Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 10/2/2005, 8:57 PM
The 4053 is simply awesome. In it's price class, and even compared to mics selling for 3-4 times the price, it's wonderful. FWIW, this is probably my most fave overall mic. I use it on my Z1 and on the A1. If you saw the review of the A1 in Studio Monthly, you'll note I put a 4053 on that cam too.
Excellent rear rejection, excellent output. Always turn the AGC off!
AGC should never be used except in extreme circumstances.
Laurence wrote on 10/2/2005, 9:03 PM
I kind of like the AGC. In the event documentation mode I typically work in, I never really know how loud something is going to be, and by the time I set the level, the moment is usually gone. Also, on the A1 you have to go through touch screen menus to get to the level control. I have it preset to come up right away when I hit the touch screen, but even so...

Anyway, if I did (as bad an idea as it may be) use the AGC with this mic, will the level be in the ballpark?

Also, I've been using the Rode Videomic for recording dialog with my VX2000, and have really been impressed with how good the sound is on a typical talking head situation. How will the AT4053 do in that context?
Spot|DSE wrote on 10/2/2005, 9:23 PM
No hyper cardiod condenser (that I'm aware of) isn't going to slam the AGC.
Honestly, if you like the sound/convenience of the AGC, you'd gain nothing and likely be taking a step backwards working with a higher grade mic. Stick with what you have, if AGC is part of the workflow.
Laurence wrote on 10/2/2005, 9:36 PM
My VX2000 had an easy to get to level control. How do you deal with setting levels on an A1?

If I use a pad to match the 4053 level to the AGC, will phantom power still work?
Laurence wrote on 10/2/2005, 9:47 PM
Well I like the convenience, but I really don't like the sound of the stock mic/AGC setup. I don't think I'm alone in this either. Alan Barker says he uses the Sennheiser ME64 with AGC at the following link:

http://www.alanbarker.com/

Go down to where it says "K6/ME64?"
Spot|DSE wrote on 10/2/2005, 9:55 PM
You could use a pad, yes. As far as the ME64, it's not a mic I'd use, but apparently Alan Barker is happy with it. I'm not a fan of the ME 64 or 66. But I don't/won't use AGC, either.
After reading his comments on the audio and praising this mic that most folks that have choices don't care for much...not sure what to think.
Spend a little time on the audio newsgroups, or head over to the Now Hear This forum at DVInfo.net, ask about the 64/66 there. You'll get a boatload of suggested alternatives.

[edit] just read Barkers page again, he's not using AGC. He's in manual mode on the PD 170.
Laurence wrote on 10/2/2005, 10:05 PM
I mispointed as to where to go to see the Alan Barker praise of AGC. Click on "Audio" rather than "why the K6/ME64"? He talks about AGC in the second paragraph.

I've grown to hate the sound of my ME66 and I can't imagine the ME64 being much better. That's why I'm looking at the AT4053 instead.
Laurence wrote on 10/2/2005, 10:14 PM
Looking back on the Alan Barker site, he mentions an interesting idea: feeding the camera mic (when that's all you're using) into both channels 1 and 2, turning on AGC on channel 1, and setting the channel 2 level manually. That sounds like a good way to go.

So maybe an AT4053 with about a 10db pad built into the short XLR cable might work out well for me
Laurence wrote on 10/2/2005, 10:29 PM
OK I found an article on how to make the attenuating cable:

http://www.dplay.com/book/pgs2e/pads.pdf