I'm astounded by the cheap price of the ATR 55 by audio technica... I've searched around google but didn't find anything except low prices.. Any users of this? Im wondering how good the quality is, i'm intending to buy this to fit a boom pole. This thing's price matches a windscreen price for a senheisser, :))
Thanks

I've been using one off and on for a while - in fact, I used it on my Sony FX1 yesterday for a pilot doc shoot. It's surprisingly good for its price, but it is lacking in bass. I exported the audio from Avid as a .wav file and EQ'd it in CoolEdit Pro and it sounded much better.
You can forget abouyt the "Tele" option though - there's far too much hiss.
I am however considering the AT 897 - considering the price difference, I hope it will be worth it and that it's even better!

Robin

wow i'm surprised by your response. I expected people to bash this mic! How much is the at897 you're looking at? thanks

For quick prices, you should check the B&H site.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=300615&is=REG
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
They sponsor this site, and they also have good prices (usually very close to the lowest).

The AT897 kit from B&H is $280 + shipping (possibly no tax). "Includes Free EA86 - Camera Shoe Shock Mount & 3-pin XLR Male to 3-pin XLR Right Angle Female Balanced Cable - 1.5 ft"

It's all relative...The ATR55 is probably the best mic of it's sort in it's class, but that's not saying a whole lot. Comparing an ATR55 to an 897 is like comparing a moped to a Volkswagen. There are much more expensive cars on the block, but the VW gets you there very, very well. So does the moped, but....

Can't bash the ATR because of it's price point. It's effectively a disposable mic, and I've used it as such on an occasion.

The 897 sounds great, and in it's class and in the lower reaches of upper classes it still is a killer mic. You have to spend quite a bit more to get a better mic overall.

But, if you've never captured really good audio, the ATR might sound really good. Step up to the next class though, and you'll hear a world class difference.

Douglas,

Well I've just ordered the AT-897 (had to get it from Germany, since there are no sellers in the UK) so I'm really looking forward to using it. I've only ever heard good things about this mic, so your post this morning just pushed me into getting down to buy it...

Regards,

Robin

Robin, got a link for the German site you use? I've had to order from the states before (B&H) due to lack of availability in the UK and have been stung on the customs part of it all. Hope you have good results with the 897, if I'm unable to get an AKG mic off a friend, I might plump for one too.

Cheers (Jay from SDV ;) )

Hi James,

It's: www.thomann.de
Seems like a good source of goodies...
AT897 cost me 192 GBP

Regards,

Robin

Cheers, thought it would be a video store but quite handy its music... I'm after a new bass eventually and my housemate needs a new guitar so I'll pass on the link.. cheap postage! Thanks

You might want also look at the 835 available from ProAudioKit.com. it seems very similar to the 897 and similar price.
Cheers
Rob Dunford

My AT-897 has just arrived from Germany and after just some short tests indoor and outdoor, I'm delighted with it. The sound really is clean and smooth (well, compared with my AT-55)
Both mics really are like chalk and cheese and the experience has been an "ear-opener."
I can heartily recommend this mic and thanks to Spot for making my mind up about it.

Robin

Hi

I got my 897 from : http://www.proaudiosystems.co.uk/

Very professional shop... very fast service and very helpful...

I too am very happy with this mic.

Regards
Gareth

Canford carry AT as well.

http://www.canford.co.uk/

Robin,

Pro Audio Systems hav it priced at £190

The reason I mention it is I'm thinking of getting one to go along side my Sennheiser 416 and AT4073a. This thread had made me think it must be ok, thanks :)