I used the M10 as the microphone for my DSLR and it turned out all distorted. Weird b/c it was showing levels in the green all night. When I got home it seemed to distort on the kick drum and deep bass licks. the limiter was off and it was set to manual. Have the dial turned all the way back. I did have the output set to headphone instead of line out but I didn't think that would make difference on the input end. What could have caused this? It was a loud show.
Very likely because the level controls are *after* the first amplification stage.
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I suspect the mics are overloading. My own tests point to a preamp architecture where the gain setting is IN the preamp (variable feedback). The same preamp topology is built into the M10s "big brother" D50 so I suspect its a favourite with Sonys design team. From what I have seen in ECM capsule datasheets, the maximum SPL they can tolerate is between 115 and 125dB. If this is the case with the M10 mics, this is a SPL where hearing protection is required.
Another point to keep in mind is that bass drum kicks have a very high peak to average SPL, so if the mics are clipping, they cut off the peaks and the mic preamp is still within its linear range. BTW clipping off voice peaks is the usual way to improve peak to average power ratio in AM and SSB transceivers.
Since the same mic amp is also used for external mics, and does not overload easily, the evidence points to the mic capsules.
Greetings,
Rainer