Audio-Technica AT803B Review
Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
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A very capable mic for its application
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Geoffrey on B&H Photo Video
Audio-Technica is well known for the high quality of virtually all their microphones, from the less expensive AT2020 right up to their new generation of AT50XX line. It's hard to write a negative review because there is just so much good about them. This lavalier is an omni capsule that is NOT for wireless application. It is hard wired via an included power module (AT8531) which has the male XLR output to your console. The microphone itself connects to the power module vial a mini kind of jack similar to an XLR to establish the link. This module has a clip to attach to your belt. The microphone itself is not overly sensitive. I had to turn the gain up just over half way to achieve unity on the fader. I am using a Mackie 1604VLZ4 mixer for the application to which I am applying its use. For my vocal, I had to roll off a little high end and a touch of middle and a surprisingly fair amount of bass. This is for MY voice. Your adjustments may differ. I have a pretty resonant tenor voice. The quality of the sound is very good, clean and crisp. With rolling off the high end, I minimize sibilance, and rolling off the bottom eliminates boominess. Rolling back the mid takes away the muddy middle - again, for my voice. The reproduction of my voice is accurate, once EQ adjustments are made. This matters across the board. There is a wind screen/pop filter included that slips snugly over the element to avoid wind noises. But since this mic is often worn on the clothing below the face, that aspect becomes a moot point, so the screen/filter is irrelevant, particularly indoors. But it is nice to have just in case you have an outdoor session. It's nice not to have to worry about batteries dying at critical moments in production with a hard wired setup. Now you can just go forward with your session with one less worry. I have a Sennheiser wireless setup I use as well. The element in that setup and this AT element compare favourably. I would say the AT element is better overall. But it is also half again bigger in diameter and length than the Sennheiser element, so there is a better diaphram involved here. If I had need of another hard wired lavalier, I would not hesitate to purchase another AT308 lavalier setup. And that should tell you all you really need to know about the quality of this microphone! ... More
Favorite wired lav at this price point
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Scott on B&H Photo Video
I've used the Audio Technica Pro 70s in the past, and always liked their belt pack design. They've always been solid workhorses, and the AT803B has been the same while offering a higher sound quality and detachable mic. While the (currently) most popular negative review highlights that the mic itself is large, it's not absurdly large. Yes, there are smaller lavs on the market, but at any certain price point it's usually a trade-off between size and sound quality. For my purposes and my budget, I'll choose sound quality and low noise over size any day -- which the AT803B delivers. I also like the AT803 belt clip design because it allows a subject to move around while keeping the mic solidly in place. It also cuts down on stress to the connectors and mic lead that you might have with an inline-XLR style lav. I use this mic primarily for stationary (or nearly so) interviews where a wireless system would be unnecessary and add to the risk of getting bad audio due to interference. I've used other lavs in at around this price point, and prefer the AT803B. The belt pack is metal and very durable. I also like the included case: It has a stiff (vinyl-wrapped cardboard, I think) exterior and a foam padded interior with cutouts for the belt pack, mic cord, mic, lav clip and a AA battery. It keeps the unit in great condition when being transported. You should note when buying that the AT803B has been discontinued by Audio Technica, but they still offer the AT803. (I don't know what the difference is between the two models -- based on the published specs they are virtually identical). ... More
It's huge.
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Eleven Mass Media on B&H Photo Video
I had no idea how large this mic is. I read all the reviews and didn't pick up on the fact that it's huge. You have to be careful what the subject is wearing, because it will literally pull their shirt down. We use them for documentary style interviews, run into a Zoom R16, and the signal is quite weak. I have to turn the gain on the recorder to 10, and it's still quiet. The sound quality is great, but the signal is not strong enough, and there are no controls on the body pack. On the good side, it's a fraction of the cost of other quality wired lavs. ... More
Amazing!!!
