Topic: Stereo DPA 4061s recording in mono (!?)

[acidjack]

I have to say, this is a strange one...

I purchased a used set of DPA 4061's (the Coresound HEB version) recently (for which I just ordered the new grids and clips from you) and finally used them for the first time last night.  The mics generally performed as one would DPAs to, except that it seems these mics record in mono.  Meaning, if you speak loudly into one capsule in a quiet room, you get a L/R waveform that is identical.  Not close. Identical.  I've used 4061s before, and I know Len matches the caps pretty well, but they could not be THIS matched.

Trying to be sure it was the mics and not the recording devices, I tried a number of different things to confirm this is the case: I checked my R-09HR to be sure it was recording in stereo.  I checked it again using the built-in mics - definitely the side I spoke into was much louder than the other, and that was with built-in mics right next to each other.  I also plugged the HEBs directly into my computer and recorded waveforms with me speaking DIRECTLY into one mic with the other mic off to the side.  The waveforms are identical, to the dB.  Similarly, in my recording from last night, the waveforms are matched exactly. 

Both mics seem to pick up a signal just fine; it's just that the signal that is output into each channel is a blend of the L and R channels.

I am no expert in electrical engineering, but this seems like a very bizarre result.  How could something like this happen?  I assume it would require someone affirmatively making a modification or faulty repair, not that, say, you could "bump" something and make the mics do this?

Have you ever heard of this happening before with Coresound mics or other manufacturers' mics?

I've emailed Len as well to see about servicing, but I thought this was a strange enough occurrence that it might be interesting to see if it had happened before.

[Gutbucket]

Sounds to me like there is a short somewhere between the L & R signal, which could be in the battery box or the connectors.  Check for continuity between the tip and ring at the output plug.  It should be an open circuit.  If it isn't there is a short somewhere.

[acidjack]

Sounds to me like there is a short somewhere between the L & R signal, which could be in the battery box or the connectors.  Check for continuity between the tip and ring at the output plug.  It should be an open circuit.  If it isn't there is a short somewhere.

I don't have the mics in front of me, so maybe it will make more sense when I do, but what exactly does "continuity" look like?  I'm sure this is a dumb question, I just know next to nothing about the inner workings of electronics...

[Church-Audio]

I have to say, this is a strange one...

I purchased a used set of DPA 4061's (the Coresound HEB version) recently (for which I just ordered the new grids and clips from you) and finally used them for the first time last night.  The mics generally performed as one would DPAs to, except that it seems these mics record in mono.  Meaning, if you speak loudly into one capsule in a quiet room, you get a L/R waveform that is identical.  Not close. Identical.  I've used 4061s before, and I know Len matches the caps pretty well, but they could not be THIS matched.

Trying to be sure it was the mics and not the recording devices, I tried a number of different things to confirm this is the case: I checked my R-09HR to be sure it was recording in stereo.  I checked it again using the built-in mics - definitely the side I spoke into was much louder than the other, and that was with built-in mics right next to each other.  I also plugged the HEBs directly into my computer and recorded waveforms with me speaking DIRECTLY into one mic with the other mic off to the side.  The waveforms are identical, to the dB.  Similarly, in my recording from last night, the waveforms are matched exactly. 

Both mics seem to pick up a signal just fine; it's just that the signal that is output into each channel is a blend of the L and R channels.

I am no expert in electrical engineering, but this seems like a very bizarre result.  How could something like this happen?  I assume it would require someone affirmatively making a modification or faulty repair, not that, say, you could "bump" something and make the mics do this?

Have you ever heard of this happening before with Coresound mics or other manufacturers' mics?

I've emailed Len as well to see about servicing, but I thought this was a strange enough occurrence that it might be interesting to see if it had happened before.

Take a pair of headphones ignore the meter and talk into one mic while covering up the other one you should hear only that mic in your ear if you dont then you have a problem with the mics battery box or connectors or your recorder is in mono

Chris

[ilduclo]

Sounds to me like there is a short somewhere between the L & R signal, which could be in the battery box or the connectors.  Check for continuity between the tip and ring at the output plug.  It should be an open circuit.  If it isn't there is a short somewhere.

if you're getting signals from both, even if it's mono, the mic caps are ok, so all you will need to do is to get them modded off of the CS Battery box and powered with a simple 9v BB. I use a sound pros 3 to power mine, and it only cost me $10 to get the caps modded (by a local sound shop) to a single 1/8" mini to plug into the SB box. It's bulletproof, which is NOT my experience with CS wiring.

[acidjack]

I have to say, this is a strange one...

I purchased a used set of DPA 4061's (the Coresound HEB version) recently (for which I just ordered the new grids and clips from you) and finally used them for the first time last night.  The mics generally performed as one would DPAs to, except that it seems these mics record in mono.  Meaning, if you speak loudly into one capsule in a quiet room, you get a L/R waveform that is identical.  Not close. Identical.  I've used 4061s before, and I know Len matches the caps pretty well, but they could not be THIS matched.

Trying to be sure it was the mics and not the recording devices, I tried a number of different things to confirm this is the case: I checked my R-09HR to be sure it was recording in stereo.  I checked it again using the built-in mics - definitely the side I spoke into was much louder than the other, and that was with built-in mics right next to each other.  I also plugged the HEBs directly into my computer and recorded waveforms with me speaking DIRECTLY into one mic with the other mic off to the side.  The waveforms are identical, to the dB.  Similarly, in my recording from last night, the waveforms are matched exactly. 

Both mics seem to pick up a signal just fine; it's just that the signal that is output into each channel is a blend of the L and R channels.

I am no expert in electrical engineering, but this seems like a very bizarre result.  How could something like this happen?  I assume it would require someone affirmatively making a modification or faulty repair, not that, say, you could "bump" something and make the mics do this?

Have you ever heard of this happening before with Coresound mics or other manufacturers' mics?

I've emailed Len as well to see about servicing, but I thought this was a strange enough occurrence that it might be interesting to see if it had happened before.

Take a pair of headphones ignore the meter and talk into one mic while covering up the other one you should hear only that mic in your ear if you dont then you have a problem with the mics battery box or connectors or your recorder is in mono

Chris

Yes, that is what I did- I definitely hear the voice in both, on both the R-09HR and going directly into the mac.  I think it's definitely a short, which I guess I'll have to pay to get fixed.

[guysonic]

If the stereo mic's output common ground connection is broken/open, then left/right signals show up equally on BOTH channel outputs.

[popskull]

I had the same issue, and decided it would be a good time to upgrade to a power supply/mic preamp combo. I put mini xlrs on the mic ends and went with chris church's 9100 and have been very happy with the results