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Re: Sennheiser 80x0 series. was Infrasound microphone

Subject: Re: Sennheiser 80x0 series. was Infrasound microphone
From: "Rob Danielson" danielson_audio
Date: Mon Aug 9, 2010 8:37 am ((PDT))
At 9:43 PM -0700 8/8/10, James Shatto wrote:
>
>  > --- On Sat, 7/31/10, Rob Danielson
><<type%40uwm.edu>> wrote:
>
>  >> At 5:16 PM -0700 7/30/10, James Shatto wrote:
>>>
>>>  My current mics are Avenson STO-2's. I feel a bit lucky having
>>>  stumbled upon these from early on. I saw them for sale used.
>>>  Couldn't find a sample of them in use that I didn't like. And took
>>>  the plunge. Unfortunately in use, they tend to be a little light on
>>>  the low end. All those Tuba players sound like half as many as they
>>>  should. And the noise floor is pretty noticeable. Otherwise great
>>>  mics. And very forgiving.
>  >>
>>
>  > Hi James--
>>
>  > With your experience of working with mics that have sensitivity of
>>  5.25 (mV/Pa) and equivalent noise rating of 28 dB(A), you'll be
>>  happily surprised with mics that have >17 dB(A) self-noise and higher
>>  sensitivity.
>>
>>  Before taking the plunge into expensive mics, I'd consider buying a
>>  pair of AT04022's and start experimenting with array options. Arrays
>>  make a huge difference and it takes a while to learn what the
>>  strength and weaknesses of the various options are. The low end
>>  response of the AT4022's is on par with mkh's. Rob D.
>>
>
>Sorry for the delay. As previously stated, at the bottom of every AT
>mic spec sheet is the clause:
>
>-----
>Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where
>temperatures exceed 110F (43C) for extended periods. Extremely high
>humidity should also be avoided.
>-----
>
>If it wasn't for the environmental concern, I would very much like a
>pair of those. But I live in Texas and it's going to be 100F+
>everyday this week. And my intent is all weather recording.
>Including rain and/or direct sunlight. Not that I've fully figured
>that one out yet. But I have a few ideals. 90%+ of my recorded
>content happens outdoors.
>
>Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of AT mics. I've owned 3 of them,
>and still have two of those. But I live in Texas. And at $500 per
>channel, that's a risk I'd rather not take. From what I recall of
>the MKH mics they're rated somewhere near 160F. Or I could be wrong.
>110F just doesn't cut it where I live. Maybe that's not a real spec
>and AT is just being cautious. But if it is a real spec, that one is
>a deal breaker.
>
>- James

Hi James--
Good point that you probably need to shade your mics from such
intense, direct sun. A light color wind screen material should do an
adequate job.  The AT4022 and MKH80-800 all have black bodies too.

It is astute of you to consider a potential difference in performance
at 120-130 degrees between the AT4022 and mkh-80/800 mics. Though I
personally wouldn't expect one,  I definitely wouldn't base my
purchase decision on a manufacturers disclaimer or specs about heat
performance.  I'm getting a chuckle trying to picture the engineers
out in the intense sun running extensive 1/3 octave temperature
performance tests.  Manufacturers, in general, prefer that we not
take their products out of our studios. Thank goodness they usually
stand by us though when we do. :-)

Another reason I suggested the AT4022's (which were going around $260
each last time I checked) is your interest in the SASS array. As side
address mics, the mkh-80/800's won't flush mount in a boundary as
required :-(  There are several recordists on the list currently
developing arrays based on SASS principles. If this seems
interesting, I can add your email to an informal study list.  Rob D.

  =3D =3D =3D


--









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