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by SUNEET M. on B&H Photo Video
This condenser microphone is amazing!! The sound is crystal clear and the price is even better!! Lavs can cost a lot of money but this was only $! As soon as I purchased the mic I tested it and it was great. Used it next day for an interview outside and it was kind of windy but I didn't hear anything but the interviewee's voice. It comes in a fantastic carrying case and you get all your essentials: windscreen, clothing clip, detachable power module, and battery. Easy to set up and use. I used it with an XLR and my Zoom Handy Recorder 5 and it worked seamlessly. When I need to purchase another lav I know I will be buying this product again!! Also the $ warranty B&H offers for 3 years is great. And the lav comes with a 1-year manufactories warranty. Being a video journalist, it's extremely important to have good, easy, working equipment. I am so happy I bought this microphone!!! The guy at the store was great explaining the different types of mics and I'm so thankful to him for it!! I hope this helps!! (I have not had this long enough to find any cons yet) ... More
Exceeded My Expectations
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Mark, Video Producer on B&H Photo Video
I have yet to find a fault in this mic. I use this with a Zoom H4n to capture audio for video I shoot on my Canon 550D (DSLR camera). I do both documentary and journalistic work and recently used this on a project which took place in the windy outdoors of the Flint Hills of Kansas... wide open prairie. I did several interviews and this mic worked great. The included windscreen was sufficient even in the high winds. I plan to purchase a second one within the next few months. You can preview the audio quality (no sweetening or mixing/mastering) on a teaser I edited here:@My only negative comment is that the included clip is awkward... hard to hide from sight. I recommend purchasing a better set of clips. ... More
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What I expected
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video
I needed a quality lav on a budget, and debated getting a cheap wireless or a nice wired. I'm glad I chose this. I use this hooked into a Tascam DR-40 and also directly into the camera at times. I'm pleased with the sound. Good isolation and solid range for a lav mic. It is well constructed and simple to use. So far I have used it for multiple interviews, and, for single-person shots, it is far better audio than a shotgun mic. The mic is sensitive and will pick up background noise, but it still produces clean clear audio and does a solid job, even in poor conditions. The low-cut feature hasn't been particularly useful, and I have compared audio with and without it only to conclude it isn't worth sacrificing the dynamic range. I can reduce noise via Premier if necessary. The clip is a bit bulky and awkward. If you need to hide this mic, consider a different clip or taping it. The clip can be very noticeable. ... More
Hard to go wrong with this mic!
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Roy on B&H Photo Video
I ordered two of these late last week for use with my Zoom H4n on the advice of B&H staff Juan B. via live chat. ... Most of the body pack is constructed of aluminum, rather than plastic, and the mic body itself has a solid feel. The sound is clear over the full range and noise is minimal. Gain is more than adequate. I honestly didn't anticipate getting mics of this quality at this price.You might as well order extra clips and wind screens while you're at it since these are bound to need replacement eventually.Special thanks to B&H for their expert advice and excellent service! ... More
Amazing!
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by JaseKWilliamson on B&H Photo Video
I brought this mic to use along side my Senn G3 Wireless Lav mic when i have more than one interview subject and was instantly blown away by the quality of the sound it records. Using this with a Zoom H5 i ended up with a very very low noise floor and amazing fidelity. It does favour the low end (compared to my ME2 that is) and this is most likely due to its size. The size is a bit of a let down though, compared to my Senn G3s ME2 its a monster. under loose clothing it seems to hide ok but im sure if i need to hide in under a slightly tight tshirt ill run into problems. Very solid feeling and well built. I really like that it can provide its own phantom power via a single, easy to find AA battery (over a watch battery like some others). I havent used a huge range of mics but this is a good one!. Ive already started to favor it over my wireless if i dont need to be mobile. ... More
Quiet and sensitive - just like me
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Tom Dowler on B&H Photo Video
Just bought two of these for my marriage documentary. I'm running both of them into my Sony PCM-M10 and I can just drop the wav files straight into Premiere - no tweaking or hiss removing in Audition first - virtually no noise at all, and great quality spoken word recording. The battery boxes are about the same size as wireless transmitters, but they're very well made and feel like they'd survive a lot of abuse. Overall the build quality is excellent, down to the clips and wind furries. The only downer is the 70s vinyl styling of the case these come in. The case is great but it don't look like much. Very impressed. ... More
Good choice for price
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Using product with a D7000 dslr for small video clips mainly for the internet. Only used indoor at this time but is essential to have if you care about audio because the internal mic on the dslr is awful. This product is small and comes with a very nice padded case. the clip is a bit bulky but ok for what I needed. I do wish it would have come with more than one foam wind cover because they seem a little fragile. The battery case is metal which seems more durable.
