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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: dummkopf on August 27, 2008, 11:48:38 AM

Title: mic distortion question
Post by: dummkopf on August 27, 2008, 11:48:38 AM
so far I got 2 different opinions on this...

can or will a mic with below characteristic leed to distortion in frontrow/onstage taping environments that are loud and electric guitar driven? is 138db usually enough to avoid distortion or not?

Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%  138db
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: dummkopf on August 27, 2008, 06:06:39 PM
Quote from: mshilarious on August 27, 2008, 05:58:43 PM
Unless you're within a few feet of a mains cabinet, or inside a kick drum, I would certainly hope so!

Now, at that level the mic will have a very hot output, so you would need to take care not to clip your preamp/converter.
I plan to mount external mics on a video camera so there's no preamp/converter.
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:19:54 PM
Quote
I plan to mount external mics on a video camera so there's no preamp/converter.

There is a preamp/converter on your video camera and most video cameras have a tough time handling very loud sources.  Sounds to me like you should be more concerned about the video cameras electronics than the microphone...
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: dummkopf on August 27, 2008, 06:23:13 PM
Quote from: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:19:54 PM
Quote
I plan to mount external mics on a video camera so there's no preamp/converter.

There is a preamp/converter on your video camera and most video cameras have a tough time handling very loud sources.  Sounds to me like you should be more concerned about the video cameras electronics than the microphone...
so we are talking about the 'volume in' level control?! I work with a sony A1U. sorry if I sound overly amateurish...

I really appreaciate the advice  :)
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:28:09 PM
oh well shit!  THat is an awesome camera!  It has xlr inputs with phantom power.  You should be fine....

What microphone(s) are you using...
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: dummkopf on August 27, 2008, 06:30:56 PM
Quote from: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:28:09 PM
oh well shit!  THat is an awesome camera!  It has xlr inputs with phantom power.  You should be fine....

What microphone(s) are you using...
I currently use the one that came with the cam but I am super unhappy with it. no bass at all...

so I am thinking either the Neumann KM184 or some beyer I saw in another thread. haven't made up my mind yet....
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:33:30 PM
beyer mc930 ?  good choice!
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: dummkopf on August 27, 2008, 06:36:32 PM
Quote from: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:33:30 PM
beyer mc930 ?  good choice!
yes, seems like a good bang for my buck.
Title: Re: mic distortion question
Post by: Javier Cinakowski on August 27, 2008, 06:51:18 PM
Good Luck!   T+