Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
- Thread starter GreatOz
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beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
I think generally you want less than 10db. Good studio mics are typically 5-7db. Usually tube mics are 7-12db, others 5-7db.
I think generally you want less than 10db. Good studio mics are typically 5-7db. Usually tube mics are 7-12db, others 5-7db.
NegativeEase
New member
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
Also slightly related, For dynamic and ribbon mics, a cloud lifter is a handy way to hit a pre harder and keep noise down from maxing out a pre
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ones-cl-1-cloudlifter-1-channel-mic-activator
Also slightly related, For dynamic and ribbon mics, a cloud lifter is a handy way to hit a pre harder and keep noise down from maxing out a pre
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ones-cl-1-cloudlifter-1-channel-mic-activator
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
Virtually any decent, modern microphone will have low enough self noise as to be a non-issue unless you are doing field recordings. Then you want something with laboratory-grade specs.
NegativeEase
New member
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
It's a fair point that literally any basic prosumer or pro mic from a major company -Shure, EV, AKG, Audix, Sennheiser etc etc is going to have acceptable S/N ratio for most any application as long as you are using the type of mic you buy (dynamic/condensors etc) in the more preferred applications (examples would be use dynamics for medium to high SPL and close miking, use condensors for low to med volume SPL and extra detail -or high SPL only if rated) (use back electric style condensers for faster songs, room mics or percussion) -there are no hard rules -but get educated on the product application suggested by the maker
-and unless you are studio recording wind or the sound of a butterfly with a dynamic mic -then you might find the S/N ratio issue in a quality mic.
But the preamp in your mixer or your interface is where I contend where S/N ratio could become more of a concern if you are using cheaper pres or not hitting the pre with enough level.
It's a fair point that literally any basic prosumer or pro mic from a major company -Shure, EV, AKG, Audix, Sennheiser etc etc is going to have acceptable S/N ratio for most any application as long as you are using the type of mic you buy (dynamic/condensors etc) in the more preferred applications (examples would be use dynamics for medium to high SPL and close miking, use condensors for low to med volume SPL and extra detail -or high SPL only if rated) (use back electric style condensers for faster songs, room mics or percussion) -there are no hard rules -but get educated on the product application suggested by the maker
-and unless you are studio recording wind or the sound of a butterfly with a dynamic mic -then you might find the S/N ratio issue in a quality mic.
But the preamp in your mixer or your interface is where I contend where S/N ratio could become more of a concern if you are using cheaper pres or not hitting the pre with enough level.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
Your post also reminded me: make sure you are recording with at least 24bit depth, that also has a bearing on how clean the recording will come out, as well as how fine a resolution you will have overall, especially at lower dbU levels.
Agreed, the preamp is probably a bigger issue, if one exists. One of the things I like about the SSL is that it has a separate input and output gain paths, so you can hit the preamp nice and hard and get all that juicy 2nd order harmonic goodness, and then attenuate it before it goes into your interface and kills it lol.
Your post also reminded me: make sure you are recording with at least 24bit depth, that also has a bearing on how clean the recording will come out, as well as how fine a resolution you will have overall, especially at lower dbU levels.
Last edited:
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
I have a Russian Octavia that sounds like a vintage U47 but has self noise of 20db or more. It sounds really good but I can’t use it. One of the big problems is build up from multiple tracks. It’s bad enough on its own, but that noise just starts to add up with multiple tracks mixed together. Add compression and it’s not tolerable.
I have a Russian Octavia that sounds like a vintage U47 but has self noise of 20db or more. It sounds really good but I can’t use it. One of the big problems is build up from multiple tracks. It’s bad enough on its own, but that noise just starts to add up with multiple tracks mixed together. Add compression and it’s not tolerable.
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
I'll keep that in mind, if it's too loud in my recordings, I will likely not use it.
I'll keep that in mind, if it's too loud in my recordings, I will likely not use it.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
Which model is it? I have two side-address Octavia LDCs that are very quiet.
beaubrummels
Well-known member
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
Mine is an old MK-012. Even though it’s a small diaphragm pencil mic, it’s sound/frequency response is like my U47. But it’s got a hiss to it just plugging in. I don’t have Octavia’s large diaphragm mics. They may be much better. Haven’t really looked into them, since I have some standard studio mics now.
Mine is an old MK-012. Even though it’s a small diaphragm pencil mic, it’s sound/frequency response is like my U47. But it’s got a hiss to it just plugging in. I don’t have Octavia’s large diaphragm mics. They may be much better. Haven’t really looked into them, since I have some standard studio mics now.
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Max db-A on a microphone for studio work?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
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