I know this is an old thread...but I was curious how a really contemporary pre-amp device like a cloud lifter CL1 would work with the AT 897. At -40 db sensitivity I know it got dinged a bit, but the CL1 can add 20-25 dB of very clean gain. I have no experience with the 416 or 4073a, but I am curious re the improvement the 897 might experience with really clean gain for ENG applications.