AT822 distorts... at DVinfo.net

Roland Gatto · April 14th, 2007, 02:03 PM

Hey everyone! I finally picked up at an AT822 to record loud indoor rock shows to my Canon camcorder. I tried it out for my first last night. It sounds pretty good but the sound is noticeably distorted especially when I'm near the amps (i.e. it's overloaded).

Besides moving away from the amp, is there any way to kill this distortion? I adjusted the audio level on my camera to a pretty low level (about 25% sensitive). I might try using the Shure EA650 to control the input level (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ghType=search).

Any other ideas? Is it normal for the AT822 to not handle concerts very well? Thanks!

David Kennett · April 14th, 2007, 03:51 PM

I've had an 822 for awhile, and I suppose the loudest thing i've subjected it to was poked under the lid of a grand piano, which was OK. Make sure your battery is 1.5 volts. Sometimes input circuits of preamps can get overloaded, as they may not be designed for high output from mike. They make attenuators for mike lines as well. I'd try a type made for the 1/4" plugs, or maybe there's one for the 1/8" stereo plug. An XLR type would be designed for a single balanced mike line, NOT the unique UNbalanced STEREO from the 822.

Just noticed where you are - looks like some bad weather yesterday!

Roland Gatto · April 14th, 2007, 05:42 PM

Hey Dave, thanks for your help! I'm in Boston right now, and even here we're getting some crummy weather!

Do you think the AT8202 would help matters?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

George Ellis · April 15th, 2007, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland Gatto

Hey Dave, thanks for your help! I'm in Boston right now, and even here we're getting some crummy weather!

Do you think the AT8202 would help matters?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

I do. I have 2 of those for my Beachtek as the mic has a higher voltage at peak than the device can handle. It takes -20dB to cut distortion on my 835ST.

Roland Gatto · April 15th, 2007, 09:57 PM

Hey George, thanks for your help. I might try a cheapter solution first - the Shure EA650. It's headphone volume adjuster that supposedly works pretty well as an attenuator

George Ellis · April 16th, 2007, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland Gatto

Hey George, thanks for your help. I might try a cheapter solution first - the Shure EA650. It's headphone volume adjuster that supposedly works pretty well as an attenuator

I don't know if your headphone volume control solution will work at all. The AT8202 passes phantom voltage.

April 14th, 2007, 02:03 PM	#1
Roland Gatto Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dallas Posts: 41	AT822 distorts... Hey everyone! I finally picked up at an AT822 to record loud indoor rock shows to my Canon camcorder. I tried it out for my first last night. It sounds pretty good but the sound is noticeably distorted especially when I'm near the amps (i.e. it's overloaded). Besides moving away from the amp, is there any way to kill this distortion? I adjusted the audio level on my camera to a pretty low level (about 25% sensitive). I might try using the Shure EA650 to control the input level (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ghType=search). Any other ideas? Is it normal for the AT822 to not handle concerts very well? Thanks!

April 14th, 2007, 03:51 PM	#2
David Kennett Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Ridgeville, Ohio Posts: 407	I've had an 822 for awhile, and I suppose the loudest thing i've subjected it to was poked under the lid of a grand piano, which was OK. Make sure your battery is 1.5 volts. Sometimes input circuits of preamps can get overloaded, as they may not be designed for high output from mike. They make attenuators for mike lines as well. I'd try a type made for the 1/4" plugs, or maybe there's one for the 1/8" stereo plug. An XLR type would be designed for a single balanced mike line, NOT the unique UNbalanced STEREO from the 822. Just noticed where you are - looks like some bad weather yesterday! __________________ Dave

April 14th, 2007, 05:42 PM	#3
Roland Gatto Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dallas Posts: 41	Hey Dave, thanks for your help! I'm in Boston right now, and even here we're getting some crummy weather! Do you think the AT8202 would help matters? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

April 15th, 2007, 09:57 PM	#5
Roland Gatto Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dallas Posts: 41	Hey George, thanks for your help. I might try a cheapter solution first - the Shure EA650. It's headphone volume adjuster that supposedly works pretty well as an attenuator