Hi--
Marco was kind enough to make some more recordings for us. Here's a
link to a sonogram movie featuring a robust bird call recorded with
both recorders using the internal mics and short clips of the room
tone recorded at highest gain so we can get an idea of the sound
qualities of the self-noise generated by the built-in mics.
http://tinyurl.com/yeycmyo (3mb download only) Play with QT
compatible movie viewer of your choice.
It appears that a substantial part of the self-noise of the internal
mics in the D50 is in the lower range of the audio spectrum where its
quite audible and effective at masking acoustic space. To my ears, I
would say the noise considerably more objectionable than that
produced by Shure WL183's [measured 22 dB(A) self-noise].
The M-10's self-noise is higher in the spectrum and less
objectionable, but its still quite audible in recordings of quieter
settings. Below is a link to an MP3 from simultaneous,
tripod-mounting recordings Marco made. The D50's recording comes
first followed by the M10's and they alternate.
http://tinyurl.com/ycbudua
The Sony PCM-D1 has also earned kind remarks for the performance of
its built-in mics, unfortunately, its not in this comparison.
Based on previously-posted samples, I was encouraged that Sony's
built-in mics could be a grade or two above the sound quality of the
internal mics/pres in most other hand-held recorders. They may be,
but in practice, their usability of the built-in mics for nature
recording is still limited to close, robust sounds and louder spaces
unless is happy bringing home a good deal or hiss and lower range
masking. The D50 seems to be more handicapped than the M10. A
body-worn pair of Shure WL183's http://tinyurl.com/yeove3k or Klas's
new clip-on omni mics are two, good options if you want to
noticeably improve recording quality and still have ease and
low-profile.
Marco wrote to me that he always carries along his good, low-noise
mics that can be quickly plugged-in. As Oryoki pointed-out,
recordists who use dishes and other very sensitive mics/sources can
sometimes get by with much less record gain and dramatically reduce
noise in these recordings.
As we know from Raimund's measurements, the input noise of the mic
preamps in both recorders is low enough to support the use of low
noise mics and arrays which may be more important if one is making a
longer term investment. Rob D.
=3D =3D =3D =3D
At 2:11 AM -0500 3/19/10, Rob Danielson wrote:
> Marco, if you could, take the recorders outside and record some
>ambience when you get a chance. The gain can be set to get -12 to -20
>peaks or in that range. Again, make sure all filters are off. I'm a
>little concerned by what could be lack of bass in the M10, but
>another test will tell us more. Thanks! Rob D.
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