Excellent Product at a Reasonable Price
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by cwjones on B&H Photo Video
I am using this to record an interview style WebTV show called Stand Taller TV. My setup is an Zoom H4n recorder and a Kodak zi8 flip style camera. These are great mics for this purpose and deliver flawless audio. I was a little worried about the reviews of these being large mics however I don't think there are - I guess only if you are looking for something to hide underneath a collar or something you can't see on video then they might be too big however as true lapel mics they are just the right size and are not really obtrusive at all. Thanks B&H for a great product at a great price and outstnading service. ... More
Excellent!
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought 2 of these for a live internet TV broadcast of a music/talk show and they have far exceeded my expectations! Not only was the voice nice and clear but after testing them out first I found I did not need any other microphones when they were playing guitars and singing. I connected them to a Canon XHA1 and the audience, using a chat box next to the screen, was amazed at the true stereo quality.
Very good mic for the money
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by moonlight videographer on B&H Photo Video
I now have about ten of these mics and I will continue to but them as my needs expand. they are very durable and reliable, give great sound and still perform like new five years later. Absolutely no complaints.
Workhorse, Never Failed Me
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Antony Bui on B&H Photo Video
I've used this mic on almost every project I've worked on since 2012. It has yet to give me any problems. I use it with my GH4 and JuicedLink and the sound quality is excellent. For $$it's a great value. The only thing I wish it had was a low battery indicator. Instead, the only way I know its battery is getting low is when I start hearing weird noises while monitoring the audio. To be on the safe side, I always switch out batteries before each new project.
Everything as expected
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by MJ9652 on B&H Photo Video
Using this Mic on various PA systems - some with Phantom power, some not. This Mic works either way. The Connector Junction/Battery Pack is about the size of a deck of cards and clips on your belt. The sound quality and pickup was better than I expected at this price. Very little noise picked up from clothing, although I would recommend the windscreen cover. If I needed more wired Lapel Mics, I would buy more of these. If you are looking for something very tiny and practically invisible, this is not a good choice for you.
Works Great Sounds Great Easy To Use
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Russell the Marketing Man on B&H Photo Video
I use the microphone professionally to film business owners to produce marketing-related videos, typically 7 to 20 minutes in length. This Audio-Technica mic is very well built and sound quality is excellent, much better than the wireless system I was using, which cost more than triple the price. The mic is perfect if the subject is sitting or standing more or less still. The only downside I've found is having to mess with cables to wire directly into the camera or mixer... but the sound quality is so good, I don't mind lugging the cables around.
Good value, good sound, a little big
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by jaz761 on B&H Photo Video
Bought this lav mic to use together with a Zoom H4N recorder. Works great and sounds great. The lav mic itself is much bigger than I realized and is a little bit tougher to hide than the smaller Sony units I also have. Other than that, seem like a good, solid product.
Very good mic for the price
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Dennis on B&H Photo Video
I've bought this mic for interviews. Very high quality sound when used with phantom power. Sound is very crisp and clear When used with battery power on camcorders that have only minijack input I noticed some noise. May be this noise is caused by XLR-to-mini adapter or camera mini input. Overall sound is very good. I also like the all-metal power adapter
Awesome microphone
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by Aspiring Film Maker on B&H Photo Video
I use this with my Sony Handy-cam during interviews for videos I create. It's small enough that it's not too distracting, yet not too small that it's difficult to handle. The sound is great. It comes with one windscreen and a clip, but do your research if you want to order a back-up kit. I ordered one that was on this 'accessory' page, and they were all way too big...
Use With Nikon D7100
Audio-Technica AT803B Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I received this little mic and then compared it to my old Shure SM11-CM. Being a condenser mic vs the Shure dynamic mic it was no contest. It had plenty of gain so I could skip the mixer. The mic is relatively small compared to the Shure There is no cable rumbling or scratching sounds coming from the AT803B by contact with the audio cable. The sound is clean and crisp, just what I was looking for.
