Electro Voice 635N/D-B vs Audio Technica AT8004 for ENG style interviews

D

DanDU

Member
Hi,

I am trying to decide between two microphones, the Electro Voice 635N/D-B and the Audio Technica AT8004. (I know that both are available in longer versions). I plan to use the microphone for "man on the street" style interviews using a Tascam DR-40 and a Fethead. I found both microphones used for about $80.

I'm just wondering which I should get. I am guessing that the sensitivity for both are similar. The most helpful comparison of the two microphones is this review of the EV 635A (the older, less sensitive version of the 635n/D-B) and the AT8004 found here.. After reading that article I have reached the following, possibly incorrect conclusions:

* both are sturdy

* I am assuming that the AT8004 and the 635N/D-B sensitivity ratings are both similar.

* the Electro Voice frequency response curve is flatter than the AT which according to TY Ford, "The frequency response of the 635A was a little flatter. The AT mics had a 3 to 4 dB dip at 2 kHz, followed by a 4 dB peak at 3 kHz that went beyond 6 kHz before dropping back down. At 15 kHz both microphones roll off steeply. Both AT mics show a gradual rolloff of the low end, starting at about 500 Hz and down by 5 dB at 70 Hz and 10 dB by 40 Hz. As a result, the AT8004 and AT8004L sound slightly eq'ed relative to the flatter 635A. On a busy street, convention floor or hurricane watch, the AT mics might allow a voice to cut through a bit more, depending on voice and noise types."

* the Electro voice 635N/D-B and the AT8004 are essentially the same length (the AT8004L is about 4" longer but otherwise the same)

* I am leaning toward a standard length microphone because I will probably mount the Fethead at the bottom of the microphone. I don't want to mount the Fethead directly to the DR-40 since it might make it too long. Maybe I could mount the Fethead between the mic and the recorder using by using two xlr cables, then I could use the longer AT8004L. (a longer 635N/D-B isn't listed on the EV website)

So what are your thoughts?
 
I should also mention that I plan to use the DR-40 since I already own it, it is compact and it can record a second "safety track" which really appeals to me. I've heard that Tascam limiters are pretty good. The only drawback to the DR-40 seems to be the weak preamps but I think the Fethead should take care of that. I wonder what the battery life would be like using the phantom power required for the Fethead.
 
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For what it's worth, not many use the 635 anymore. IF I were buying an EV, it'd be the RE-50, which I actually have several of, but I retired those about a decade ago. I exclusively use the Sennheiser MD-46. It's a cardioid pattern and very good in noisy/uncontrolled environments. They also make an Omni version, the MD-42, if extraneous noise is less of a problem and/or you have a less experienced person holding the mic.
 
Keep in mind that 'Limiters' are just like seatbelts in cars, If you need them daily or often then you are pushing things to hard....
Limiters also reduce the dynamic range of your audio recordings.
 
Another long handle omni mic to keep an eye out for is the Beyer M58.

I agree that the 635 is a little dated and not generally used now but the AT is a good budget mic.
 
DanDU said:
I am trying to decide between two microphones, the Electro Voice 635N/D-B and the Audio Technica AT8004. (I know that both are available in longer versions). I plan to use the microphone for "man on the street" style interviews...
Click to expand...

I'll have to vote for neither. I'd look for a used EV RE50N/D-B, or a used Sennheiser MD 42. Both are better then the mics you propose, and I've seen them both on the used markets for around $100 USD.

I've used my RE50N/D-B in all kinds of nasty noisy environments, from NYC streets to trade show floors. Works like a champ, sounds great doing it. My local newsies even use the things outside in hurricanes (it's that season again) without wind protection, and hardly any wind noise heard (but you can hear the blasting sand and rain a bit). It's the standard mic of local news outlets all over North America for a reason. Just like the MD 42 is the standard mic of local news outlets all over Europe for a reason.
 
The EV 635 series was originally designed for indoor use on a stand and appropriately named a 'sportscaster' mic. The RE50 is a 'reporters' mic and designed for handheld usage in all kinds of climatic environments. That does not mean a 635 would not work. I've seen lots of pre-owned RE50s for less than $100. Like the venerable SM58 vocal mic, they are pretty much indestructible.
I'm not familiar with the 8040. The AT 80 series mics in general were low cost compared to the premium 40 series.
 
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Another vote for the Sennheiser MD46. Assuming the reporter has at least a little ability to aim the mic properly, I prefer the background noise control I can achieve with a moderately directional microphone like the cardioid '46. The sound is good, and from my experience, it appears just as sturdy as the EV635/RE50 series. In an emergency, it can serve as a bludgeon or hammer. :)

- Greg
 
IronFilm said:
For simple ease of use I might suggest the Tascam DR10X over the Tascam DR-40 and a Fethead combo, the DR10X has a headphone jack too.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1086779-REG/tascam_dr_10x_dr_10cx_plug_on_micro_linear.html
Click to expand...

Although I like the Tascam DR series and own both of the different USA models, there are a couple of distinct disadvantages:

The audio controls are limited to 3-5 settings depending on the model which really limits the gain adjustment. Further, gain adjustment must be done at the mic due to the plug-on configuration so figure a PITA factor for this.

Although the plug-on model has a headphone out plug, getting the audio back to the production crew is pretty sketchy using a 1/8" male plug.

Although the OP doesn't list the use of any phantom powered mics, the compact DR models have no option for phantom power if needed. In my own case, I have a self powered AT897 shotgun for use with the DR10 when needed. Makes a great alternative for Runnin and gunnin outdoors, but would never ever be my first choice.

Grant
 
I'm not suggesting it as a great option, that is "better: than anything else, of course not! Just that it likely makes more sense than the DR40 combo he was suggesting.
 
As long as we're discussing disadvantages, the DR-40 and many of that series have anemic headphone amps as well. The DR-40 specs state 20mW max. Most pro recorders and mixers HP amps are at least 100mW. The DR-10 does not state the HP output numbers, but I suspect it to be about the same as the DR-40, so a high sensitivity set of HPs would be wanted. The Sony V6/7506 are relatively efficient and should be usable in all but high extraneous noise environments
I concur with David, the DR-10x would be a bit easier to handle than the multi-piece combo, but if I already had a DR40, I'd use that for a while.
 
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