Jim Morgan wrote:
> Maybe I'll run more tests that include higher frequencies. Maybe the gai=
n
> increases all the way up.
>
> So if this is true, worrying about using a mic with a flat frequency
> response is rather pointless if your using a parabola.
I still prefer that. Particularly against a mic that has odd bumps and
boggles in it's frequency response chart.
> However as Walt points out it would tend to compensate for the attenuatio=
n
> of higher frequencies as the distance to the source is increased.
Since mostly we use a parabolic to record individual calls, and calls
tend to be of relatively limited frequency range it's not a big issue
that the gain might not match all up and down the scale.
In general the irregular environment we record in has so many variations
that worrying at all about any of this is kind of like busywork. It all
makes a real difference in a nice smoothly responsive concert hall. And
we have to always filter stuff we read based on what it's about. That's
also why nice simple testing has it's limits. There is a strong need for
working out mic techniques specifically for nature recording, a lot of
our thinking is unduly influenced by other types of recording. Each of
us does some of this, but it would be real nice to see some tome like
you can find for each musical instrument in each situation. It would not
be so much species by species but situation by situation.
Now, get to recording ambiance and it's a different story. Still the
environment will dominate the variation, but we do want to try and not
obviously color it. The Telinga is surprisingly good at recording stereo
and can be used in a limited way for ambiance. And I've not noticed any
coloring problems in the sort of things I record. A mixed chorus of
frogs can cover a pretty good range of frequencies.
> I have noticed that some of my close recordings are as bit strident.
> Probably because the increase in high frequency gain is not cancelled or
> reduced by distance.
It's very easy to overload pre's when using the Telinga close. It can be
done, but you need to be on your toes. It will record high frequencies
nice and smoothly close, if your settings are right, your pre is happy,
etc. If it's at all a loud environment you will probably have to stick
some attenuation in.
This is one of the reasons for having more than one mic setup. My goal
is to have setups for different distances and situations so that I can
always record with a mic that's close to optimum for the sound zone I'm
trying to record.
Right at the moment I expect my closest mic will be the SASS. Then two
or more M/S setups for a little more distance. Then get into the Telinga
or maybe something with my MKH-816's. The Telinga is going to pretty
much be it for the really far stuff. Unless I start routinely carting
the bigger parabolic. For my scientific survey work I made the Telinga
do it all. And it did surprisingly well.
Walt
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