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Re: Help choosing low cost mic with Sony PCM-M10

Subject: Re: Help choosing low cost mic with Sony PCM-M10
From: "hartogj" hartogj
Date: Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:57 pm ((PST))
Hi Arwen,
Maybe there is a way to make the built-in mics on the PCM-M10 work for you =
until you find something that meets all of your minimum requirements. If yo=
u can find an affordable parabolic reflector, you could mount the PCM-M10 i=
nside the dish and operate it with the wired remote. Or maybe the PCM-M10 c=
ould be fitted through a flat boundary to make it more directional - as a b=
oundary mic. Or instead of directionality, focus on proximity.

John Hartog
rockscallop.org




--- In  "Arwen B. Ximenes" <> w=
rote:
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm new to nature recording and am taking the plunge by ordering a sony P=
CM-M10 recorder but still need to work out a mic to go with it, and thought=
 I'd ask in case there's one I can get from the same stockist (B&H) or so I=
 can get one elsewhere when I'm ready.
>
> I would like to record three different types of bird sounds: local indivi=
dual birds; dawn chorus and especially migrating honeyeaters en masse (in l=
arge flocks during the day - Eastern Australia).
> I would also like to be able to switch between cardioid and supercardioid=
 pickup patterns. I'm doing this out of my own interest, not professionally=
 or for serious research. I have been dipping in to the messages on this li=
st from time to time and find it all so interesting, but am a long way off =
understanding all the technological info.
>
> My budget is very small. As I mentioned I am purchasing a sony pcm-m10 re=
corder for $229(plus postage) and have very little left over for the mic. I=
 would be recording in reasonably quiet locations, but am not too concerned=
 about background noise at this stage.
>
> Two options I thought of were:
> 1) a cheap omni mic in a parabolic reflector - I still have to some how g=
et a reflector and the mic - one has been recommended to me by a nature rec=
ordist for $50 from the UK, but once shipping costs are considered and the =
reflector, this probably blows my budget. I would however prefer a more por=
table setup. When I was thinking about a parabolic reflector Vicki Powys su=
ggested the EM 173, so I think I have this option covered if option 2 is im=
possible.
> 2) my preference: a cheap(ish) shotgun mic with cardioid and supercardiod=
 responses. I would not want to pay more than $100 in total if possible inc=
luding shipping. A mic that can also be put into a reflector later on would=
 be ideal.
>
> I came across the Nady SGM12 from B&H, and am wondering whether it would =
fit the bill and I could just order it with the recorder. It's very cheap, =
but I'm not sure if it's suitable and I'm a bit concerned that the frequenc=
y response is 50Hz to only 16kHz. The signal to noise ratio is >68dB, max i=
nput sound level 125dB. Sensitivity (1KHz at 1 Pa): 52dB / - 44dB (=C2=B12d=
B) It has 3 pin XLR output connectors ... would this be any good for my pur=
poses? Just remember I'm a complete beginner and don't require fantastic qu=
ality just yet.
>
> Any ideas, suggestions, advice welcome!
>
> Many thanks in advance,
>
> Arwen
>
>
>
> .........................................
> Arwen Blackwood Ximenes
> 
>=20=20=09=09=20=09=20=20=20=09=09
>
>








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