Audio-Technica AT831b Lavalier Microphone

Picked this up in addition to 4 AT lavalier mics (different model) as a "Plus 1" microphone in my court reporting jobs. This is a nice mic especially considering the price. Only drawback is the clip that comes with it doesn't pivot at all like my slightly more expensive AT lavaliers do. Small gripe. Nice price for usability.

Audio Technicas. Very nice. Work great. Pricey.

For me this was an upgrade from the cheap ATR lapel mic. I heard these mics when helping another guy with his setup. I was blown away at how clear the voice is. I put them on my agenda to purchase as soon as the funds became available. I recently used these at an airshow with WW2 planes in the background. A very loud background. They worked perfectly to isolate the subject and reject the planes. In fact, I prepared for that and recorded a second audio source so that I could blend in the perfect level of engine noise to the background. I didnt want it too quiet with only the subjects being heard. I needed to have the viewer feel they were at the airport. These mics are outstanding. Its not really a drawback but it is extra time to hook everything up. And you will have to have a method of getting an xlr source into your video camera. However you get that done will be worth it. These mics are worth every penny. The next step is around 800 and is not necessary for the semi-pro. I just cant over how rich these sound. They are not tinty at all and have great bass. They are just a great step up from the cheap lavs that everyone starts out with. Combined with an HD vid cam, my videos are now completely professional sounding and looking.

I already have 7 microphones of the same, AT 831b, and now I purchased 2 more. These are good mics.

The sound quality of this product is good, however, I believe the price should be lower.

I ordered this lav mic to replace a very low-end omni-directional mic for video conference sound. Overall, the sound quality is adequate with my interface. However, within 15 minutes of routine, seated, not-at-all out-of-the-ordinary use, half of the plastic U clip that holds the mic body in the lapel clip snapped off. Surprising and unfortunate, but these things happen. I mounted the mic in an oversized binder clip for three days while I ordered Audio-Technica replacements at $16 a piece--two, to ensure against emergencies. Happy to be free from the silliness of wearing a binder clip on my lapel, I was delighted to replace it with one of the branded clip. And...the replacement snapped in less than 15 minutes. It is nothing short of ridiculous that a part like this, that will obviously experience at least some mild contact while placing the microphone on clothing, should not me made of extremely fragile and breakable plastic. Moreover, the foam windscreen that came with the mic got stretched out from the act of applying it to the mic in the first place and easily fell off from the first day. Overall, the sound quality is decent, but the shoddy manufacture of the clip and windscreen are deal breakers. Both the replacement clips and the whole mic are going back immediately. Be advised that, unless you intend to place the mic once and never even touch it again, you are certain to have problems with this unit.

I uploaded a random audio file of me rambling on my 831b mic, which I'm calling mic 2 here. Sounds very good, and I enjoyed the professional storage case with accessories. You won't be disappointed with this microphone. If you are like me, however, and just want it for voice, it might be a bit of overkill compared to the next model down in the series. It adds a bit more in the low range than the slightly cheaper Pro-70 made by the same company, but in all honesty, when low-cut mode is on, they sound the same to me. This mic is supposed to have a bit more of a cardioid build to it, however. I don't play guitar, but I can tell this would be a very decent guitar lav. I use this with my Zoom H4, and it sounds very nice. I look forward to putting it through its paces a bit more. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably have saved money and purchased the Pro70, which is the next model down in the series: Mini Cardioid Condenser Lavalier/instrument Microphone . Instruments would likely sound better on the 831b. I haven't tried that yet, but I can pretty much tell.

very faithful reproduction of the sound coming off my Loar LH-600. Recording is a breeze. You are going to need a notch filter to use this on stage if you want to compete with other instruments. I will say that the cord provided was weird and seems potentially damageable when considering the high price tag.