Re: [microsound] earphone mics again

[Alessandro Fogar <sfogar@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, can you plese tell me where I can find the The DAT-heads microphone FAQ
?

And, for recording specific sources do you think that the Sony ECM series
electret microphones (in particular Sony ecm-ms 907) are ok ?

Cheers


-------------------------------------------------------
  /\      Alessandro Fogar    mailto:sfogar@xxxxxxxxx
 /  \  /  Electronic Musician Software Developer
     \/                       Grado (Go) / Italy

                              http://www.fogar.it
-------------------------------------------------------

on 23-05-2001 22:56, Christopher Sorg at csorg@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> Actually, I've had some (recent) experience building my own headphone
> mics.  It can definitely be done with a little effort, depending on what
> you need.  If you have mic inputs and your preamp is good (for your
> minidisc, portable DAT, what have you..) then you really do just need a
> capacitor, a resistor, a condenser mic and a power supply.  Digikey has
> a diagram in their catalog along with the Panasonic condensers (an
> excellent choice BTW).  The DAT-heads microphone FAQ recommends the
> Panasonic WM063, but I was unable to find them.  I have decent results
> with the 70s and 40s.  Wouldn't recommend the noise-cancelling mics if
> you're looking to pic up ambient sound.  I've also read recommendations
> of using a higher voltage (like 9V) with a larger capacitor (I think 10
> uF) to increase the headroom of the mic. The Radio Shack condensers, well, you
> get what
> you pay for.  I haven't done a side-by-side yet, but my experience (an
> almost weekly trip to RS for three years) is that certain Radio Shack
> parts work and don't work, depending on your luck that day.  Such is the
> case with my mic and several potentiometers I've purchased
> there.  Otherwise they're pretty reliable, not necessarily durable, but
> reliable.
> 
> If you only have a line input, or wish to boost the signal, Digikey and I
> both recommend the LM386, a low voltage, low noise amp IC.  It may not be
> audiophile quality (try Analog Devices parts for that) but it's simple and
> it works.  You'll have better luck with separate power supplies for each
> mic+amp, I've had trouble combining and balancing a stereo version of the
> circuit.  This is, of course, all DIY, and you could save yourself the
> trouble by buying the $160 version at SoundProfessionals.  Elaine Lillios
> (an acousmatic composer) uses them with her portable MiniDisc recorder
> with fabulous results.  Highly recommended, good quality.
> 
> Consider directional (cardoid) mics as well for recording specific
> sources.  These won't be discrete but you can aim them at sounds and avoid
> ambient sources you don't wish to pick up.
> 
> That's all I have only the matter for now.  Any comments my way would
> certainly help me in MY quest for field recordings of quality.  I am, BTW,
> using Panasonic condensers with homebuilt LM386 preamps and a 6 GB hard
> disc recorder (Nomad Jukebox).
> 
> _________________________
> Christopher Sorg
> Multimedia Artist/Teacher
> http://csorg.cjb.net
> csorg@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> 
> 
> 
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