Not a dumb question Steve, but in my opinion a rather complex one. As you k=
now the Telinga parabola as well as others tend to amplify the higher frequ=
encies more than the low. This tends to compensate for the natural attenuat=
ion of higher frequency sounds that increase with the distance from the sou=
rce to the mic. So the bird or whatever sounds closer than it really is.
On close recordings I often point the parabola slightly away from the sound=
source thus reducing the high frequency amplification. I have also on rare=
occasions reduced the high frequency amplitude to get a more natural sound=
ing recording. One particular case that comes to mind was a recording of a =
Western Meadowlark at about 15-20 feet. As you can imagine it came out rath=
er shrill but reducing the higher frequency amplitude gave me a recording t=
hat was pleasing to my ears.
So I think it all depends on what sounds good to you and or what effect you=
are trying to achieve.
Jim
Jim Morgan
Prescott, Arizona USA
http://www.wingsofnature.com
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