AT 4053b vs MKH 8050?

[mustangranch99]

I'll be recording indoor dialogue this weekend and I wanted to get your thoughts.

Which would provide the best quality and sound? Is the 8050 worth the higher price point?

Thank you for reading.

 

[Rick R]

Clue: The Sennheiser 8050 is smaller, lighter and costs about $500.00 more.
Assuming the usual accessories are available.
The 4053 is decent sounding though.

 

[Bruce Watson]

I'll be recording indoor dialogue this weekend and I have these two choices.

Which would provide the best quality and sound?

Depends to a large degree on the rest of the electronics chain, and the skill of your boom op. The AT4053b is a surprisingly good mic. The MHK 8050 might be 5% "better", but it's nearly twice as expensive. Will you hear that extra 5%? Only if you have a field mixer with really good pre-amps and a good recorder, someone who really knows how to use them, and then only if you are listening for the differences. And to hear them, you'll have to have an excellent boom op since the pattern on the MHK 8050 is not as forgiving.

 

[mustangranch99]

Clue: The Sennheiser 8050 is smaller, lighter and costs about $500.00 more.
Assuming the usual accessories are available.
The 4053 is decent sounding though.

I don't understand... are you saying the 8050 is better?

Depends to a large degree on the rest of the electronics chain, and the skill of your boom op. The AT4053b is a surprisingly good mic. The MHK 8050 might be 5% "better", but it's nearly twice as expensive. Will you hear that extra 5%? Only if you have a field mixer with really good pre-amps and a good recorder, someone who really knows how to use them, and then only if you are listening for the differences. And to hear them, you'll have to have an excellent boom op since the pattern on the MHK 8050 is not as forgiving.

Interesting, thanks a lot! That was a fantastic answer sir, very informative!

 

[Rick R]

"I don't understand... are you saying the 8050 is better?"
I didn't notice your "worth the higher price point?"
In that case, I'll concur with Bruce. (#3)

 

[mustangranch99]

Bump

 

[ggrantly]

Ok, if you want another comment, here goes.

I can't give you any advice on the 8050, but I can tell you that the 4053b is a very nice sounding mic, and IMHO delivers good value. I had been using Oktavas, which is considered a very decent entry level hyper. The 4053b is a large improvement over the Oktava especially on the low end response. Not sure about replacing caps on the 8050, but the caps seem to be very expensive, nearly the price of the mic. AT sells omni caps at a decent price for the 4000 series, so it is within reason to do this.

Another thought would be the Neumann KM series. No experience with them, but they have a great reputation.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/210677-REG/Neumann_KM_185_MT_KM_185_MT_Microphone.html

Grant