naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Comparative noise levels of xlr + recorder

Subject: Re: Comparative noise levels of xlr + recorder
From: "Philip Tyler" macmang4125
Date: Fri Feb 6, 2009 10:58 am ((PST))
I think in actual fact the AT3032's are better than their spec being more like 
8 to 10 db self noise. On Rob's microphone spreadsheet there is a mention of 
this, and from my own experience of using them with other mics, I would say 
using ears only as the measurement device they sound quieter than 16db.

Phil

On 6 Feb 2009, at 17:19, "Raimund Specht" <> wrote:

Justin wrote:

> Did you listen to the file Andrew uploaded? At least on his recording,
> the difference in noise was dramatic, and definitely seemed to be in
> front of the self noise of the Rode NT2000. Is the AT-3032 self noise
> so much louder as to cover that up?

Hi Justin,

Yes, the absolute self noise level of the AT-3032 (16dB, 20mV/Pa) is
-110 dBu. The NT2000 (7dB, 16mV/Pa) exhibits a much lower absolute
self noise voltage level of -121 dBu (taken from
http://www.rane.com/note148.html, table 3) and is therefore much more
demanding regarding the preamplifier. In other words, the AT-3032
would work quite well in combination with any preamplifier that has an
inherent noise level of less than about -120 dBu. A preamplifier noise
level of -120 dBu would increase the overall noise level by only 0.4
dB, which should be normal inaudible.

> As you all know, I am very new to all of this. Am I perhaps
> interpreting Andrew's test recording wrongly? At least on the test,
> there is a vast difference in the noise floor of the SONY PCM-D50
> preamps and the Mixpre.

One part of the audible differences could be explained by the very low
absolute inherent noise voltage level of the NT2000. However, I
believe that there must be also something wrong with the D-50 sample
in this test. For instance, it could be that the plug-in power was
activated. Deactivating this PIP option from menu can greatly improve
its noise performance.

Regards,
Raimund





      








<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU