Correct Input Trim for Sennheiser ME66? at DVinfo.net

Jayasri Hart · January 5th, 2011, 08:13 PM

I am using the Senn ME66 (phantom power only, no MZQ200 stand adapter) with the Z7U. The Senn manual says "Sensitivity @ 1 kHz is 0dB (K6-CL -18dB)" Should I set the Input Trim to -18dB?

When I leave it at 0, the recorded signal (when played back), seems to be at least 10 dB lower on average. Thank you for any related experiences you can share with me.

Shaun Roemich · January 6th, 2011, 12:16 AM

Rather than choosing a somewhat arbitrary sensitivity, I would approach it from the perspective of trying to establish what a "normal" recording scenario would be for you, set the on camera manual audio gain adjustment to around 7 and modify the sensitivity to get an input level of ~ -18 to -12dB on the meters. This should give you enough latitude to make adjustments under normal usage and should provide the best dynamic range (ASSUMING that Sony uses the 70% = unity gain approach in the Z7 - haven't used one - only have time on the Z1U in the Sony HDV line).

Hope this helps.

January 5th, 2011, 08:13 PM	#1
Jayasri Hart New Boot Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 15	Correct Input Trim for Sennheiser ME66? I am using the Senn ME66 (phantom power only, no MZQ200 stand adapter) with the Z7U. The Senn manual says "Sensitivity @ 1 kHz is 0dB (K6-CL -18dB)" Should I set the Input Trim to -18dB? When I leave it at 0, the recorded signal (when played back), seems to be at least 10 dB lower on average. Thank you for any related experiences you can share with me. __________________ Jayasri Hart Documentary Producer-editor, Los Angeles

January 6th, 2011, 12:16 AM	#2
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	Rather than choosing a somewhat arbitrary sensitivity, I would approach it from the perspective of trying to establish what a "normal" recording scenario would be for you, set the on camera manual audio gain adjustment to around 7 and modify the sensitivity to get an input level of ~ -18 to -12dB on the meters. This should give you enough latitude to make adjustments under normal usage and should provide the best dynamic range (ASSUMING that Sony uses the 70% = unity gain approach in the Z7 - haven't used one - only have time on the Z1U in the Sony HDV line). Hope this helps. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/