Audio Technica AT4053b Kit

T

TRiggs

New member
I'm going to be buying a microphone for an upcoming feature soon. The movie is going to be 90% indoors so I've decided the AT4053b is the best way to go. I'm going to rent mics for other purposes but the AT is going to be my main mic.

I already have a recorder and a mixer but I need everything else. I see that B&H has a couple of kits for the mic:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...T4053b_Hypercardiod_Condenser_Microphone.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...T4053b_Hypercardiod_Condenser_Microphone.html

My question is should I get one of these kits or do you think it's better to buy the mic separate and then add on? If I can get better materials for around the same price I'd rather do that but am not too familiar with sound accessories. And are there any major differences between the two kits? Any recommendations on additional items not in the kit that would be beneficial would also be recommended, perhaps a wind shield? I don't know what's all necessary to have for this mic. Budget for mic + accessories is about 1100 dollars. If anyone thinks there is a better microphone I'd also be open to recommendations.

Thanks for the help.
 
That's a good starting place, though I'd take the second over the first simply because the Rycote INV-6 suspension mount is just about unbeatable.

The pole that comes in that kit is good, but isn't terribly long. Depending on the spaces you'll be using, 7'2" can be pretty restricting. You can always collapse a section of a longer boom to fit a smaller space, but you can't reach 9' with a 7' boom. Move up to the KE-110cc and you'll be in a good spot.

The other thing I'd add to that kit would be a Baby Ball Gag. Just because you're inside doesn't mean there isn't need for windscreening. An unfortunately-placed air vent, or one good boom swing, and you'll get wind across the mic.

This should all fit within your budget, and they should be able to customize the kit for you.
 
If the kit has exactly what you want then it's likely a better deal. But is the boom pole the length you want? Are the shock mounts the ones you want? etc.
Boom poles come in many lengths and also options of right angle connectors. Do you want 20 feet of cable or would you prefer 15 or 25 feet?
The basic packages are ok and include items you would need, you just might want to confirm that those particular items are what you want. I'll let others weight in on the specific pros/cons.

The AT4053b comes with a basic foam windshield for indoor use so you're fine. If you plan to take it outside you'd need a softie or something stronger but the mic isn't designed so much for outdoor use.
 
TRiggs said:
My question is should I get one of these kits or do you think it's better to buy the mic separate and then add on? If I can get better materials for around the same price I'd rather do that but am not too familiar with sound accessories. And are there any major differences between the two kits? Any recommendations on additional items not in the kit that would be beneficial would also be recommended, perhaps a wind shield? I don't know what's all necessary to have for this mic. Budget for mic + accessories is about 1100 dollars. If anyone thinks there is a better microphone I'd also be open to recommendations.

Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

When I bought my 4053b, there wasn't such a kit from B&H. Because of your post, I just found out that what I actually bought was everything listed in the kit #1 minus the bag (I don't need such a bag).

I don't know if you "should" buy one of the kits. But I am pretty sure that if you buy all the pieces (or their equivalent of the same or similar quality and/or reputation) in a B&H kit separately from B&H, you'll typically have to pay a lot more, though on same occasions the savings could be trivial or none. You can talk or chat with a B&H salesperson to find out exactly how much a B&H kit can save you; I'm pretty sure they will take time to calculate the price difference(s) for you. BTW, by my experience, B&H does not customize any of their kits listed online. Other vendors may well do it for you tho.

K-Tek 89cc in the kit may not have the max length you might need. But if you want to put your boom pole in regular check-in baggage (such as a suitcase) when you fly, this is one of the only few options available from B&H, and it's about the very best one to me (110cc could be best if it could go just about 1 or 2 inch shorter). If a longer pole is needed, just rent, borrow or make a DIY.

As far as I see, the only major difference other than price between kit #1 and #2 is which brand of shock mount to go. The one in kit 2 is probably newer, but the one in kit 1 is durable and is probably more than good enough.

The only thing most likely needed, other than already included in the kit, is a good wind shield. The basic foam that comes with the mic could be good enough most of the time. But I would use a better one if the mic moves fast during recording, or if there is perceivable wind around the mic, or if the mic is almost too close to the mouth. If you are not using it, your monitor headphones can tell you when you do need a (better) wind shield. If you can't hear wind noise though the mic, then you unlikely need a (better) windshield.
 
B&H Kit (second link, with the Rycote INV-6 suspension): $897.85

Buying piecemeal from B&H:
AT4053b $599
Rycote INV-6 $62
K-Tek KE-89CC $175.50
Pearstone Neoprene boomple bag $39.95
Pearston XLR-M to angled XLR-F, 20' $21.95
TOTAL $898.40, a whopping $0.55 more than the kit.

So, there you go. Honestly, many companies (no matter how reputable) offer these "kits" not as a discounted option but to make shopping for the mic and accessories much more convenient. So it's not a matter of reputable companies doing this with deep discounts, it's more about them making the decision-making more simplified for folks who don't know exactly what they want.

Again, I'd start with the second kit since the Pearstone shockmount cannot hold a candle to the Rycote. Move up to the KE-110CC, and as I said add the Baby Ball Gag for wind protection, and you'll be in a good spot.
 
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1) The prices listed on the B&H website are not always their "internal" or "in-store" prices. Typically, they are the same. But occasionally the online prices are higher - and could be much higher (example: even with tax paid in full, I bought my NTG-3 in store cheaper than I would have paid online without tax/shipping cost). There was also one time I found a much lower price for a kit on its website.

Suggestion: if you decide to buy from B&H and the total price is high enough for some extra effort, pay a visit to its NY store, or at least talk to someone and ask about a possible discount. Sometimes they also offer price match and may offer a significant discount if you buy a kit vs just one or few pieces.

2) If you don't go with the boom pole in the 2 kits, you have a lot of choices. 3 extra things to consider: a) some people (not me) prefer uncabled boom poles, b) some people (including me) prefer side exit of the internal cable, 3) some people (including me) prefer less sections to deal with.

110CC vs 89CC: If you go for 110CC, as suggested above, take a look at 110CCR too (it's 110CC with side exit: click here. Note: its length information on the B&H website is not completely correct. Its minimum length is longer than that of 89CC). Compared to 89CC, 110CC/R's pros: a) max length is about 30% longer. 110CC/R's cons: a) heavier; b) more sections to deal with; c) more expensive. I was once most interested in buying 110CC/R, until I found both slightly longer than any of my check-in baggage could accept, which negated everything positive about them. You may have no such trouble with 110CC/R, though. I like my 89CC, near perfect.
 
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