Sanken CSS-5

[jason porter]

Hi everyone,

Anyone here used the CSS-5?  I am using it on a project (supplied by the production company) and I was wondering if it is suitable as a replacement for a typical mono boom-mic.

-Jason

[gpiegari]

I've done a few run and gun docs with mine

and occasionaly switched to mono mode

for a more standard interview situation.

(easier than swapping mics in the blimp).

The mono output is quite comparable to the CS-3.

Some drawbacks of using it all the time as a mono

shotgun are the additional weight and the need to

use a 5pin XLR cable (or make special cable/boom).

Although it is an M-S type array, it only outputs mono

or X-Y stereo (normal and wide).

Glen P.

[jason porter]

Thanks Glen,

Are you saying it is reasonable to use it on a boom, run-n-gun, in normal stereo mode?

My other possible option, would be to add the Ambient Emesser to my current Schoeps setup (to get an actual M/S soundfield)

Thanks

-Jason

[Travis Groves]

I've found the CSS-5 in mono mode to be "thin" sounding.  It has the rejection of the CS-3, but lacks some of the low end.  I had hoped to use my CSS-5 as a do-it-all mic, but in mono mode I've been underwhelmed.  On the other hand, it sounds fantastic in stereo mode; ambiences are eeriely realistic and I often forget I'm wearing headphones.  Works pretty good on music too.  As far as run-n-gun in stereo, fugedaboutit, those side capsules are way too sensitive to handling noise.  I find I have to hold it "just so" even when using it hand-held with out moving around. YMMV.

[gpiegari]

Reasonable? Yes; in the right situations.

I've had great results with stereo mode in doc situations.

It is a tad heavy, and I didn't have the ease of internal cabling.

As for handling noise, it takes a delicate hand, but ANY sensitive

mic setup does. The stereo con box helps.

The situations I used it in were often high ambient noise.

Airplane hangers, exteriors with crowds, etc.

This helps hide handling noise too and is where the mic shines:

Great isolation of targeted sound in a defined stereo field.

I also recorded a lot of "tribal" music outdoors.

The jobs I used it for required XY so this mic was again,

the perfect choice.

I too, had ideas of this being the ultimate mic, but unless XY

stereo is DEMANDED up front, I never use it except to record

stereo ambience.

Jason, you are welcome to email me off group if you would like

hear a few samples.

Glen P.

glensound AT comcast DOT net