reefbeef Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 (edited) Can anyone currently using the new 12V battery modules comment on the difference between the older 9V ones? Can you capture more sound before clipping? Noticable improvement in mic performance? Do you still go Line In at level 30? Edited February 8, 2006 by reefbeef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dex Otaku Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Can anyone currently using the new 12V battery modules comment on the difference between the older 9V ones? Can you capture more sound before clipping? Noticible improvement in mic performance? Do you still go Line In at level 30?Most of the small-capsule mics used by MD/HiMD recordists are made to work optimally with a bias voltage of 10V. While I have never tested this myself I seriously doubt that another 2V would make any significant difference to the mics' overall sensitivity. If I'm not mistaken, it's also possible to overbias a mic, which could either fry it or wreck its linearity [i.e. shift the frequency response in various ways]. Anyone who DIYs/makes battboxes and/or mics - greemachine, Gerry of reactivesounds, the church audio fellow - care to comment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmachine Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 I couldn't say it better. The difference is too small to be noticable. Overvoltage can damage the FET without gaining real advantage in performance. A higher voltage than 9V doesn't make it significantly more sensitive or better suited for high sound pressure levels - there is some difference between 1.5 and 10V, but the difference between 9 and 12V would be barely noticable (besides the risk of damaging it).By the way, you have to distinguish between the common 2-wire connection, where you can use a somewhat higher voltage without damaging the mic because of the series resistance. I wouldn't risk to go any higher than 9V with a three wire connection though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefbeef Posted February 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Thanks, Dex and GreenMachine...I had not heard or thought of possible over-voltage.I am using AT Slimline Cardioids http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-8into Soundpro's mini battery module (9V)http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/.../item/SP-SPSB-6I am looking to upgrade (or atleast I had thought it would be an upgrade) to the super mini 12V http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/.../item/SP-SPSB-2since it is smaller and I thought the added voltage would be a good thing.The description for the mics states that they can take 9-52V of Phantom power. Does this mean I have nothing to worry about with the 12V batt mod?Also, Greenmachine, are SP's batt mods the 2 wire type you speak of?Thanks, again... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmachine Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 The above was meant for pre-polarized (electret) condenser microphones, which upper voltage is usually about 10V. Non pre-polarized condensers indeed need and benefit from a higher polarization voltage (phantom power 48V). Still i guess 12V isn't enough of a difference too be noticable. At least you don't have to be afraid of damaging them. IIRC, mrsoul is using similar microphones and recently upgraded from 9V to a 'real' 48V phantom power supply. Maybe you can ask him for advice / if there is a noticable improvement.Also, Greenmachine, are SP's batt mods the 2 wire type you speak of?Although theoretically superior, the 3-wire connection is hardly used for consumer equipment, propably for comfort and price reasons. Virtually all of them are built for 2-wire connection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A440 Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 It's possible that your mics are less sensitive or need more power than others. I've lately been using a 9V Microphone Madness Classic Battery Module http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmcbmminminc.htmwith SoundProfessionals BMC-2's and some other mics, and my usual level is 20/30. No need for post-amplification at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefbeef Posted February 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 (edited) Which spec on a microphone would one need in order to know the ideal voltage to apply to it?V=IR hmmmmmm... Edited February 8, 2006 by reefbeef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
javertim Posted February 12, 2006 Report Share Posted February 12, 2006 Slightly OT, but I must say that the 12v battery modules are TINY. Especially the one that SP makes. I removed the detachable belt-clip from mine and I swear I can fit that thing just about anywhere. Definitely a step-up in terms of stealth audio. ;-)Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefbeef Posted February 15, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Slightly OT, but I must say that the 12v battery modules are TINY. Especially the one that SP makes. I removed the detachable belt-clip from mine and I swear I can fit that thing just about anywhere. Definitely a step-up in terms of stealth audio. ;-)TimThanks, Tim. Did you notice an improvement in regards to sound quality? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
javertim Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 I haven't really noticed any improvements in sound quality, no. However, I have noticed no degradation, either. And the lack of bass roll-off is fine for me, since I'm using a set of cardioid mics that already limit the low end a little anyway. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefbeef Posted March 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2006 I bought the 12V version and notice significant reduction in recording levels when compared to the 9V batt module. Don't know why...maybe the one I got is defective. I'm awaiting an explanation from SP. Very disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayzray Posted March 18, 2006 Report Share Posted March 18, 2006 (edited) i had bought one of those tiny ones with the special battery; it sucked; sent it back; a tisket and a tasket; a bigger in my basket; yes; i got the 9v bigger one and life was emasket; that is recording improved.i used roll-off a bit; but since i just about analogically re-mix everything i ever record; i can use my EQ to tweek the gasket. Edited March 18, 2006 by rayzray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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