New AT 897!  Yay!

S

SC_Erwin

Member
I sent back the Azden I bought in favor of a much nicer AT 897 (thanks for the advice folks!). If anyone wants any testing done to check it out, I've got time on my hands (the wife is out of town). Just let me know the specifics of what you'd like done for the test and I'll see what I can do...

"Ask not what your DVX message board can do for YOU.... Ask what YOU can do for your DVX message board!!!"

BTW- I just built one of the 2 handled DIY zoom controllers (super easy even though I've never soldered before) and was wondering if someone (who knows a bit about electronics) could tell me how to reverse the wiring to make the 2 knobs operate in the oposite of their current directions (zoom-in changed to zoom-out and vice-versa). The current wiring forces me to mount it to the left of the tripod handle and I think it would ne easier on the right, but this would require a different wiring setup I do believe...
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Should be easy to reverse the direction. The pots have 3 prongs, just swap the wires on the outer 2 prongs keeping the center the same and that should do it.

I'm interested in the 897, can't think of a test really but would like a review, even if it's real short ;)
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

I'll work on the review, but I'm certainly no afficianado.  All I can say for now is that it sounds leaps and bounds better than the Azden was.  That's why I asked if anyone wants any tests done...  I don't want to spout off with subjective opinions when I'm so very new to all of this.  I'd rather provide empirical evidence...

As for the wires & such...

So you're saying that if the outer wire is currently on this prong (forgive my illustration):

I   I   I
X

Then I should move it to this prong (and vice versa on the other potentiometer):

I   I   I
     X

And leave the rest alone?  Forgive my ignorance...  I'm surprised it works at all since I built it (I have NO background in building electronics.  This is the first time I've touched a soldering iron!).

Thanks for your help!
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Yep, that should do it.

For example, if it's a 10K pot, then when the lever is all the way to the left, there is 0K resistance between the 1st and 2nd prongs, and 10K resistance between the 2nd and 3rd. When the lever is turned all the way the other way, there is 10K reistance between the 1st and 2nd, and 0K between the 2nd and 3rd. Basically, the resistance between the 1st and 2nd + the resistance between the 2nd and 3rd will be 10K. So to "invert" the resistance, just use the other outer prong. And since resistance drives the direction and speed of the zoom, this should be all that's required.
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

SirAllen.... Thanks for the wiring help, it worked like a charm! My new box is now complete, and I must say, for $30 bucks plus a soldering iron, I'm pretty impressed!

Really, thanks again!
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Just checking to see how this Mic compares to the ME66.....didnt get any replies...
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Steve, just curious who the dealer was?
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Sorry for the delay, I didn't see the responses to my original post until today. I can't compare the 897 to Me66 since I haven't used the Me66, but I love the 897 so far. It's a great size for the DVX and the sound quality / price ratio is excellent.
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

I must admit, as a dealer for both Sennheiser and Audio Technica, I have been very happy with the high quality present in both. The ME66 is a little crisper, the 897 a little warmer. I lean towards crisper, and I own two ME66's that I use in a stereo configuration. The ME66 doesn't come with the case, clip and foam that the 897 comes with, and the 897 is obviously $100 cheaper. However.... I don't like foam that spells out the manufacturer's name right on it. I use a rycote softie anyhow, or nothing at all. And, I have all three of my mics sitting in the same case as the Camera, so the free case is a moot point and would sit in the closet. The 897 comes with a non-isolated plastic clip, so I would have to buy the elastic suspension anyhow. All in all, it really comes down to performance rather than features. They are both great perfomers. I would get down to an audio store and try and test both yourself, see which one you like better. That is the most important thing.
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

finally! thanks rush for the comparison that i (and i think a few others) have been waiting for!
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Anytime! I am doing one more test with another customer tomorrow, so I will post more info if anything new comes up. ;)
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Ken Plotin and I tested the mics side by side and hooked up to his 100A. I will preface by saying that we are NOT professional audio engineers, and the opinions expressed here are purely those of two experienced shooters. We used no devices to measure the output of quality of the mics, only our ears and the level indicator on the DVX100A.

We used Sennheiser HD-280Pro headphones, chosen by our customers for best overall dynamic range for the price of $80. Subject was at 6 feet from the mics. Mics were hard-wired with the exact same length cable to the camera. We tried each mic into both ears through input-2, and then one mic into each input, listening to each one separately. We recorded both and played them back.

Here are our results:

1- Gain: 40-50% higher output with the ME-66. We had to turn up the gain on the DVX twice as far to get the same audio level with the 897.

2- Range: 897 has softer, warmer human voice, in a closed environment. More neutral mid and upper-high range. Good for interviews in quiet places. ME66 has accentuated upper-mid and high range quality, making it sound crisper and more defined. Good for all-around shooting, run and gun, events, and interviews.

3- Distance: Since we had to turn up the 897 twice as loud to get the same level as the ME66, we figure the ME66 will get better audio at greater distance from the subject, because camera gain is not being used as much.

4- Power Module: ME66 has a removable power module K6 which allows the use of longer/shorter shotgun mic elements. 897 is fixed.

5- Accessories: 897 comes with a case, foam, and clip for mounting on a mic stand. ME66 does not.

6- Roll off switch: Both have this feature.

7- On/Off switch: Only the ME66 has this feature.

8- Length: 897 is 1" shorter.

9- Price: 897 is $95 cheaper.

Overall: Both mics proved to be excellent performers with different features. Hope this helps everyone make their decisions!
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

thanks for the review! is been lookings fur som infer like dis. :)
gotta get a nutta mic.
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Too bad there isn’t a store in Hong Kong that carried both of this mic :-[, or I will do what Rush said -- test them side by side.

Since I always like a more crisper sound, and I need a all-around mic, I think I will go with the ME66. Again thanks for the review Rush. :D
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

i can't believe how great rush was to do this side-by-side! soooo valuable and much appreciated rush!

thanks to your friend/co-worker/the other guy for his efforts as well.
 
Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Re: New AT 897!  Yay!

Anytime, Wong and Raj.  It was my pleasure. The other guy is a pro-shooter who's been at this business longer than I've been alive.  He a REAL pro.  ;D He also posted some info about the Flourescent work lights.
 
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