Would a Sanken CS-1 be a smart upgrade for me?

[David Peterson]

I've got my eye on a secondhand Sanken CS-1 that I'm considering buying. Wondering if it would be a wise decision for me, currently have a RODE NTG2 & Sennheiser ME66/K6 (& Oktava MK-012 hypercardiod I can freely borrow whenever from a friend just around the corner) paired with a Sound Devices 552 / Tascam DR680 combo.


I'd originally been thinking my next upgrade would be to get a RODE NTG3 (as is practically speaking almost identical to the 416, but cheaper) as it would mean a substantial upgrade from the NTG2 (or ME66/K6) and is a mic which would last me a very long time. And then next after that would be to get an Audix SCX1-HC (as the upgrade from the Oktava).


However I have spotted a secondhand Sanken CS-1 at a reasonable price (this is the older CS-1, not the newer CS-1e), and am half wondering if that could be a smart idea to get instead/beforehand? It seems like it could also perform well both indoors and outdoors? Not sure, am struggling to find much info about it online.


My (almost) complete gear list is here for context, if it is relevant (maybe there is some other gap I should be focusing on instead?):
http://ironfilm.co.nz/sound/

 

[Peter Moretti]

I think the e version lowered the noise of the CS1, so personally I'd be a little hesitant to buy the non-e version.

 

[Rob Castiglione]

I have the Sanken CS 1 and have used it for some years. It is an excellent microphone. I have never had any issues with the noise of the microphone. I would say yes, grab it. Apart from the excellent sound it is a short shotgun which is handy sometimes.