Thanks Greg. =C2=A0Any pointers on wiring those(the boundries)? =C2=A0 The =
"cheap" ones do not come with a preamp...will I need that? =C2=A0Sorry for =
the 64 questions, but I'm certainly interested in trying both!
From: Gregory O'Drobinak <>
To:
Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 2:50 AM
Subject: Re: [Nature Recordists] EM172 capsule frequency response
=C2=A0
The 'real' frequency response curves for both the EM172s and the EM173s tha=
t I
have (from Primo) show the low end as flat to 80 Hz, but I suspect that it =
goes
much lower. I've never run out of LF response in my own recordings using th=
em in
natural settings. I don't know of any other inexpensive capsules that are a=
s
good as the Primos, with perhaps one exception.
The MX391 boundary mics that were available on eBay for $26 each are equall=
y
good with a low end that goes down to 20 Hz before it starts to drop off. B=
ut
they are designed to be placed on a boundary, which helps to boost the LFs =
as
the boundary area gets larger.
My own comparisons of the Primo EM172s with the MX391s using only the PIP f=
rom
my Sony PCM-M10 to power the capsules, shows that the self-noise is compara=
ble
for both capsules but the MX391s have a more pleasant noise spectrum; the E=
M172s
have a more objectionable HF hiss to them which is more difficult to EQ out=
. The
specs say that the self noise is 14 dB-A, but to me, subjectively, I'm not =
sure
that this is true.
Both of those capsules are nearly identical in size, so if they are made we=
ll
and the preamp FETs are as low noise as possible, then I would expect the
self-noise to be quite the same, but not necessarily the same spectrum-wise=
.
It also seems that the EM172s may have 2 dB more in output level than the M=
X391s
(using the M10 PIP), but that is certainly not huge.
So by yourself a pair of each, make the appropriate adapter cables and you'=
re
still under $100 for the complete kit. It'll get you going to do some real =
work
and afterwards you can decide if you want to spend at least another $700.00=
on
better mics. I use the AT-4022s for the 'better' set in a self-made 'SASS' =
type
boundary array.
BTW, I've heard some superb nature recordings done by John Grzinich using a=
pair
of AT-4021s, which are the cardiod counterparts to the AT-4022 omnis. He us=
es
them in an ORTF configuration. It sounds pretty sweet to me!
Good luck in your work,
Greg
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