Microphone decibel level help

2003-10-02 03:51:40

I bought a Radio Shack stereo microphone (full details), and I know Radio Shack usally isn't good for audio stuff but it was on sale. Anyway, when I try to use it with my Minidisc (nz-n707, doesn't have proper sensitivity settings) and record loud sounds, it has clipping. Now what I wanna know if this is a problem with decibels and how much it can do (I'm not sure how many it can handle since RS doesn't give the detail). I see this mic (full details) can handle 90dB, so if I get that mic, or any other mic that can do 90dB+, am I gonna have dramatic differences? Cuase with that radio shack mic I get alot of clipping (gets all scratchy and too loud for it to handle).

Microphone decibel level help

Reply #1 – 2003-10-02 12:30:00

It could be the mic clipping.

It could be the mic pre-amp clipping.

It could be the line-level stage clipping.


If yuu're sure it's the mic, then yes, there are much better mics out there. e.g. the B&K measurement microphones (very expensive) will work up to 120dB SPL.

I'm sure there are much cheaper alternatives that work above the 90dB SPL you quote. That's pretty low for signal peaks in a live performance.


Cheers,
David.

Microphone decibel level help

Reply #2 – 2003-10-02 13:01:37

I bet it is not the microphone that clips. Electret condenser mics usually have quite high output voltage.
For example the Sennheiser K6 can be attached to line in when recoding live music. Just try this with your microphone.

Microphone decibel level help

Reply #3 – 2003-10-02 13:05:18

As the prior poster said, there isn't enough information to tell whether the Radio Shack is just putting out too much signal for the MD recorder.  You could try an in-line volume control, which RS probably carries.

A couple of points though... The RS mike says it is omnidirectional, while the second one
is directional.  So the second one will be more immune to noise behind you, your breathing, etc.  Mounting it right on the MD recorder, as shown, may pick up some mechanical noise
from the recorder.  I know that is an issue with hard drive recorders using a built in mic.
But it should work ok with an extension cord.

Microphone decibel level help

Reply #4 – 2003-10-02 18:28:28

Ok, thanks for the info. I really wish that Sony would just put more features that I care about on the unit. There is a hack that changes sensitivity, but the machine doesn't have the hardware to perform the action. The only thing I can currently do is turn down the volume nearly all the way, making it very annoying for quiet times. And then you have to transfer everything back in real time (not digital) back to the computer.

The input has line in and mic in on the same plug, and it detects which one it is automatically.