Gunshot Report Recording. Any damage to mics? at DVinfo.net

Mike Condron · May 26th, 2004, 02:11 PM

Does anyone have some words of wisdom on the dangers to mics caused by the report pressure of gunshots from say 10 to 15 feet away? I know this is a very general question but I'm looking for whatever anybody has to say about it.
Thanks

Mike Rehmus · May 26th, 2004, 08:32 PM

You have to be more specific about the microphone you have. A ribbon microphone would probably be shredded. A Shure SM81 will just record the sound with no problems.

Once you get past survival of the microphone element, then you get into the issue of whether it records it as you hear it. Unfortunately, it rarely is the case and almost always requires some sweetening in post.

Mike Condron · May 26th, 2004, 09:34 PM

Thanks Mike. The mic would be the on-board mic on a Sony VX2100. There is more interest in the video than the audio but we don't want to blow the camera's mic. I did a little digging and I can't find out what kind of mic the VX2100 has on-board. Any ideas?

Mike Rehmus · May 26th, 2004, 10:51 PM

It is a stereo electret condenser. It will probably not be damaged but you won't be able to use it in AGC mode if you want to hear the gunshot with any fidelity. Turn your gain down to about 15 to 25% and see how that works.

I'm kinda doubting that it will do a good job but it may be good enough.

The SM81 handles Glock .40 cal, MP-5's, M-16's, AK-47's and even 50 cal sniper rifles with reasonable results.

Glenn Chan · May 27th, 2004, 01:45 AM

Could you dub in better sounding gunshots? Some real life gunshot recordings sound... wimpy.

Mike Condron · May 27th, 2004, 07:26 AM

Thanks again Mike. We can proceed with confidence.

Gale Smith · May 27th, 2004, 12:54 PM

Mike-

I have recorded numerous gunshots with my sony dsr-pd150 with no problems and some of these rifles had ported barrels. I have always been a couple feet behind the shooter and the sound produced is good quality.

May 26th, 2004, 02:11 PM	#1
Mike Condron New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Location: Modesto California Posts: 16	Gunshot Report Recording. Any damage to mics? Does anyone have some words of wisdom on the dangers to mics caused by the report pressure of gunshots from say 10 to 15 feet away? I know this is a very general question but I'm looking for whatever anybody has to say about it. Thanks __________________ Mike

May 26th, 2004, 08:32 PM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	You have to be more specific about the microphone you have. A ribbon microphone would probably be shredded. A Shure SM81 will just record the sound with no problems. Once you get past survival of the microphone element, then you get into the issue of whether it records it as you hear it. Unfortunately, it rarely is the case and almost always requires some sweetening in post. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 26th, 2004, 09:34 PM	#3
Mike Condron New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Location: Modesto California Posts: 16	Thanks Mike. The mic would be the on-board mic on a Sony VX2100. There is more interest in the video than the audio but we don't want to blow the camera's mic. I did a little digging and I can't find out what kind of mic the VX2100 has on-board. Any ideas? __________________ Mike

May 26th, 2004, 10:51 PM	#4
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	It is a stereo electret condenser. It will probably not be damaged but you won't be able to use it in AGC mode if you want to hear the gunshot with any fidelity. Turn your gain down to about 15 to 25% and see how that works. I'm kinda doubting that it will do a good job but it may be good enough. The SM81 handles Glock .40 cal, MP-5's, M-16's, AK-47's and even 50 cal sniper rifles with reasonable results. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

May 27th, 2004, 07:26 AM	#6
Mike Condron New Boot Join Date: May 2004 Location: Modesto California Posts: 16	Thanks again Mike. We can proceed with confidence. __________________ Mike

May 27th, 2004, 01:45 AM	#5
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	Could you dub in better sounding gunshots? Some real life gunshot recordings sound... wimpy.

May 27th, 2004, 12:54 PM	#7
Gale Smith Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Parkman, WY Posts: 45	Mike- I have recorded numerous gunshots with my sony dsr-pd150 with no problems and some of these rifles had ported barrels. I have always been a couple feet behind the shooter and the sound produced is good quality.