at897 vs. 4073a best all around?

evolvnyc

evolvnyc

Well-known member
I know, I know another shotgus post... Given we all understand a shotgun's limitations on camera and indoors (bounce etc...) sometimes, as we all know, you just gotta get the footage and worrying about lavving up isn't possible, so, that said, when it is necessary to 'run and gun' and capture someone inside speaking, and also outside speaking, is there a noticable advantage to either of these? What is the difference in actual quality that comes from the true condensor and would you say it's worth the difference in price? Any other considerations? Please stick to comparing these 2 mics, there are more than enough posts about how we shoujdl all use the Senneheisers...
 
Every time I've seen these two mics discussed, the opinion is that the 4073 kicks the 897 in the ass, and it's worth the price difference. I haven't used the 4073, but I have the 897 and it works great.

Search the audio forum, this very topic has been discussed pretty recently.
 
This has been discussed, but here are some quick notes between the two:

1. 4073a is a more expensive mic
2. 4073a will give you a clearer more natural sounding sound
3. 4073a has a higher output (897 runs a bit cold)
4. 897 will work inside, 4073a is a 'truer' shotgun and should not be used in these situations
5. If money is holding you back and you can swing the extra funds, get the 4073a (my buddy just got his two days ago and after playing around with it for 48 hours it is a great sounding shotgun that acts like it is much more expensive than it costs).

Honestly, if you are dealing with true run & gun situations where you have no control over the situation at all and cannot set up, get the best mic you can. I would suggest the 4073a, or the... wait, you didn't want any other suggestions.
 
So it seems you are saying the 4073a is the way to go, unless inside, in which case the 897 will end up sounding better?
 
Frizzle Fry said:
Every time I've seen these two mics discussed, the opinion is that the 4073 kicks the 897 in the ass,
Click to expand...


And in the balls.

The 4073 is a much better mic. Outdoors, indoors, go with the 4073, unless your budget won't allow for it, then the 897 is a good choice....actually no...I like the Rode NTG-2 a little better than the 897.


-Dave
 
Inside you are not going to ever get optimal results with a shotgun, that is not what they are designed for. For interiors you are going to want to use a hyper cardiod pattern mic (look at everything I have learned from reading these threads and experimenting). The 4073a will always sound better than the 897. It is a better mic. If your budget will allow it, then get the 4073a. If you are looking for the lord of the rings mic (you know: one mic to rule them all) then you have to go modular because any of the pros will tell you, there is no one mic that will work 100% of the time in any given situation. Even if you were to look at the most expensive mics available, no one mic will work in every situation.

The 4073a is a mic that should go for $800. The 897 is still a great value, and I think it is better sounding than the ME-66 (you could take this as the ME66 is overpriced or the 897 is underpriced). At the end of the day if money is a conern go for the 897. If money is not a concern you are going to want to look at the 4073a, it is a great value and a great overall mic.

Then again, by limiting yourself to just these two mics.

If you are really dealing with true run n gun then the 4073a is your best solution, but I think a lot of people toss around the term run n gun when they are really not in run n gun.

I know I will catch a beating for this comment from Matt but I think the best run n gun is the ME66, hot output and very stable. Just my opinion.
 
yankee: i am curious why, in your first post, if i understand you correctly, you seemed to imply that the 897 might be more acceptable inside? obviously the 4073 is a better sounding mic, but i'm curious about the specifics of what you said...
 
The 897 is a lower grade model. From very limited experience with it, it will serve indoors. The 4073a will normally respond better in any situation, but because the output on the 897 is not as hot as the 4073a (I'm sick of typing these #'s) the poor audio will not be as amplified.

I have heard the $60 AT55 deliver better audio inside than the ME66. The ME66 is a far superior mic, as the AT55 is the cheapest mic you can buy, BUT the problems are not as amplified on the AT55, but its output is so low it just doesn't make a difference.

Hope this makes sense.
 
I think the 897 is more idiot proof, especially indoors. The 4073 is designed to be a "real" short shotgun mic. Like all of these mics, results depend a great deal on proper use. The 897 was designed to be a compromise mic, used by folks in exactly the situations you describe. I would test both and make a decision, but I think you might be happier with the 897. Now, if you want to boom a mic properly and want the best results, yes the 4073, without question.
 
Good points matt...

Remember you will need a softie and shockmount for either mic, so you're looking at about an additional $250-$350 (or more if you get visa happy).
 
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