Overworked Mic at DVinfo.net

Chris Mueller · November 18th, 2003, 06:27 PM

Is it possible for a microphone to experience too loud a noise that it "breaks?" ...Like how our ears work? Or will microphones be able to collect sound in as well as it did when it was purchased, say, five years ago?

Rob Lohman · November 24th, 2003, 08:25 AM

Anyone?

Stylianos Moschapidakis · November 24th, 2003, 08:55 AM

Recently I read something on this issue on cerativecow.net. Here it is:

" ... all mics have a maximum SPL rating... Beyond this level can damage a microphone diaphragm, particularly condensors, electrets, and most definitely ribbon mics. Dynamic mics can handle much higher SPLs.

But, you will clip the circuitry of the mic well before you exceed the SLP rating in many cases... So, in these cases, use a pad, which most pro mics have. If it doesn't have one, many preamps and consoles have pads to cut the incomming signal. You might also consider simply putting a limiter with an infinite ratio and threshhold around -1 db between your mic and your recording device, to keep the spikes from clipping. There is no room for forgiveness in the digital domain, so it's not hard to do.

But again as far as damage to the mic. If anything could exceed the SLP rating of a mic, a gun shot definitely will do it, if you are close enough. So, check the specs. for your mic, and use an SPL meter next time you are in the field."

written by Jake Tolbert
PFS Multimedia
Audio Professionals Forum Leader

Chris Mueller · November 24th, 2003, 09:12 AM

Thats great info; thanks a lot!

November 18th, 2003, 06:27 PM	#1
Chris Mueller Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 49	Overworked Mic Is it possible for a microphone to experience too loud a noise that it "breaks?" ...Like how our ears work? Or will microphones be able to collect sound in as well as it did when it was purchased, say, five years ago?

November 24th, 2003, 08:25 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Anyone? __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

November 24th, 2003, 08:55 AM	#3
Stylianos Moschapidakis Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cambridge, MA/Crete, Greece Posts: 189	Recently I read something on this issue on cerativecow.net. Here it is: " ... all mics have a maximum SPL rating... Beyond this level can damage a microphone diaphragm, particularly condensors, electrets, and most definitely ribbon mics. Dynamic mics can handle much higher SPLs. But, you will clip the circuitry of the mic well before you exceed the SLP rating in many cases... So, in these cases, use a pad, which most pro mics have. If it doesn't have one, many preamps and consoles have pads to cut the incomming signal. You might also consider simply putting a limiter with an infinite ratio and threshhold around -1 db between your mic and your recording device, to keep the spikes from clipping. There is no room for forgiveness in the digital domain, so it's not hard to do. But again as far as damage to the mic. If anything could exceed the SLP rating of a mic, a gun shot definitely will do it, if you are close enough. So, check the specs. for your mic, and use an SPL meter next time you are in the field." written by Jake Tolbert PFS Multimedia Audio Professionals Forum Leader __________________ Stelios G.M.

November 24th, 2003, 09:12 AM	#4
Chris Mueller Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 49	Thats great info; thanks a lot!