Topic: Sony PCM M-10 with external mics noise floor question

[Ozpeter]

Ooops - should read...

"To me, the Naiant > R-44 recording is slightly lower noise than the  Naiant > M10  recording.  I don't find that surprising.  However, for all I know the Naiant mics' self noise may reduce when on phantom power (R-44) vs Plugin Power (M10).  But I think it's safe to say the M10 mic input is no more noisy than you'd expect at its price point."

[guysonic]

Not having the M10 schematic makes analysis of the internal mic's powering verses the external mic's deck powering impossible.

M10 internal mics may or may not be powered by the same source as the external mic powering, and M10 internal mics likely have higher sensitivity (more output for same loudness) verses other mics giving them gain over most other types of external mics and a sense of being quieter. 

I know this true for at least DSM mics expecially "very low sensitivity /L and /EL models meant for recording very bass-loud sources.

The graphic spectrum noise chart below shows mic input noise is higher when ON verses when off. 

However, the M10 preamp noise when mic powering is mostly below 200 cycles so not likely heard as audible hiss if heard at all.

[flintstone]

Guysonic's test shows the M10 has a remarkably low noise floor.

You'd have to spend quite a bit more than $300 to have audibly better results.  The Sonic Studios R-09HR with the $150 Mod-4 upgrade is one candidate. The Marantz PMD661 with Oade Super Mod ($669) is another.

Flintstone