Topic: Portable Recorders 2 - Binaural Mic Tests: Sony PCM-D50 Vs. Roland CS10EM

[YannEA]

I’ve read the microphones on a Sony PCM-D50 Portable recorder are not great and I was wondering exactly how “not great” they might be? Sound Designer Gordon McGladdery [aka A Shell In The Pit] mentioned something about binaural microphone recordings and I jumped at the chance to do a comparison recording. Plus I thought it would be a good excuse to hang out with Gordon.

1. River Ambience Recordings in North Vancouver
We drove around until we found a location near Deep Cove with a large stream, away from busy car traffic. This was a good opportunity to record ambience with a lot of detailed information to highlight transient response in the test microphones.

2.Traffic Drive-Bys in East Vancouver
For this test we used two different recorders so we can compare the exact recording. Because we used 2 different recording devices simultaneously (Tascam DR-05 and Sony PCM-D50) we expected some difference in the mic preamps and D/A converters. It’s not 100% scientific but it’s a useful test.

I've posted the comparisons files, audio frequency curves and pictures on by blog. The raw files are available for download (about 200Mg) there as well.

http://hybridsoundworks.com/?p=1977

Let me know if you find this comparison useful, of if you have any questions.
YannEA

[Ozpeter]

The chief result I get from this exercise - for which many thanks - is the excellent stereo image from the Roland mics.  I've wondered about getting a pair and this has firmed my resolve to do so!  What is remarkable to me is that the "surround" effect from the binaurals works - for me - even better on loudspeakers than on headphones.

As for the other qualitative differences between the built-ins and the plug-ins, that's more in line with expectations.

The Roland mics with the Sony M10 would be a very good combo, as the Sony's built in omni mics have terrible stereo imaging.  (Have I said that before?  Sorry...!)