AT897 First impressions at DVinfo.net

Ming Dong · February 14th, 2005, 12:51 PM

1) Noticably "cleaner" sound than onboard mic (GL2)
2) Much more sensitive (hotter?) than the onboard mic. Had to turn down the mic level to about 30%(of max), compared to 70% for the onboard mic.
3) No matter how good the mic, recording in a noisy environment results in a noisy recording :(

Is there some way to power the mic with the GL2, instead of the AA battery?

Pete Bauer · February 14th, 2005, 01:42 PM

I didn't particularly notice it being more sensitive than the onboard mic for either the GL2 or the XL2, but definitely agree with points 1 and 3. In my amateur opinion, you got a great mic for the price!

The GL2 doesn't supply phantom power, so you either need a battery in the AT897 or an XLR adapter that supplies it.

Patrick Pike · February 15th, 2005, 03:09 PM

Funny you say that about the mic being hotter. I feel as if I can't get a good signal from my 897. I used to have it camera mounted, but I've taken it off and use it through my mixer now (read: preamp) to get a bit more umph from it. The mic sounds great and has a useful pickup pattern through. I guess the next step is to order a new Beach Tek adapter to supply phantom to it and try it once again on the camera.

Good luck!

Ming Dong · February 15th, 2005, 03:58 PM

I videotape indoor sporting events. Using the onboard mic, I found that setting the mic level 70% (of max) gave me a good recording level. When I started using the 897 I had to turn down the mic level to about 30% to keep out of the red.

February 14th, 2005, 12:51 PM	#1
Ming Dong Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 92	AT897 First impressions 1) Noticably "cleaner" sound than onboard mic (GL2) 2) Much more sensitive (hotter?) than the onboard mic. Had to turn down the mic level to about 30%(of max), compared to 70% for the onboard mic. 3) No matter how good the mic, recording in a noisy environment results in a noisy recording :( Is there some way to power the mic with the GL2, instead of the AA battery?

February 14th, 2005, 01:42 PM	#2
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	I didn't particularly notice it being more sensitive than the onboard mic for either the GL2 or the XL2, but definitely agree with points 1 and 3. In my amateur opinion, you got a great mic for the price! The GL2 doesn't supply phantom power, so you either need a battery in the AT897 or an XLR adapter that supplies it. __________________ 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!

February 15th, 2005, 03:09 PM	#3
Patrick Pike Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mariposa, CA Posts: 200	Funny you say that about the mic being hotter. I feel as if I can't get a good signal from my 897. I used to have it camera mounted, but I've taken it off and use it through my mixer now (read: preamp) to get a bit more umph from it. The mic sounds great and has a useful pickup pattern through. I guess the next step is to order a new Beach Tek adapter to supply phantom to it and try it once again on the camera. Good luck!

February 15th, 2005, 03:58 PM	#4
Ming Dong Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 92	I videotape indoor sporting events. Using the onboard mic, I found that setting the mic level 70% (of max) gave me a good recording level. When I started using the 897 I had to turn down the mic level to about 30% to keep out of the red.