Old School Gear

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digit1010

New member
I've got a question on some old school (discontinued) gear I just acquired. I picked up a Sound Devices 442 and an AT4053a. The 442 was almost mint, but no idea about the mic. I have no problems when I plug the 4053 directly into my Zoom recorders, but when I plug it into and turn on the phantom power on the 442, I get a big pop then a bunch of hissing and crackling. This goes on for a minute or so, then there is another pop and then I get a nice clean signal from the mic. Could this be an issue with the mic's capacitor or other internal parts, or is it something with the mixer? I've tested out the mic on all the inputs with the same results. And I've had no such problems with my other phantom powered mics (NTG-4+, SGM-1X, NT-5, Samson CO2, AKG P220, etc.) They power up cleanly with no popping or static. I am hoping I can get them to play nice so I don't have to drop more cash on a 4053b.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
 
OK how about this for an idea..... I think you have the phantom power on the 442 is switched to 12v rather than 48v, and the AT4053a is a 48v mic only hence the start up time where as the other mics are a 12-52v and could operate at any v in that range.

To change the phantom v from 12v to 48v download the SD442 manual its on Page 6 item #5

Please get back to us and see if that solves your problem...... The SD442 is a great mixer (and wouldn't part with mine)
 
I concur with Oz. Unlike some of the other AT 40 series mics, which work fine with as little as 9 volts of Phantom Pwr, the 4053 requires 48v. Otherwise, the output will be very low and distorted. I inadvertently switched a 302's PP to 12v fiddling with input cables in a bag set up. It took me a few minutes (of panic) to figure it out..
 
Since I own a 442 I'll save the OP some time going through the manual: There is a physical switch on the left side of the mixer that switches between 12V and 48V.
 
I checked the voltage and it was set to 48v. I moved it around again to different inputs just to see and it was intermitent. Sometimes it would power up with no static. Other times it would give me nothing but static. I am thinking it is more to do with the mic than the mixer.
 
After many more tests, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that the AT4053a was a poor purchase. I’ll just have to save up for the b version. Thanks for the help.
 
I have never used the AT4053a but can the capsule be unscrewed ? If it can remove it and clean the thread and Centre pin or the area between the capsule and preamp with isopropyl or some other electronic cleaner.
I have used mics from other makers that had similar problems, moisture at that join was the problem.
 
I've tested it on different recorders. It doesn't have the issues with static at first, but a couple of minutes into using it, I get some static that eventually goes away. I will try cleaning the capsule center pin and see if that helps the issue. Thanks.
 
If cleaning the capsule/body contacts does not fix it. Inspect the XLR connector as well. (one counter sunk screw, easy to pull out a few inches to inspect the solder joints). Otherwise contact Audio Technica USA for service. Less expensive then a new replacement (about $600 usd), FWIW, the main difference between the 4053a and 4053 b is RoHS compliant. Otherwise very little aside from a dB here and there in sensitivity and response.
 
I will check out the solders and let you know. I figured there was little difference between the two, that's why I picked up the A. Thanks.
 
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