Jordan Wolf
Forum Replies Created
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After using both, I tend to prefer the Rode for it’s tonal qualities (sources seemed more “crisp” when recorded with it rather than the ME66).
Then, we got an MKH416 and I never looked back. 🙂
First thing to do: rent the ME66, NTG3, and an MKH416 and decide for yourself.
Second thing: Save up your money and buy an MKH416…it got to be an industry standard for a reason.
Third: Look into hypercardioids for indoor use.
Wolf
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The Sennheiser K6 is the power module for that series of microphones. The actual model could be any of these shotgun types.
More than likely, the SPL is too great and the microphone’s diaphragm is distorting because of this. Realize that this problem comes before any pad you apply to the signal. The ME-66’s specs indicate a maximum SPL of 125dB(A)@1kHz; the “A” refers to a type of weighting that rolls off the LF – not very helpful for our purposes. Nothing’s noted for lower frequencies, which can cause distortion because of their longer wavelengths and our perception of them due to our logarithmic hearing curve. Because of this curve, people often compensate by boosting the LF by 10dB or more over the HF/ Mids. This imbalance maybe the root cause of your distortion.
Wolf
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The most important thing to remember about meters is where their pick-off points are – that is, where in the signal chain of the device they derive their signal input from. Some gear has a fixed point, other gear has multiple points; it depends on your particular piece of gear.
Bar and LED meters are for keeping track of relative levels (Peak and/or Program, Loudness, or others, depending on the unit and meter ballistics) in the device’s analog and/or digital “circuitry”. They will not tell you if a signal is distorted if it is within the safe operating range of the components.
This is where the headphones come in. Their pick-off point may be the same as or different from that of the meters. Maybe they receive their signal before the meters, maybe after. A look at the block diagram/schematic will tell you that (feel free to post if you’re unsure).
In the end, if it sounds good, it is good…so use whatever means you have available to ensure good-quality audio throughout the entire signal chain, from input transducer (microphone/instrument) through to the recording device and its medium.
All the best,
Wolf
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I’m pretty sure that if you’re only going to use one device at a time, you’ll be okay. If you try to use them both at the same time, they’ll step on each other. An RCA wye cable (as short as effectively possible) should do you fine.
My only concern is that since digital interfaces like matched impedances (75 Ohms for S/PDIF), they could fight each other. I deal mostly with analog audio, though, where the input impedance is usually 10x higher than the source impedance, and this would be a problem there.
I say try the wye as a combiner and see if there’s any problem. You’re only dealing with 1’s and 0’s, so there shouldn’t be any electrical problems between units…you’ll either get good signal or you won’t.
Wolf
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Soldering is a fundamental skill that has helped me with troubleshooting and correcting problems for a number of years now. I’m younger, at 23, and have been soldering since I taught myself in 11th grade. I’ve learned tips and techniques from other, more-experienced people, and have been able to improve my solder jobs’ neatness and quickness because of that.
It’s a great skill, and you can repair a number of things that you would just replace before. LEARN TO SOLDER!!!
Wolf
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It’s called a splitter cable for a reason. I wouldn’t suggest having to separate pieces of gear tied to the same input without some form of resistive summing.
Wolf
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Sandy,
Are all of the audio files that way (shotgun AND wireless mics) or only the shotgun or wireless mics’ files?
Wireless mics have several extra stages that their wired counterparts do not, and there can be distortion/overload in any one (or more) of them.
If that is not the case, then an overloaded diaphragm could be one culprit, as could improperly calibrated levels between devices (Line Input vs. Mic Input, gain settings, etc.).
Wolf
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What’s wrong with directionality? The Neumann’s polar plot looks like it only gets very directional from 2kHz and up. Everything beneath that will be picked up much more readily from the sides and behind.
If you already have a good shotgun mic, I would see what a going price on the Neumann is, and sell it. Put that money towards a new Neumann KM185 (hypercardioid) which will get you much better rear and side rejection, or at least smoother rejection over a larger frequency range.
Wolf
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I have had great success with the Audio-Technica 3035. It’s discontinued, but can usually be found for between $80 and $130. Sites like Sweetwater’s Trading Post and eBay’s Pro Audio Equipment section are great places to look.
Make sure to get pictures of the actual item(s) and insure your shipment. Use Paypal or money order to pay, if buying used, and make sure to find out what the return policy is.
Wolf
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Lina,
What is your budget?
Wolf
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