We’ve been talking on the team about what microphone we would choose if we could only keep one?

There also seems to be a lot of discussion in this series about the number of microphones we all own. None of us come close to James, but I guess my collection possibly comes closest as I have several mic collections, for different areas. The first one is for live sound work with the likes of Shure Beta 58s, Sennheiser E835s, Beyer M201s, Calrec condenser mics and Sennheiser G2 radio systems. Then there is my location sound set up which includes a Sennheiser MKH40/30 MS pair, several Sennheiser 416s and a Sennheiser 406, Beyer M160 ribbon mics, as well as a good selection of small and large diaphragm condenser mics from sE Electronics. Finally, my dedicated studio setup is somewhat more select and is now centred around my sE Electronics Mini, which has replaced my Shure SM7b. However none of these mics is my desert-island choice.

Audio Technica AT835ST

My choice was going to be one of my Sennheiser 416 mics as it is ideal for recording both inside and outside, especially as I have dedicated Sennheiser Rycote style baskets and wooly covers. In fact I used one of my 416s as my VO mics for all my PTE work, until I replaced it with my Shure SM7b as well as VO recordings for my radio and TV audio-post very successfully.

Then I realised that if I only had one mic, I couldn’t do any stereo work so I changed my choice to my stereo MS location recording mic, my Audio Technica AT835ST. Of course being an MS mic, I can still use it as a mono shotgun mic for any of the duties I would have otherwise used the Sennheiser 416 for.

I bought my AT835ST just about the time that Audio Technica replaced it with the BP4029 and so was able to get it for a good price. It continues to serve me well for tasks like recording location radio dramas as well as location documentaries for both TV and Radio.

I have no doubt I could use it for music work at a push if needed and being MS makes it very versatile.

What Audio Technica Say About The AT835ST

At 9.29" (236.0 mm) in length, the AT835ST provides broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists professional quality stereo audio in a microphone that resembles a monaural shotgun mic. That means the AT835ST is easy to use with standard camera mounts, shock mounts and windscreens.

Engineered for long-distance pickup in broadcasting and film/TV production, this compact M-S stereo shotgun features internal matrixing innovations that allow for stereo audio with or without an external matrix. It also features switchable low-frequency roll-off and independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight condenser elements.

• Designed for broadcasters, videographers and sound recordists

• Compact, lightweight design is perfect for camera-mount use

• Independent Line-cardioid and Figure-of-eight condenser elements

• Switchable low-frequency roll-off

• Switch selection of non-matrixed M-S mode and two internally-matrixed left/right stereo modes

• Includes a 24" (0.61 m) cable (5-pin XLRF to two standard 3-pin XLRM connectors)

You can still download the spec sheet for the Audio Technica AT835ST if you are interested.

What About You?

Why don’t you play along with but of fun over the holiday period? What would be the microphone you would choose if you could only keep one?