did a little more testing today. I got my "YPA" (chinese knockoff) versions of the DAD3056 microdot to 5-pin lectrosonics servo input so i could use microdot mics with the SPDR i picked up recently. Fortunately the knockoffs passed all tests on being electrically identical to the DPA versions (pin 1 was properly grounded to chassis, pins 2&4 were shorted to tell the input to produce 4V PIP, and there was the proper 3K9 resistor on pin 3 mic input)
neumann's KK14 specs are as follows:
Maximum SPL 153 dB SPL, with Supply = 10 V, Rfeed = 20 Kilohms, for THD < 0.5%
143 dB SPL, with Supply = 5 V, Rfeed = 8.25 Kilohms, for THD < 0.5%I was unable to get any response from sennheiser/neumann tech support, but lectro support suggested 6.6K resistor with the 4V their input provides
it did seem to work fine with the default 3.9K resistor in the adapter, i imagine this slightly lower resistance would only bump up output a bit on this very low-sens mic. any advice on the practical considerations here, or if i am putting the caps at risk, would be welcomed. technically the 3K9 resistor at 4V will allow up to about 1mA of current for these caps that want a max of 0.26 mA, so not sure if thats bad necessarily. Unless there is some other purpose than current-limiting for that resistor in that circuit. I would find it hard to believe that neumann would provide a mic with microdot out that wasnt compatible with the common DPA/lectro/countryman/etc microdot inputs, without providing specific guidance otherwise
so i did a home speaker test handholding the KK14 (on custom cable) next to a 4011GS, both single mics into the SPDR. Not an ideal test but at least a good comp. Adjusted the input levels on the channels independently on the recorder to get reasonably similar waveforms
The distance i was holding them can definitely be considered 'nearfield'. 15-30cm to the sound source
The KK14 definitely had less bottom end, but seemed to me to have a bit more clarity than the 4011s (which are kind of known by some for their 'dark' sound'). Per gutbucket's suggestion i did a little EQ on the bottom end and was satisfied with the result
the three files (4011 untouched, KK14 untouched, and KK14 eq'd) are here:
https://mega.nz/folder/tPEWkLIB#nSlOB2jQ1tQpAlD3gqR2hQconsidering im usually removing low end from my recordings in post, this may not be objectionable in practice. Still, the proof wont be in the pudding until i get them in a free-field environment at a show, which i have a few coming up in the next few weeks (and should have a pair of second-gen cables by middle of this coming week)