Charles Deenen (home) wrote:
>
> Hi walter.
>
> I have the MP2 and Mixpre, both of which I don=B9t find quiet enough. I=
=B9m
> also looking for mics that are quieter than the MKH series. Even though
> their selfnoise is very low, it=B9s not low enough (yet). It always bug=
s me
> that I have to EQ-out hiss on quiet recordings. Has anybody tried the ne=
w
> Neumann Digital output mic for quietness ?
You are approaching the area with these mics that the "self noise" is a
large part the air molecules hitting the diaphragm. That pretty much
defines the lower limit of self noise that can made.
Have you looked at the rest of your system? The mic and pre are not the
only thing that can produce hiss. Even your software you use to process
sound can produce some, especially with some filters.
The Neumann D-01 is rated by Neumann at 7dBA. It's sensitivity is very
low compared to the MKH mics, so you would need more gain with it,
making the self noise probably higher than the MKH in the recording.
Digital does not mean less self noise necessarily, the mic is still a
analog device, all they did was combine it with pre and A/D. It's not a
magic word.
> For example, have you ever recorded on the top of the volcano=B9s in Mau=
i ?
> If so, it has an almost eerie quitness too it, so you only hear very subt=
le
> rustling etc. Self-noise is a big issue during those times.
I've been there, but not recorded there. Back in the 50's.
You might want to get your hands on a sound meter that can measure at
these low levels and do a reality check. 10dB is extremely quiet. It is,
in fact, below what most folks can hear at most frequencies. It's not at
all common out in the environment. From what I remember of the Maui
volcanos it would be well above 10dB. 20dB or above, depending on the
strength of the breeze. With my sound meter, the quietest I have
measured in Georgia was late at night on windless nights. And that was
in the 20-30dBA range.
You need to work out how much of what you are removing is actually
environment. In Hawaii with it's near year round tradewinds there is a
constant background hiss from the breeze through the vegetation. I
suggested recently putting your mics under a bunch of pillows in a quiet
room and recording to find out just what your self noise is. Have you
tried that?
Walt
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