> I've looked at the specs of many different mikes, but after a while
> my head starts spinning as I don't know nearly enough to decide
> which pros and cons are most relevant!
Alan
This is an old mail I noticed from an untrimmed tail. :-)
A practical answer is that my priorities are:
Robustness
A field mic will get knocked about and be exposed to damp.
Noise
This what to spend your money on but beware of misleading noise
figures. It is mic hiss you hear most, but you can reduce this in
Audacity using a filtered "hiss only" sample.
Output level in mV/Pa
At least 20mV/Pa gets over the need for an ultra low noise input
preamps.
Reasonable frequency response
Cheap mics, especially electret mics, often have an extended
frequency response, but all response curves have been
"smoothed out" anyway. Off axis, and in a windshield, directional
mics have a very irregular frequency response but manufacturers
don't publish these, including "pro" quality mics.
Affordable price
Pay first for good noise figures for field recording.
My own choice is old used MKH-416 mics on eBay. These were the
industry standard for decades and are very robust. I've got a T
powered mixer and the T version is the best value for money.
David
David Brinicombe
North Devon, UK
Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - Ambrose Bierce
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