Thanks Scott! =A0FWIW, the cables were purchased second hand, thus the pric=
e, but came from Best Buy originally(not that that makes them any better!).=
=A0 My question was perhaps poorly worded, as I was not trying to improve =
on the self noise of the mic caps themselves(I know you cannot do that), bu=
t just did not want to add any MORE noise or loss of signal into the equati=
on. =A0Since that seems not to be the case, I'll likely go with the "modula=
r" idea, so that when I get better mic=A0capsules(thinking eventually Primo=
's from Frogloggers), I can then just swap them out. =A0 This run is just t=
he second time I've tried this(self build), so it's mainly a test/learning =
run anyway, I just want to make sure I have it figured out before I use mor=
e expensive parts. =A0=A0
From: Scott Fraser <>
To:
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 10:49 AM
Subject: [Nature Recordists] Re: Mic. self build question.
=A0
<<For those of you who have or do build your own mic set ups, I have a ques=
tion. Will I see a significant improvement in noise(less of it!), if I sol=
der mic capsules directly to the wire at the end of the mic cable, or, can =
I attach mic capsules to an RCA plug and thus build them modular. For my m=
ain mic cables, I've decided to use existing split cables(3.5 out to two RC=
A; was able to purchase several of them for $2), but I know RCA is old tech=
, so I'm thinking it might either reduce gain potential or add in more need=
less noise if I use the plugs. That said...if the penalty is not terrible =
in doing so, just building the mics onto RCA female end and thus having the=
ability to later on, swap out elements might be worth it. Anyway, if anyo=
ne has any thoughts on that, I'd appreciate it!>>
Cable & connectors do not generate noise. You cannot improve upon the high =
self noise of low cost miniature mic capsules. That's a given, based on una=
lterable physics. RCA connectors won't influence your signal one way or the=
other, although in electronics practice they are not used for microphone s=
ignals. I would say that any cable with RCA connectors already attached pur=
chased for $2 could very possibly be a flaky, poorly shielded item built to=
low standards. Good cables are worth every penny paid.
Scott Fraser
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