Topic: Need help with distortion on recordings

[zguy]

Hi everybody - first of all let me say that I am not a hardcore taper. I just want to make a nice recording I can enjoy.
My setup is sp-bmc-3 > 9-volt battery box > either sharp MD or R09. I usually record fairly loud shows in small rooms. When there is a lot of bass reverberation (meaning you can feel it in every bone in your body) I end up with distortion in that area. It gets kind of annoying and I'm guessing that these mics just aren't sufficient for this task. I would be willing to upgrade to different mics but if they have the same issues then it wouldn't be worth it. Are there mics that are designed for this kind of application?
Would really appreciate any thoughts or advice on the subject.

[M]

Are you using the line input?  What is the range that your levels are set at?

[zguy]

Yes, always the line input. I try to keep the levels peaking around -6 db. I can normalize/amplify after transferring to a computer. Even when the levels are at -12 it hasn't helped.

[acidjack]

Those SP mics may need a low-sensitivity mod... I would ask SP.

[stevetoney]

Distortion can be caused by your settings being too high which overloads the internal preamp on your recorder, but it can also be caused by overloading the mics.  If you check the specs for this mic, the standard sensitivity version of this mic is rated only up to 105db which isn't all that high for loud rock music.  I can't really tell you what the bass volume goes up to during a typical loud rock show, but the specs on the low sensitivity versions of this mic go up to 120db, which would help your cause.  So, I agree with acidjack that would be a potential solution to your problem.  That said, 120db isn't the greatest upper range either...I typically like my mics to be able to go up to the 135db range, but I'm not sure this is available in a mic that's <$100 (not saying it isn't, I just don't know).

Give SP a call and see if they can mod your mics to match the specs for the low sensitivity version, or tell them specifically what you want to record and they should be able to recommend a reasonable solution to you.

[rhinowing]

you may want to try flipping on the low-cut on your r-09 as well

[zguy]

Thanks for all the responses!

Yes, 105 db isn't very loud. I'm sure even 120 db is surpassed during the louder moments. Although I usually have no problems - it's mainly occurs at a couple of clubs in particular. Anyway it looks like a low sensitivity version is superior if it can retain fidelity at higher db.