One Mic To Rule Them All

MattinSTL said:
So far I've had ..... lot's of different shock mounts. <snip>
Hey Matt, have you ever tried the 4073 in the K-Tek SM shock mounts, since the spacing on the SSM is too close for that particular mic? If so, would the 4073 work well in the ultra-soft bands, or stay with the regular bands?

Txs
 
I used the 4073a in the K-SSM with soft bands... it worked fine. I even used the 416 in that same mount... and that mic weighs a lot more... although I do need to tell you that the 416 with softie did sag in that mount. So the 4073a with softie may sag just a bit, but it shouldn't be a concern.

I'm not saying the K-SM isn't a better match for that mic... I'm just telling you what I did when I had the 4073a. For the record I also have two different Softie mounts and I still preferred the K-SSM for the 4073a over the Rycote job I had specifically for that mic.

If you're planning to get another mic later, like the Oktava or something else in a similar size, there's no point in getting different shockmounts, but if you plan to stick with larger mics then you may as well get the longer mount from the start.

With any of my support gear if something can "cross over" to another product then I use it... as I stated in another thread Rycote still doesn't think their BBG is any good for the Oktava... and yet it's perfect... so if somebody tells you that the K-SSM won't hold the 4073a, but it DOES hold it fine (with some very minor stretching of the bands) then why not use it?

Buy what you're supposed to when you can, but don't collect gear just because somebody wants to sell you something specific for everything in your bag.
 
I have a question about the AKG bluelines because of Yankee's and MattinSTL's kind words for the Blue Line. I have a few questions for supporting it with accessories. So the Sabra-Som shockmount they sell at Soundroom should work fine with it? What is the difference between the regular and speed lock version? Will it work with a K-tek avalon boom pole? Also will this shoe adaptor:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ls&Q=&sku=68160&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

work with it?

Also in addition to wind protection, I was thinking of getting a rycote softie:

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=033032

for the shotgun. Would this particular size fit it? Also as far as the hyper, I need your opinion, do you think wind protection for it is neccessary if I'm planning on using it only for interiors or would you still get wind protection just in case? If the answer is yes, could I use the rycote softie for the shotgun mic for it or do I need a BBG (and maybe windjammer too?).
 
Yeah that adapter is the one which will let you use the Sabra-Som for on-cam mounting. The Sabra-Som needs a different adapter inside of it for a boom pole... it comes threaded with the studio mount 5/8" (like the outter threaded surface of that adapter)... and boom poles use 3/8" (like the inner threaded surface of that adapter) I'm going to send them an email or call today and ask what they offer to get this mount on a boom.

Rycote says you want a 24cm Medium Hole Softie for the SE300b/ck98... and B&H says you can use either a medium hole or small hole? I have mixed feelings on which way you should go, because when I had the 4073a I got the Softie mount that Rycote said I needed... and it would let the 4073a just drop right out if you pointed it down!
 
.02...
I own both the Oktava and the AKG blue line system.
The handling noise of the Oktava is significant. I never use it on a pole anymore, only on sitdown interviews where it's fixed and not handled.
The AKG modular gives me great flexability. When doing run-n-gun its a snap, literally, to switch from shotgun to hyper.
 
Xort makes the point I was trying to, but did not make.
The Oktava is a great hyper mic, the problem being its sensitivity to movement and wind (even inside).
To eliminate these problems the AKG is perfect.
The Oktava is still a great mic though.
I choose to see it as the evolution of the Oktava, but it does carry a larger price tag.
 
MattinSTL said:
...when I had the 4073a I got the Softie mount that Rycote said I needed... and it would let the 4073a just drop right out if you pointed it down!

Big Whoops on that one! And which mount would that be, to avoid the same purchase?
 
It's the 21/22mm Softie boot... that's the one Rycote says you need for the 4073a and it's too big. Better to force the mic through the next size down and have it held snug. That's why I make the comments about using what works and don't always trust the "experts"... use your ears and common sense.

When I say don't trust the experts I don't mean the professionals on this board... I mean like when Rycote says the BBG isn't any good for the Oktava... they have their head up their arse. Or when Windtech says the dead-air space "extreme conditions" windscreen is even remotely on par with a "real" windprotection system... don't believe it. There's a few other points like that which elude me right now... but you get the gist.
 
MattinSTL said:
It's the 21/22mm Softie boot... that's the one Rycote says you need for the 4073a and it's too big.

Rycote says on their website to go with the 12cm, Medium Hole for the 4073a. That is confirmed by both Dave and Rush.

I agree with listening to those around you. There is a great wealth of information here--you just need to ask for it!
 
That's fine for the actual SOFTIE, but I'm talking about the SOFTIE BOOT, not any part of the furry softie windscreen (if you go with the pistol grip and softie shockmount)... the 21/22mm softie boot (that holds onto the mic... NOT the furry) WILL dump your 4073a out unless it's plugged in... and then the only thing holding it in is the XLR.

I was trying to make a point about incorrect info from Rycote... I don't even like the Rycote softie MOUNTS... but I have two of them and they were wrong on sizing of that AND they were wrong on the BBG with an Oktava... that was my point.

I think it's confusing that the softie mount and softie are two different things. Sorry I wasn't more clear.
 
Well that's not very good. I'll bet Rycote has an answer for that, too, huh?

I like the terminology that K-Tek uses on their HG handle. "No more awkward pistol grips on the end of your pole."
 
I'm sorry I feel like I'm caught in a spin that's making me sound like an arrogant jerk... it's not like I think Rycote doesn't know what they're talking about... it's just on THESE TWO instances they don't.

Generally speaking I like Rycote gear... I've probably bought about a grand or more in their stuff. Rycote is a good company. Also I still use my pistol grip pretty often when I'm shooting with my long gun... but I use the K-Tek on the end of my boom. If I want to use the long gun on boom I wouldn't have a problem with the pistol grip anyway... and just to be an equal-opportunity basher... K-Tek makes a little handle thingy to extend the boom another 6" and to integrate a soft-cloth XLR at the mic connection... and I think it's hypocritical for K-Tek to take a jab at Rycote for the "awkward pistol grip" when their hand-grip is about the same size and weight.
 
hey yankee- where did you order your akg mic from? I think I am going to sell my oktava (never used it... d'oh!) and go with the blueline. I need a reliable merchant though.

thanks!

Jerry
 
I got mine through a 'friend of a friend' for an ungodly low price. I'll buy your Oktava though, PM me.

I recommend rvacanada.com or bhphoto.com
 
I am researching audio for the DVX100B and all of these great posts. About 6 months ago, in this thread, TheYankee mentioned that the CK93 was better than the Oktava. Is this opinion still true?

And, has anything changed or anything new been introduced that would exceed the quality/value of the AT4073a?

Thanks.
 
I still believe that the AKG sounds better than the Oktava, but not by much. I believe that the Oktava is such a top notch mic and so close to the AKG that I got rid of my AKG and now use the Oktava.

Just my opinion though.

-Jeremy
 
Back
Top