OT: Realistic / RS PZM Mics

[Sonic]

Does anyone use these old mics for ambient recording

The ones made by Tandy Radio Shack licensed under Crown I believe

I know they stopped making them a long time ago, and they do seem to be much sought after, but does anyone know of any equivalent that are just as good?

[TotalSonic]

I have one that I did a very basic mod for so it runs off a single 9 volt battery (instead of 2 double A's) and that it has balanced XLR out. Definitely works nicely for picking up the room sound - but frankly it's been a while since I last used it.

fwiw - Pierre Sprey of Maple Shade Records uses highly modded Crown PZM's for a lot of the direct to 2-track 1/4" stuff he does and generally it sounds very good.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[Sonic]

Ive managed to source two now :)

[Dave Labrecque]

Ive managed to source two now :)

How much are they going for these days, if you don't mind my asking?

[TotalSonic]

How much are they going for these days, if you don't mind my asking?

The Crown PZM-185 (which is set up already with XLR output and can use phantom power) is going for street price of around $175 these days.

The Crown PZM-30D has a better frequency response and runs around $275.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[Sonic]

I paid approx $70 dollars each for the Realistic ones, however here are a couple on sale at the moment

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130237314676&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320271058873&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=011

:)