To use a mixer or not?

Neal Buconjic

Neal Buconjic

Well-known member
There is no equipment rental house in town, so I've been forced to make due with limited tools.

I've been working on a few short film projects with an audio package that was graciously loaned to us. Unfortunately, the equipment is less than optimal. The mic is an Audio-Technica AT835B and mixer is the ancient Shure FP31. As you can expect, I haven't been thrilled with the sound.

Based on the overwhelming support from this forum, I purchased the Oktava mic (SoundRoom), KSSMS, BBG and jammer (TrewAudio). I've done some testing to evaluate these two mics and do indeed prefer the warmth of the Oktava.

The FP31 can only supply 11-18vDC of phantom power, compared to the standard 48v. The Oktava requires phantom power, whereas the AT835 runs off a AA battery.
Seeing as the mixer can't supply power to my Oktava (I had to plug directly into the camera to try it), should I forsake the use of the dinosaur FP31 in order to utilize the Oktava; or should I continue to use the 835/mixer combo?

Which is the lesser of two evils? Better mic with no antiquated mixer or sub-par mic with antiquated mixer?

Incidentally, for these projects, we are just using one source (mic) at a time.

Thanks in advance for your opinions/feedback.

PS. It would solve everything if I scraped up some funds for a 302... <sigh>
 
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I guess it depends on what you're shooting. I do a lot of music videos, and like being able to mix the instruments down a bit, so I get better vocals. As far as the mic, even a bad mic can sound good- if used properly. It's taken me a while to learn that.
 
If you can scrape up about $135 new/$80-$90 used, you can get yourself a phantom power supply and have the best of both worlds while you save for the 302.
 
We've been doing short film projects that vary from comedy to sci-fi/horror. Typically, there have been 1-3 characters exchanging dialogue.

I've heard so many negative comments regarding the FP31, that I have been tempted to by-pass it totally. I just don't know if that would be foolish or not? Obviously, if I had a newer, well regarded mixer, it would be a no-brainer.

Any recommendations for an external phantom power supply (that'll run on batteries)? I'm more than willing to pay for a dependable, quality unit.

Thanks.
 
stay away from the 31 , extrimly noisy mixer, you better power octava dyrectly from your camera or llok for sd mm-1 preamp for better solution
 
I've got a 12 channel Behringer mixer w/ phantom power and 4 xlr mic inputs, etc. It was 120 bucks. I have been very happy with it. I haven't used it for any film stuff, only radio production, and radio theatre, but have been very happy with it none-the-less. Something you might want to check out anyways

Jason
 
I solved my dilemma by pulling out my credit card and calling Trew Audio.

The shiny new SD 302 will arrive Thursday.
 
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