Topic: Help me figure Out What This Is...

[Cheesecadet]

Recorded a show the other night and noticed some distortion during the applause.  There is no distortion during any of the music portions of the show which were much louder so I am puzzled why this would occur.  It basically happens after every song when the crowd applause is present.

The segment I posted in the sample was when the band first came out and there was really no one with 15 feet of my mics.  I noticed this on a couple other recordings as well and its really starting to get to me. 

I was running AT853 subcards (3-wire) > Tinybox  v1.5 > M10

Any insight or ideas as to why this would occur would be greatly appreciated.

Sample Attached

Thanks

[acidjack]

I just had the same thing happen with a totally different rig. The mic bodies had a sensitivity problem (20db lower than they were supposed to be), but the music part is fine. Curious what people come up.

[Cheesecadet]

That is unusual.  Anything in common to all of the recordings where you noticed it?

It is always during the applause part of the show and never during the music.  Strange and frustrating.  The only thing in common between all the recordings is that it is always the 853 > tinybox > M10 combo.

When I run the 853s > AT8533x > UA-5 > M10 there was never an issue.


I always run two rigs when I run the ATs so I came away with another copy that was fine with my Pelusos...but I want to get to the bottom of this issue.

Jon, do you think that has anything to do with the Tinybox by chance?  I figured no...but why not ask the source?

[Cheesecadet]

I just had the same thing happen with a totally different rig. The mic bodies had a sensitivity problem (20db lower than they were supposed to be), but the music part is fine. Curious what people come up.

How would I be able to check the sensitivity of the mic bodies?  I'm not that skilled when it comes to electronics and likely lack the necessary calibration tools needed.

What type of sensitivity problem did your mic bodies have and were you able to correct the issue?  Why would it not affect the music portion of the show and distort the quieter applause section?

I am totally baffled at this.

[Cheesecadet]

Well if the tinybox is the bit of kit in common, then I ought to have a look at it.

The weird thing is that I never have an issue with the Tinybox when I run it with my DPA4061's.

You may recall you built me a couple different breakout cables so I could switch between the two sets of mics.  6-Pin miniXLR in/out 1/8" cable for the DPAs and a 6-Pin miniXLR to dual MiniXLR breakout cable for the AT853s.  It was your invoice# 112711.

Would you need me to send the mics, breakout cable, and Tinybox all to you to inspect?  I would be glad to do so if need be, especially if it narrows down the possibilities or fixes the issue.

Let me know and thanks for the input thus far.

[acidjack]

I just had the same thing happen with a totally different rig. The mic bodies had a sensitivity problem (20db lower than they were supposed to be), but the music part is fine. Curious what people come up.

How would I be able to check the sensitivity of the mic bodies?  I'm not that skilled when it comes to electronics and likely lack the necessary calibration tools needed.

What type of sensitivity problem did your mic bodies have and were you able to correct the issue?  Why would it not affect the music portion of the show and distort the quieter applause section?

I am totally baffled at this.

In my case, it was fairly easy - for one, I noticed the mics required way more gain than they should.  Then a buddy and I just compared mine to his, which worked fine.

The sensitivity problem is being fixed at the factory by MBHO. I bought them used and they arrived DOA, so I'm not sure what the issue is yet. 

As to why it's only during the applause, that is the exact same thing I could not figure out.  The only thought I had is that maybe the audience noise is more consistent - more like a stable shot of white noise - and for some reason that frequency range is more prone to distort or something. But that really doesn't make much sense.

On mine, at least, it sounds like really strong wind noise, sort of.  The recording is OK since there was a board feed and the distortion during the applause isn't *that* bad, so when I post it you can see what I mean....

[acidjack]

Well if the tinybox is the bit of kit in common, then I ought to have a look at it.

Mine did not involve the tinybox or any external pre, so not strictly speaking a tinybox issue.

[OOK]

I need more information.  how are the mics mounted, are these on your person or are they on a stand?

[Cheesecadet]

On a stand.  Suspect it might be a powering issue so have sent the whole setup off to Jon to check out.  Talk about customer service!