Comments on: Studio test of obscure circa 1965 Altec dynamic microphones

By: Mike Satterlee

Mike Satterlee — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:26:59 +0000

Great article, informative and well written and your comparison was very well executed. I just bought a pair of these 682As, in mint condition, but, they lacked cables. So, just to be positive on the XLR 3 pinout it’s 1 to pin 1 2 to pin 3and 4 to pin 2, because, I’m having adapter cables fabricated Thanks again for the Article and sharing your expertise. Mike Satterlee

By: Rok

Rok — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 20:48:43 +0000

In reply to admin. Interesting, in that case, very good performance for an omni-mic by the 682, I thought it sounded great in your clips!

By: admin

admin — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:34:59 +0000

In reply to Rok. Hi, I was probably wrong, or misled. I doubt that they would use the same # for different patterns.The A/B/C ETC generally would distinguish different jack termination types or generations.

By: Rok

Rok — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:27:22 +0000

Thanks for the test and review, I enjoyed the read and the samples.

However, regarding the 682, I believe it is an omni type based on the Altec documentation that I’ve read. Is it possible there were two versions? Either way it sounded great.

By: Rodger

Rodger — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 14:23:03 +0000

I can’t seem to find specs on these mics…..Is the 682A high or low imp? Freq response and flatness?

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:52:19 +0000

I was out plundering around in one of our barns where we have a lot of antique electronics. There are several gems in there I would love to rehab, such as a pair of Quad 8 – TFB-200 power amps, an old Altec I think the number is A126 power amp (bring a dolly ;o) . Funny but I ran across our pile of old mic’s like Turners, and some others, and found the Altec 682A 5 pin mic from you review. I was of course Google-ing the mic and ran across your article, pretty cool, was nice to know there was someone else that knew about them.
THX
Michael

By: Quent Benedict

Quent Benedict — Mon, 28 May 2012 23:50:52 +0000

I listened to the 683 and it seems the Altec has better highs and all around better sound. I’m interested because I was just going through some of my brother’s stuff and came across a brand new matched pair of 683B mics. I was wondering what the specs were like. My brother mentioned (before he passed away 3+ years ago) that he was sure they were a matched pair. Ever hear of such? Great pickin’ by the way. I have a 5 piece country band. Lead vocals & rhythm guitar.

By: chris

chris — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:59:24 +0000

In reply to alex.

hi alex. thanks for the kind words. yea that’s just me improvising in my usual gtr style. drop D fingerpicking. you can hear more of it at: http://hallelujah.bandcamp.com/

check out ‘stray dogs of men.’

By: alex

alex — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:24:59 +0000

I enjoyed listening to this comparison. Those vintage mics sound great!
I’m going to keep any eye for them.

I have a question about the music. I really liked the part that was being played.
I was wondering if its from an old song, or something you made up on the go for the purpose of the mic comparison.

thanks for you time. And i love your blog.

-al

By: MicStore.com » Studio test of obscure circa 1965 Altec dynamic microphones

MicStore.com » Studio test of obscure circa 1965 Altec dynamic microphones — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:01:46 +0000

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