from ecm-719 to sp-bmc-1

[pepper]

I have been recording using a sony ecm-719 for a lot of gigs ive recorded,but recently bought some sp-bmc-1 mics.When recording with the sony i could have my levels set at 18/30 and that would give me a great recording with no clipping.Last night was the first time id used the sp mics and had to have it set at 13 as it looked like 18 would be way too much and it woud distort.Is it possible that the sp mics are more sensetive than the sony mic.I know this might sound silly ,and i realise mics are not all the same,but wondered if this was simply a case of mic sensetivity.From what ive heard back so far of the recording,it sounds ok,but a little bassy,which can be fixed,but so far no distortion or anything.

Edited May 27, 2007 by pepper

[pepper]

Here is a sample of the recording i made lastnight.Usually i have to normalize my recordings to get the volume right,but didnt have to this time.At times,it very very slightly seems to over power.If i turned my levels down to say 10,that might solve the problem a bit.These mics seem so sensetive,and dont seem to need as much level on the minidisc as any other mics ive used.

Sample...red mock chili peppers

http://www.soundclick.com/util/getplayer.m...386815&q=hi

[A440]

You're right--it's definitely the sensitivity. The Sony spec I could find online is probably -47dB (though they left out the - sign). The lower sensitivity BMC-1 is -42 and the high-sensitivity BMC-1, if you got those, is -35. Since the numbers are negative, -35 is higher sensitivity than -47. And those are very big differences in sensitivity, so the signal you get is louder.

The recordings sound bass-heavy to you because you're not used to it. You were recording in the past with a mic that has a lower-frequency limit of 100 Hz. Now you're actually getting the bass that was in the room, which is a big part of RHCP songs--otherwise Flea wouldn't have a job. With this recording, you're on the edge of distortion with the bass, so yes, try a slightly lower level next time.

If you're going directly into mic-in, I assume you are already using Low Sensitivity (as you should) but you might think about getting a battery module (to record through Line-in) or an attenuator (to go through Mic-in). One reason Sony's consumer mics "for minidisc" only go down to 100 Hz is that the mic preamps in minidisc units can't handle much bass, so the mic just eliminates it going in. Now you're getting a more accurate recording. Give it away now....

[pepper]

Thats a comfort to hear,the bass guitar was really in your face and thought at the time,bloody hell i hope these mics can cope.Il try and get to grips a bit more before my next show.I greatly appreciate your explanation,its really cleared things up,info like this is priceless.I alwyas go line in when recording and use a battery box,but lowering the level next time might just make all the difference.Once again thansk for the reply.