My understanding is that the basic design of the smaller capsules
typically used in binaural rigs entails a fairly high self noise. I
don't know or understand the physics,(experts please expalin this!)
but the specs of even expensive binaural sets attests to this
difficulty. Even the more expensive mics of this design have so much
noise that they're not really satisfactory (in my opinion) for recording
in really quite settings.
That said, I've used the regular Core Sound (i.e. not even the high
end ones) for years and have been very happy with them. I've been very
happy with them even for such things as recording at dawn or dusk --- as
long as the overall sound level is moderate. Not too surprising, but
recordings I've made with even a little bit of distant background
traffic noise sound better than ones from really quiet setting where
the noise from the microphones is more noticeable.
More than absolute specs, it seems to be a matter of matching what the
microphones can do to the setting in which you want/need to use them.
An (old fashioned) anology suggests itself: 35mm vs. 4x5. There's lots
of good reasons for using the the smaller format, but 'technical
perfection' isn't one of them.
Beyond that, and perhaps as a new topic: I've started to feel that even
distracting background noise sounds better (and is less distracting)
if the recording is stereo than if mono. If this is a generally
accepted perception (?) I'd be interested in learning anyone's theories
about why people hear/feel that way.
Cheers!
Steve P
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