Topic: Telinga EM23-PIP, very low noise, but musical?

[Justinasia]

I have come across this mic from the nature recordist, the "Telinga EM23-PIP". Is has low noise, at only 14dB(A). And it is small:
http://www.telinga.com/gallery/omnidirectional_microphones.htm

Due to its low noise, they really seem to like it. I also would like low noise mics as I want to gather recordings of native flutes and voice in the field, all un-amplified. I was thinking of the DPA 4060 but have been worrying about the noise levels. Does anyone have any experience with Telinga mics? Are they good for recording acoustic music? I want low noise but I must have good sound.

Thanks
Justin

[illconditioned]

Em23 (made by Primo mic out of Singapore) is the same as the Nak (omni) capsule.
It looks like they've put their own electronics (FET and a couple of resistors) behind it.

What is the price on this?
I wonder if you could get the same effect by modifying a Nak yourself?  They *may* use different electronics, but the same capsule, I believe.

  Richard

[Roger Gustavsson]

These Telinga EM23 are about $520/pair. The capsules are the Primo EM23 (there is also EM21, a cardioid) and they are about $55 from them. I got a schematic from Klas Strandberg of Telinga. They seems to be intended for lower level work, like nature recordings or acoustic imstruments. Their noise level is low compared to a standard Nakamichi with the same capsules. The balancing output transformer of the Nakamichis drop their output level quite a bit and it put some demands on the mic preamp. Removing the transformer gives a lower noise floor, 5-8dB seems to be common. EM23 is a bit rolled-off above 10 kHz but as it is an omni capsule, bass is extended even at a distant pickup. I have several schematics that seems to work with EM23/EM21.

Roger