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Re: Bottoming-out revisited

Subject: Re: Bottoming-out revisited
From: "John Hartog" <>
Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2006 21:11:20 -0000
Thank you Rob, Klaus, and Eric for your comments - all very helpful.
For me, not having a formal background in audio beyond this nature
recording hobby, I am slow to grasp some of the technical concepts.
So, thanks for taking time to reiterate once again.

Rob, you wrote:
>This happening with another PIP mic on HiMD could be consistent with
>Curt's theory that something is going on with high level in using
>PIP power on the HiMD mics pre.

Perhaps it's the PIP, but recall last time this came up Curt Olsen
reported the problem still occurring when he powered the mics
externally and using the line-in. He also reported an inline -10db pad
did not help either. However, he did suggest that using a Sound Pros
SP-SPSB1S battery module with bass roll-off did correct the problem.

Klas's suggestion of -20 db attenuation before the input of the
recorder is worth trying: perhaps the -10db that Curt tried was just
not quite enough. What size resistors would I need, and where should I
connect them?

Regarding, the PMD-670/NT1-A's clipping.
Back in October, Allen Cob mentioned a similar problem clearing up
with the low shelf enabled.
Back in Nov 2004, when I first posted about my clipping problems with
the pmd-607 and NT1-A's, one group member contacted me off list to say
that he had called Marantz regarding a similar problem while trying to
record waterfalls.
Reportedly, Marantz Tech Support recommended that for the best
possible recordings: 
1.) Put the Level Control Switch on Limiter
2.) Turn the Record Level wheel to its highest setting, 10
3.) Change the Algor/File Settings to: Stereo, MP3, 48.0 kHz, 160 bps, mp3
4.) Set the MIC ATTEN switch to -20 dB because the Rode mics are
sensitive.
The advice apparently worked for him. 

I tried most of that except for changing to mp3, but it didn't really
help things for in my particular situation of trying to record a 20
foot ocean swell crashing into a spot called Devils Cauldron.   Since
the HIMD/Rolls/NT1-A arrangement seems to work better than the pmd670
in loud bass environments, I'll just stick with that next time around.

Eric, I admire that you are working on recoring the surf while
surfing. I'm a surfer too, so I know the dilemma of having to choose
between surfing or nature recording when the winds finally calm down.
Yesterday I chose to surf. I'll be interested to know how it works
out. I'm imagining a waterproof Dan's Vest. 

-John Hartog







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