OT: consumer/prosumer mic

nolonemo wrote on 3/29/2007, 9:26 AM

I'm looking for a mic to be mainly used to record (1) classical chamber music groups and (2) rock bands in club venues.

I'm looking at the Sony ECM-MS957, which at $200 at B&H is right around what I can spend.

Is there something better at that price point? (1/8" stereo minijack is the input I'll be using, either to the camera or to minidisc).

Thanks.

Comments

craftech wrote on 3/29/2007, 9:36 AM

The Audio Technica AT822 if you can spring for the extra $50. Otherwise the Sony is fine.

John

Coursedesign wrote on 3/29/2007, 9:55 AM

The AT822 sounds absolutely amazing for its price, I've had one in my kit for nine years for use with a small DAT recorder or for feeding into a camera directly.

Very highly recommended, and it is in a very different league from that Sony microphone.

John_Cline wrote on 3/29/2007, 10:49 AM

Yes, spend the extra $50 and get the AT822. I've used it for situations that range from a piano recital to an on-camera mic during NASCAR races. It has always sounded great.

John

riredale wrote on 3/29/2007, 1:12 PM

Let's make it unanimous. I've had an AT-822 for about 3 years now, and it sounds great. It has a stereo head with the two capsules splayed out 120 degrees, so in my experience it will help to get it fairly close to the action.

I've concluded that the use of stereo miniplug is not a sonic liability at all, though you must make sure to use SHIELDED stereo cable. I've run 4 20' lengths (purchased from a store I otherwise give a wide berth to, Radio Shack) from the 822 to the recording device without any external noise or attenuation issues. But note that a stereo miniplug is a much more delicate connection than XLR.

Incidentally, I had first purchased the Sony mic you mention, but was less than overwhelmed by it and returned it for full credit. You can buy the AT-822 for around $200 more or less on eBay.

nolonemo wrote on 3/29/2007, 1:21 PM

Thank you all, it seems like its gonna be the At-822

John_Cline wrote on 3/29/2007, 2:14 PM

I'll add one more thing: On those occasions where I needed mono audio, mixing the stereo channels from the AT822 to mono in Vegas produced excellent results. Also, if your stereo recordings are played back on a mono TV, no problems. The output of the AT822 is 100% mono compatible.

John

craftech wrote on 3/29/2007, 2:47 PM

If you decide that you want to use the AT822 with a mixer let me know and I will give you plans for constructing a special cable that will split the left and right channels from the mike to separate left and right XLR plugs to insert into two mono channels on the mixer.

John