Topic: Fixing old cassette recording, recorded with a PZM-microphone??

[Jonas Karlsson]

Hi all!

Just recieved a few recordings I have transfered for a friend, and he used to use a so called PZM-microphone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PZM_%28microphone%29).

The problem is that this one recording is made from a long distance (I think) and sounds extremely thin! BUT if I play it in mono, it sounds more bassy. Is there any way of fixing this issue in post? It doesn't matter how much bass I put on the recording, it sounds just as thin in stereo anyway.

/Jonas, Sweden

[runonce]

create a mono track and mix it with the main stereo tracks...?

Also suggest playing with the phase of one or another channel.

I also wonder if an M/S plugin might be of help here also.

Dont be afraid to cut some high end either, PZMs are a bit sizzly, and not great far back.

[Gutbucket]

Sounds like one channel may be reversed in polarity relative to the other.  Flip the polarity of either the left or right channel (not both) and see if that improves thing before trying to EQ.

[Jonas Karlsson]

Sounds like one channel may be reversed in polarity relative to the other.  Flip the polarity of either the left or right channel (not both) and see if that improves thing before trying to EQ.

YES! Thanks a lot! I just KNEW you guys would have an answer to this 

I inverted the left channel in audacity, and it sounds fine now.

Is this problem because of the mic or has it happened during the transfer?

/Jonas

[runonce]

transferred as in cassette or DAT?

Any one remember the rig details? How the mics were positioned?

Are we talking Radio Shack PZMs here?

[Jonas Karlsson]

transferred as in cassette or DAT?

Any one remember the rig details? How the mics were positioned?

Are we talking Radio Shack PZMs here?

Transferred as in analog cassette using my Nakamichi Dragon. No, I think this was quite a good PZM microphone (probably Crown, don't know for sure) used toghether with an Sony Walkman D6C, and most likely the mic was positioned directly at either PA (right or left).

/Jonas

[runonce]

transferred as in cassette or DAT?

Any one remember the rig details? How the mics were positioned?

Are we talking Radio Shack PZMs here?

Transferred as in analog cassette using my Nakamichi Dragon. No, I think this was quite a good PZM microphone (probably Crown, don't know for sure) used toghether with an Sony Walkman D6C, and most likely the mic was positioned directly at either PA (right or left).

/Jonas

Perhaps that Crown SASS stereo mic that would be seen here and there - wedge shaped.

Since it was into a D6 (1/8 inch input) from piece of gear that has  XLRs - I might guess some faulty cable or combo of adapters could have accounted for a phase issue...

(assuming there is no Dolby C in play here?)

[Jonas Karlsson]

Nope, No dolby C from what I know.

Anyway - thanks a lot for the quick help!

/Jonas, Sweden

[Jonas Karlsson]

If anyone is intrested, this is the mic model I was reffering to: http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/3/8/4/3/3/2/webimg/582050278_o.jpg

REALISTIC  PZM  model 33-1090B

[runonce]

If anyone is intrested, this is the mic model I was reffering to: http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/3/8/4/3/3/2/webimg/582050278_o.jpg

REALISTIC  PZM  model 33-1090B

Ahh...those ran on AA batteries - quite possible someone put one battery in upside down, thus reversing the phase.

Not bad mics - but they were better with analog decks...once digital was upon us, they were far too trebly and chirpy.

[Jonas Karlsson]

and this was used together with the SONY WM-D6C analog deck 

Got quite a few "gems" that I wish I can transfer to digital from this taper... 

[morst]

I don't think they would run with the battery installed backwards. That PZM mic in the photo has been modified to have an XLR connector - they came with 1/4 plugs from the Shack, so maybe the mic was wired backwards?

Ahh...those ran on AA batteries - quite possible someone put one battery in upside down, thus reversing the phase.

Not bad mics - but they were better with analog decks...once digital was upon us, they were far too trebly and chirpy.

[runonce]

I don't think they would run with the battery installed backwards. That PZM mic in the photo has been modified to have an XLR connector - they came with 1/4 plugs from the Shack, so maybe the mic was wired backwards?

Ahh...those ran on AA batteries - quite possible someone put one battery in upside down, thus reversing the phase.

Not bad mics - but they were better with analog decks...once digital was upon us, they were far too trebly and chirpy.

I think that pic is just for reference - not the actual mic...

I think the XLR was a common mod back in the day...I think there was 3 wires in there already...IIRC.

Should run with batter upside down still...

[kirk97132]

If PZM was not placed on either floor or in air on  flat panel of at least 18"x18" it will have no low end response. I have seen clear plexiglass used