>Brian McWilliams wrote:
>> It's time to move from mono recordings to stereo for
>> strictly outdoor field recording but I'm hesitating
>> because I'm not quite sure which way to go. I have no
>> experience with a soldering iron, so that may shape
>> your answer.
>>
>> Has anyone had any experience with the Rode NT4 or
>> Audio Technica AT822 in the field? If so, what were
>> your experiences?
>>
>> Would you recommend either as a "cheap" stereo mic for
>> field recording?
>
>A third mic to consider is the Sony ECM-MS957 in the less expensive
>category. Both it and the AT822 have self noise in the 24-25dBA range.
>And between those two I'd probably choose the Sony. I've tried a AT822,
>and did not like it, I have the Sony, primarily as a backup mic.
>
>The NT4 is a quieter mic, with a self noise of 16dBA. So, by self noise
>it's a better deal.
>
>Someone reported using a NT4 and that it handled humidity and so on well.
>
>You do need to think a little about the sort of stereo field you are
>trying to record. None of these mics will get you a lot of reach, so are
>really for closer stuff.
>
>And forget soldering irons. You can't make something better, primarily
>because finding quality capsules is a problem. You can make things that
>are cheaper, but not better.
>
>Walt
>
>
Hi Brian--
Ditto. I used an 822 for years and I don't believe AT's published
noise specs for it. Mine was also very muddy and uneven at the bottom
end; "stereo" was was about the only plus I enjoyed with this mic.
The NT-4 requires phantom power which means you'd need at least an
in-line phantom power supply to run it with an MD recorder. The Rode
seems to have considerably less noise and more sensitivity than the
957. More sensitivity means less preamp gain (preamp noise on MD's)
and more bit saturation when the record level must be cranked full.
And because of this, you may want to make a home made shock mount. On
paper at least, a few hundred more towards the NT-4's may be worth
it-- I notice quite a few folks have been asking for nt4 sample
recordings. Anyone have a field recording they can share? Rob D.
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