heard good things about the AT2020. I just bought some MCA SP1 "Large Capsule" Condenser Microphones, but I haven't had an opportunity to use them in a production yet.

I shoot theater productions and bought a Presonus Firepod to record from area mics on or near the stage. The SP1's look good for their sensitivity, and they were less than $100 new.

Please let me know what you think of the 2020's if you decide to buy some.

Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
Geoff_Wood wrote on 3/24/2006, 5:00 PM
If you want to record such things, then you want small-diameter condensers. The AT2020 is 'smallish' but still large enough to give greater off-axis colouration.

Suggest Oktava MC-012 from The Soundroom or similar reputable dealer (beware of fakes or low-QC items), RoDE NT3s, NT4, or NT5s, Marxhall MXL603s (I sold mine for the NT5s).

But try the AT2020 anyway if you can audition. DOn't get an AKG C1000 under any circumstances. Dunno about the AKG Perceptio 100, but it's market segment is aimed low.

geoff
plasmavideo wrote on 3/25/2006, 7:50 AM
Geoff, interesting that you should mention the off axis coloration. I hadn't thought of it in terms of the capsule size affecting the off axis frequency response. I'll take a look at the 2020 specs again. I'm planning on using a pair of whatever I get on a single stand, with the pickup axis rotated 45 degrees or so for stereo pickup.

Thanks.

Tom
plasmavideo wrote on 3/28/2006, 6:47 PM
Geoff,

Do you have any opinions about the ATI AT3035 and the AT3031?

The 3035 is a large capsule side address mic and the 3031 is a small capsule front address mic. They both got good to great reviews at the places I checked.

Going on what you said about off axis coloration, I checked the polar patterns and the response curves of each. The 3035 has a smoother response and a very nice looking polar pattern for all frequencies. The 3031 has a bit of a brighter hi end, but a poorer polar pattern across frequencies, kind of opposite of the small/largecapsule difference you indicated.

I've read recommendations and opinions both ways about using each type of mic for stage, choir and general purpose use, so I'm still in a quandry about which type to get. Given the fact that I've got a limited budget, I've got to decide on one pair or another, not having the luxury to buy both sets. Perhaps later I could get a different set to complement the others.

I'm leaning towards the 3035 due to the smoother response, and the fact that it comes with a shock mount.

Thanks for your opinions and help.

Tom
Geoff_Wood wrote on 3/28/2006, 6:52 PM
If you check the freq/polar plots of an AKG C414 that looks scary too. Best way is to audition if you can.


I made up an X-Y mount for RODE NT1a and NT1000s, which I have used for a small vocal ensemble (in a semi-circle about 1.5m away) that sounded ok.

Dunno about the AT30xx's, but the AT2020 is great value for money. Doesn't sound anywhere near as quiet as the RODEs, but tonally OK.

geoff