AT-897 with GL2, questions at DVinfo.net

Jeff Toogood · June 28th, 2004, 07:08 AM

I am thinking about getting a AT-897 for my GL2, but I have read a couple of posts indicating that the sound levels from this microphone are actually lower than the onboard microphone.

Is this true? If so, how is it considered better than the onboard microphone?

PS, this will be used with a Canon MA-300 mic adapter.

Thanks for your time.

Pete Bauer · June 28th, 2004, 11:07 AM

Hi Jeff,

Off the cuff, I can't make an exact comparison between on-board levels and the AT-897...might be an interesting experiment to try while I'm doing some voice-overs this week. The AT-897 MIGHT BE a bit less sensitive than on-board (by all reports, it is definitely not as hot as a Senn Me-66), but I've been able to get adequate levels.

As to why get the mic: even if the levels are lower, the sound is MUCH cleaner than with the on-board microphone. Even an amateur like me can immediately appreciate the difference.

I happen to use a Sign Video XLRPRO rather than the MA-300, but that shouldn't make too much difference. If I do get around to doing a comparison this week, I'll post (unfortunately, I was going to be on vacation this week, but duty calls).

Jerry Norman · June 29th, 2004, 03:18 AM

Jeff, I use the AT-897 with my GL2 voa tje MA-300. So far I have used it exclusively for voice audio. Biggest change over on-board is that it is much more directional. I can't compare the sensitivity straight on with the onboard, but in a test last week I was getting an acceptable level from a person speaking in normal voice 15 ft from the camera. This was in an office setting.

Don Palomaki · June 29th, 2004, 04:44 AM

Output levelis not the only consideration when assessing the relative quality of mics. As indicated above, factors such as frequency response, noise, distortion, and directivity come into play - as does the intended use of the mic; e.g., a 12" long shotgun does work well as a lav and may not be best for recording large ensambles

The AT897 has a nominal output rating of 10 mV, the ME66 about 50 mV, or about 14 dB higher output for the same input level. This is probably due to higher internal gain in the Sennheiser.

The standrd GL mic is a cardoid pattern for each stereo channelwith the channel offset 90 degrees from each other and thus has a wider acceptance angle than the shotguns. In some test I ran a couple years indicate that the GL1 internal mic sensitivity is lower than the rated sensitivity of the AT897. However, it will be much more suceptable to sound from the sides and that might make it appear more sensitive in some shooting conditions.

Jeff Toogood · June 30th, 2004, 06:51 AM

Well, with the limited budget I have, I decided to get the Azden SGM-1X instead. It was almost half the price when you figure in the currency conversion. Hopefully I won't regret it.

Don Palomaki · July 1st, 2004, 04:16 PM

Let us know how you like it!

July 5th, 2004, 10:49 PM

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, I JUST BOUGHT AN AT-897. I HAVEN'T ACTUALLY USED IT YET, BUT I TRIED IT OUT THE OTHER NIGHT AND COMPARED IT TO THE GL-2 ONBOARD MIC. I COULD DEFINITELY HEAR MORE AUDIO HISS WITH THE ONBOARD MIC COMPARED TO THE SHOTGUN. I'M HOPING I MADE A GOOD CHOICE. :) DAN

June 28th, 2004, 07:08 AM	#1
Jeff Toogood Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: St.Thomas, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 428	AT-897 with GL2, questions I am thinking about getting a AT-897 for my GL2, but I have read a couple of posts indicating that the sound levels from this microphone are actually lower than the onboard microphone. Is this true? If so, how is it considered better than the onboard microphone? PS, this will be used with a Canon MA-300 mic adapter. Thanks for your time. __________________ Toogood Studios

June 28th, 2004, 11:07 AM	#2
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Hi Jeff, Off the cuff, I can't make an exact comparison between on-board levels and the AT-897...might be an interesting experiment to try while I'm doing some voice-overs this week. The AT-897 MIGHT BE a bit less sensitive than on-board (by all reports, it is definitely not as hot as a Senn Me-66), but I've been able to get adequate levels. As to why get the mic: even if the levels are lower, the sound is MUCH cleaner than with the on-board microphone. Even an amateur like me can immediately appreciate the difference. I happen to use a Sign Video XLRPRO rather than the MA-300, but that shouldn't make too much difference. If I do get around to doing a comparison this week, I'll post (unfortunately, I was going to be on vacation this week, but duty calls). __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

June 29th, 2004, 03:18 AM	#3
Jerry Norman Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: raleigh nc Posts: 40	Jeff, I use the AT-897 with my GL2 voa tje MA-300. So far I have used it exclusively for voice audio. Biggest change over on-board is that it is much more directional. I can't compare the sensitivity straight on with the onboard, but in a test last week I was getting an acceptable level from a person speaking in normal voice 15 ft from the camera. This was in an office setting. __________________ Jerry: Photography • Video www.takeonesolutions.com

June 29th, 2004, 04:44 AM	#4
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	Output levelis not the only consideration when assessing the relative quality of mics. As indicated above, factors such as frequency response, noise, distortion, and directivity come into play - as does the intended use of the mic; e.g., a 12" long shotgun does work well as a lav and may not be best for recording large ensambles The AT897 has a nominal output rating of 10 mV, the ME66 about 50 mV, or about 14 dB higher output for the same input level. This is probably due to higher internal gain in the Sennheiser. The standrd GL mic is a cardoid pattern for each stereo channelwith the channel offset 90 degrees from each other and thus has a wider acceptance angle than the shotguns. In some test I ran a couple years indicate that the GL1 internal mic sensitivity is lower than the rated sensitivity of the AT897. However, it will be much more suceptable to sound from the sides and that might make it appear more sensitive in some shooting conditions. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

June 30th, 2004, 06:51 AM	#5
Jeff Toogood Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: St.Thomas, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 428	Well, with the limited budget I have, I decided to get the Azden SGM-1X instead. It was almost half the price when you figure in the currency conversion. Hopefully I won't regret it. __________________ Toogood Studios

July 1st, 2004, 04:16 PM	#6
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,488	Let us know how you like it! __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

July 5th, 2004, 10:49 PM	#7
Guest Posts: n/a	FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, I JUST BOUGHT AN AT-897. I HAVEN'T ACTUALLY USED IT YET, BUT I TRIED IT OUT THE OTHER NIGHT AND COMPARED IT TO THE GL-2 ONBOARD MIC. I COULD DEFINITELY HEAR MORE AUDIO HISS WITH THE ONBOARD MIC COMPARED TO THE SHOTGUN. I'M HOPING I MADE A GOOD CHOICE. :) DAN