Schertler Basik

**Goodin** · Jul-24-2012, 2:15pm

I am considering a top mounted pickup for my mandolin and am looking into the Schertler Basik and AKG C411. Can anyone who uses either of these pickups please comment on their tone, durability, feedback, etc.? I was able to find some minor discussions on the AKG C411 in the archives but not much on the Basik. Thanks!

**mandolinstew** · Jul-24-2012, 2:56pm

I use the Schertler Dyn-m and Schertler pre amp and they work great.They have been dropped and kicked around with no problems.I use the pre amp to raise the volumn during solos.I also play 12 string guitar and the pickup works well on that too.Never have any feedback.

**Jim Nollman** · Jul-24-2012, 3:09pm

I use a Schertler Dyn on my mandolin. I prefer it to a mic on a stand because it lets me stand or sit and move about. I don't use any preamp with it, and do all my EQ tweaking right at the board. If the Basik is simply the next generation of Schertler den, I'd highly recommend it.

**Goodin** · Jul-25-2012, 8:07am

Thanks for the replies. The Basik is much cheaper than the Dyn ($160 vs $605). They are both contact microphones best I can tell. The Basik has a 1/4" jack and phantom power and the Dyn is just an XLR connection. That's the only difference I see and don't understand why the huge price difference. Maybe the microphone of the Dyn is higher quality? Hard to say, as I can't find any detailed info. Wondering if the Dyn is worth the extra money...

**Jim Nollman** · Jul-25-2012, 12:08pm

The need for phantom power makes me suspect that the Basik is a condenser mic. The dyn is a dynamic mic. That doesn't explain the price difference and, to the contrary, condensers usually cost quite a bit more than dynamics.

**Bruce Clausen** · Jul-25-2012, 12:56pm

I purchased a used Basik a long time ago but returned it after a day or two, as I couldn't get a decent sound out of it. Can't remember the details though. I then got a C411 and used it for several years. To me a contact mic is a second or third choice solution, but the AKG did the job well. I ran it through a mini-mixer to get phantom power, EQ, and a line level signal, then into a powered monitor or the line-in jack of a guitar amp. This was in a couple of jazz and choro groups.

**Mike Bunting** · Jul-25-2012, 2:07pm

I used a C411 through an AER for almost 10 years until the rig was stolen along with my van. It worked great for that time. I'm waiting for a new C411 right now. I have a Headway EDB1 pre now and it works great with a piezo and I look forward to running the C411 through it. It will also handle the C411 with phantom and a good eq. It will DI to the board and line out to a stage monitor amp.
I've never found a pickup that sounds as natural as the C411 though I have to say that I've not tried the Schertler gear.

**mandroid** · Jul-25-2012, 6:27pm

Basik, is more like the C411 electaret,condenser,
than the dynamic microphone like Dyn M.

**Goodin** · Jul-26-2012, 1:40pm

After careful research I have decided to go with a K&K Silver Bullet. I have always had good luck with K&K products and the price is right. I have heard mostly great reviews on the Silver Bullet and it seems it will work well in most of my applications. I also like that I can get a 1/4" out on the phantom box that comes with it so I can hook it into my PADI and/or mute/tuner. I ruled out the C411 because I didn't like the mini XLR connection which required a min/standard XLR adapter and no 1/4". I ruled out the Basik because the only review I can find on it (thanks Bruce) was negative. There just isn't much info regarding this product. Thanks for the help.

**Mike Bunting** · Jul-26-2012, 1:45pm

Originally Posted by Goodin

I ruled out the C411 because I didn't like the mini XLR connection which required a min/standard XLR adapter and no 1/4".

Mine has a standard XLR.
http://www.axemusic.com/product.asp?...8146&PT_ID=all

**Goodin** · Jul-26-2012, 1:58pm

Originally Posted by Mike Bunting

Mine has a standard XLR.
http://www.axemusic.com/product.asp?...8146&PT_ID=all

Oh I didnt know they made it with a standard XLR. The one I looked at HBvideo had a mini XLR connection.

**mandroid** · Jul-26-2012, 8:11pm

Mini one is to plug into the regulated battery power supply/blender.
so you dont fry the pickup going to a full 48V source.

the AKG regular XLR end is hiding a Phantom power step down-voltage regulator inside it ,
the pickup actually needs less power than a USB .

**Mike Bunting** · Jul-26-2012, 8:36pm

Originally Posted by mandroid

the AKG regular XLR end is hiding a Phantom power step down-voltage regulator inside it ,
the pickup actually needs less power than a USB .

Where did you find this info, the data sheet that I could find doesn't mention this. From the info sheet "C 411 PP: For hardwire applications, with standard XLR connector for phantom powering."

**mandroid** · Jul-29-2012, 11:35pm

Where did you find this info, the data sheet that I could find doesn't mention this. From the info sheet "C 411 PP: For hardwire applications, with standard XLR connector for phantom powering."

http://www.akg.com/site/products/pow...N,pid,272.html

**Mike Bunting** · Jul-29-2012, 11:40pm

Where does it say that there is a stepdown voltage regulator? All I can see is "standard XLR connector for phantom powering."

**mandroid** · Jul-30-2012, 9:14am

under specs .... language,EN,view,specs.html
just know that full voltage of 48v is too much and that the plate charge
is only like 5v and '2.2 mA'
says '9 to 52 V phantom power', that wide an input swing is regulated
before it gets to the device , have no doubt.