AT897 not hot enough?

timapter

timapter

Veteran
Hi all,

Im looking to buy either the Sennheiser ME66/K6 or the AT897. I dont have vast amounts to spend, but specifically want a mic that can be battery or phantom powered so I can plug it into my Sony UWP-C1 wireless transmitter if I need a wireless plant or boom mic.

Heres the thing: Is the 897 not hot enough for me to use in high ambient surroundings? I heard its sensitivity isnt great, a hell of a lot lower than the ME66 anyway.

Opinions? Is the output voltage a deal breaker for this mic?
 
The 897 was designed to be a good "compromise mic" for use both outdoors and indoors. While we all know what happens when you compromise I think what it achieves is amazing considering it's price point. That isn't to say that the 4073 isn't MUCH better, it is, but for under $300 the 897 is an amazing value (although if you have the doe, the 4073 is a better value - but then you will definitely need another mic). One of the reasons I like a not-so-hot mic for narrative work is because it forces you to use good mic placement, which is so much more important than almost anything else. If you have a mic that is so far away that you're relying on the "reach" of the 66, you're probably better off using a lav. I just don't think the 66 sounds all that good - especially at a distance. Others, to be fair, love the 66 and prefer it's sound, but to my ears it is tinny and this tinnyness because greater with greater distance from the subject. Just my opinion.

Now you mention high ambient surroundings. This is a tough one. How highly ambient? What surroundings? You may be better off with a lav. I will say this, just because the 66 is hotter, doesn't mean your going to get the kind of isolation or rejection that you may need. But tell us more about your application.

Matt
 
When I say high ambient, I mean that I may be using the mic in ext city environments, or basically just uncontrolled environments. Im usually able to boom at 1-3 feet distance from the subject as I do primarily guerilla narrative and documentary stuff, plus some TV magazine work.

I already have the Sony UWP-C1 wireless lav kit (what do you guys think of this kit? I'm looking for a second wireless kit: Sony, AT, or Sennheiser? And a new mic for the Sony?), so wireless is cool.

Plus I usually rent a couple cable lavs for shoots anyway. This covers lapels.

The reason Im not keen on the 4073A (I do have the cash), is because I need a mic that can be battery powered for wireless use as I tend to do this quite a bit.

Thoughts? Appreciate the feedback...
 
One more thing: Fred Ginsburg at Equipment Emporium told me the reach on the AT897 is technically about a foot longer than the ME66.

Am I getting confused between voltage output and capsule sensitivity?
 
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