Topic: Sony ECM-MS907 Stereo Microphone

[kkaye]

Hey now I recently made my first tape using this mic, & was wondering if anyone had any tips for newbies. Im running it directly into my Sony D8 and using it only to make reference tapes of a friends band in bars and such. I hung it from the ceiling straight down and using the 90 degrees setting.

I was wondering what is the difference of high and low on the the mic sensitivity D8  and which to use?
The tape I made was used on low and came out better than I expected.

Any tips appreciated, hope I gave enough info on what Im gear Im using.

[Roving Sign]

The sesitivity setting is an attenuator. It knocks the mic signal down a bit when recording loud sounds.

For amplified music - always use the "low" setting or you will overload the mic preamp...

If it's just you and some buddies strumming acoustic guitars - you can get away with "high"

[morst]

If there is amplified stage sound and a PA system, bring the mic back over the crowd, and affix it (upside down  to the ceiling pointing downwards so it picks up even amounts of stage and PA sound.  You have a stereo mic, you might as well attempt to get a decent stereo image along with a realistic sounding recreation of what was heard in the room.



only problem with the built-in mount is that your tapes will be left-right reversed if you attach it to the ceiling. . . you can easily swap channels in most workstation software before you burn CD's though.

[Xpanding Man]

I was actually thinking about this mic (which i have used often, and seen used often in different ways than i used it )

here's how i've come to understand this setup (907 > d8 )

1- it's a mid-side microphone, with a directional element in the point/front of the mic (so pointing at the floor or the ceiling, both of which i've seen, might not be the best idea)

2- the two settings on the mic determine the width of the stereo image .   one click is like being back in the crowd, like a 90 degree ortf, the second click is like a 110 ortf, for when you are close to the sound source , like stage lip.

3- the mic has its own power element, so it can be run line in.  mic in on a d8 provides power, so if the mic is already powered this is unnecessary. 

4- levels s/b conservative, since this setup is known to 'brickwall' even when you're not peaking the levels to -0 db .  at a loud show, i usually have it at around 4.5, 6 or more if it's a quite thing.

does this sound about right to you cats who actually know ?  this is just what i've picked up here and there.....

[kkaye]

Thanks for the tips and +t to all !