Stereo Pair - Outdoors - with Video gear.

[Shadow_7]

I have a Korg MR-1000 and Avenson STO-2's. Indoors with proximity and a loud group these are more than sufficient.

I'm looking at getting an HD camcorder, to supplement my audio gear. I'm still undecided until the next generation of camcorders come out in January. I've been fairly lucky in the past month as many of the items I was liquidating sold. So I can finally get my camcorder. And possibly upgrade my mics. I'm gonna want mics that work better at a greater distance. Probably in the ballpark of 25 to 50 yards out from the source. But flexible enough to function well, within 10 yards of the source. I definitely want a stereo pair to record in stereo. And these will be used outdoors at least 50% of the time. In all weather conditions.

The use is for a large brass ensemble with sizable percussion ensemble recorded from a distance outdoors. (most of the time). Groups can range in size, distance to group can vary greatly. And it's anybody's guess on the weather.

I like the flat frequency response of my Avenson STO-2's. They're the only mics I've had so far that sound like me when I'm talking. But not so much for Tuba players. Or for many things at a greater distance from the mics.

I'm contemplating getting a Crown Sass-P MK II. It has it's own windscreens, and better low end response according to specs / reviews. Although limited in the binaural setup, instead of two independent mics. I doubt I'll have the funds, but a pair of 8040's would probably be more to my liking as general purpose mics. I've thought about a pair of sE Titans, but I like the flatter response of SDCs a bit better.

I'm pretty sure I can swing $1,000 towards the mics. What other options might suit me? Affordable windscreens are a must, but not part of that initial investment. High SPLs are must. Good pickup of softer sources from a distance is also needed. I'm not really looking for anything flattering, brutally honest would be best IMO. My efforts would probably be used more for training / educational needs than any sort of commercial interests. For the time being anyway.

[NorseHorse]

I own the Crown SASS mic. While I've never used it outside, I know it was marketed heavily to audio-for-video professionals for on-set / on-location recording in a variety of settings. In fact, the person I bought it from bought it for video work, though I think it ended up being larger than was practical for whatever his type of work was.

I can send you some samples of "SASS on BRASS" if you'd like. Just PM me.

PS HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm online depositing my check from this years' NYE AV work.

[Shadow_7]

Thanks for the samples. The Sass is definitely on my like list.

I've got some money, but not enough for the sass. It's kind of burning a hole in my pocket and I am starting to wonder if I could get by with a stereo pair of NT-5's. Which might also be a little less of a sore thumb mounted to a pocket camcorder type setup. Anyone know how these do outdoors? Are the stock windscreens / foam sufficient? Well suited for brass ensembles / drumlines / general all around use? In combination with a Korg MR-1000.

I like my current Avenson STO-2's but without a certain degree of proximity they can be less than ideal.

[MichaelPatrick]

I'm not a big Rode fan but I like their NT4 coincident stereo mic for use outdoors. I bought one a few years ago and it's a keeper.

It is small and the stereo imaging method (90deg coincident) is reliable and easy to use. It comes with a foam sock and I bought a Rycote furry that goes over the foam when I put it on a boom or in wind.

I think it uses the same capsule and electronics as the NT5. It's a bit bright for music indoors. Outdoors, with the foam and fur on, it works great; the brightness actually helps cut through the windbreaks and gives you a being-there kind of sound.

[Shadow_7]

I'm not a big Rode fan myself. But I like the price. And for what I do, they might be good enough / well suited. I'm still working on the windscreen thing myself. Rycote lavalier screens are just not sufficient for this region. Probably perfectly fine on an actual lavalier with a human body blocking 50% of the exposure zone. But out in the open prairie, not quite good enough. Although better than nothing. And worth the price.

[Corran]

I finally sold my NT-4 after many months of non-use. I did try it outside once and it did not perform well (I was doing some movie shoots). I found an SM-81 to be a better mic in this application. The wind always killed the NT-4 with the standard windscreen (despite its large size). YMMV

[leddy]

I have a SASS, and a pair of Avensons. Both useful mics.

FYI, you can find the SASS on Ebay for around $300-$400 usually. No reason to drop upwards of $1k for a new one.

[Shadow_7]

I like the sass, 9v powered so better battery life (Korg MR-1000 less phantom power). And they improve upon the low end response of my Avensons. I'm basically missing the presence I used to have on a single LDC. The NT-5's seem to come close 0.5" capsules. to my AT4033a 0.8" (or whatever it was). Not that I cared for the frequency response of that AT at that time. But hearing the kids DVD player on the far side of the room and every conversation in detail was kind of nice. Relative to the loud brass ensemble that the levels were set to.

Basically I'm finding proximity becoming more of an issue these days. And the Avensons while good mics are not that great without proximity.

[Thomas W. Bethe]

NT-4 with a good windscreen is a keeper for ourdoor video work. You need one of these NT-4 : TheWindCutter.com, Professional Microphone Windscreens or one of these Rode Blimp | Sweetwater.com and there is a topic on this subject at Stereo mic/s suggestions for recording quiet outdoor atmospheres

[Shadow_7]

I'm probably going to DIY a windscreen. I definitely need one in these parts. And some of the commercially sold ones are not quite substantial enough.

What I'm looking for is greater detail at greater distance with a more substantial low end. Ideally the 8040's would probably serve me well. But just way outside of my budget for now. Something under $1000 is more probable. But that depends on which HD camcorder I go with (Canon HV30, HF S10, or Samsung H10#). And if I'm willing to part with my Avensons to offset the costs.

[Shadow_7]

Any thoughts on a pair of AT 4041's? AT4041SP Roughly the same price as my current Avensons. They seem to spec okay, but I'm not seeing much love in the samples department. Any impressions of these in the outdoors?

Any recommendations for field testing a few pairs of mics in the Austin, Texas area? I think the closest Sass source was San Antonio. But I'm a bit north of Austin, so a bit too far for me. Although the price of gas did come down a lot lately.

[Nityananda_SCSM]

What did you end up getting? I'm in a very similar situation. What did you find out about the 4041s?

Or did you end up selling ur soul and getting a pair of MKH8040s.....

[just.sounds]

Van Microfoon tot Fallussymbool

A nice solution the tomrig

[NorseHorse]

The world will never know...