Microphone specs

[classicalnut]

I'm in the market for new mikes and see the following

1. frequency response

2. signal to noise ratio

3. open circuit sensitivity

4. dynamic range.

What should I be looking for in good mikes? What numbers are good in each catagory. Thanks, classicalnut

[Reactive]

Hi Classicalnu;

Frequency response:

is how well the microphone responds to a fixed frequency of sound. Ideally you will want a mic to not increase or decrease any of the signal frequency. However many mics are tailored to perfrom at a given frequency range, such as a vocal mic.

When I am shopping for a mic I will look for a flat frequency response that remains flat between the subsonic and the ultrasonic sound range. Typically this will be 20hz to 20,000hz.

Signal to noise ratio:

All electroinc gear microphones included have a self noise that they generate all on their own. Microphone manufacturer's strive to get the self noise in a microphone as low as possible. The ratio in db bewteen the self noise and the recorded signal is often displayed as S/N in dB at a particular frequency and at a particular sound pressure level. The greater the number is, the lower the self noise of the microphone.

Open circuit sensitivity:

This is the sensitivity of the microphone at the end of its cable when not connected to an electrical load. A lower value say 50dB usually indicates that the mic is more sensitive than one of a higher value. It's confusing, and often hard to measure one mic against another unless you have some pretty fancy equipment. I would not make this speciification the sole determining factor when purchasing a mic.

Dynamic range:

The difference bewteen the highest and lowest measurable sound pressure levels in the system of measurement is called the dynamic range. The bigger the number the greater the dynamic range of non distorted sounds can be captured by the microphone.

Placement of the microphone, the room your in, and the experience of the user are often far greater influences on the recording than just the microphone specs. It has been said that a $1000 microphone will produce a worse recording than a $100 microphone that is better placed. Recording really is a science and sometimes a black art. Practise often and become familiar with your equipment. In time you will be producing very high quality recordings, and that is a great feeling!!

[classicalnut]

Thanks Gerry,

Have been looking at some of your mikes as a possibility.

Thanks again for your quick reply.