I'm not new to recording, but my experience was "pre-cell phone".
Last night, at a small club, I experienced my first cell phone interference.
Mics were above a table of several texting addicts.
SDC's are connected through 6' breakouts to 50' Canare stereo cable with 6' breakouts at the recorder.
I built the breakouts with cable from Aquarian Audio because of it's small diameter and fairly rugged construction:
http://www.aquarianaudio.com/product.php?productid=24&cat=0&page=1"It was specified with a 0.175" jacket diameter, but delivered with a nominal 0.160" diameter, so the cable was remade to spec and we ended up with the surplus. Perfect condition! 24-gauge (40 x 40) oxygen-free balanced conductors with low-capacitance foamed polyethylene dielectric, 95% TC braid with 24-gauge drain, and TPE jacket."So . . . I'd like opinions, experience, from others regarding the "weak link" in the chain.
Can the cell phone gremlins enter the mic itself?
Should I try rebuilding the breakouts with different cable? (suggestions? I just need cable small enough for two to fit in a Neutrik)
Would shortening the breakouts help?
Did the 50' stereo cable contribute to the problem?
(Or am I just doomed?)
I'm thinking it's mics or breakouts because the audience was full of cell phone addicts. (Don't get me started.)
The only ones affecting my signal were in close proximity to the mic stand. (I was watching them.)
Thanks for your help. I may post some clips later, but I'm convinced, from posts here, that it was cell phone noise.
Dave