What does a "low sensitivity" version mean? at DVinfo.net

Marcia Janine Galles · May 22nd, 2004, 10:21 AM

Once again, coming out of a picture background, I'm clueless as to something audio related. Looking for something on the B&H website I ran across a "low sensitivity" version of the K6 powering module:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=92927&is=REG

Thing is, when you compare the specs they have posted with the regular K6, I don't see any difference (not that I really understand the specs anyway). I've been debating picking up another power module so I can use the ME64 and 66 at the same time in one scenario (or else add another mic... which might be cheaper).

Thoughts?

Bryan Beasleigh · May 22nd, 2004, 10:34 AM

The "Red Dot" model K6 will result in a lower output on each of it's mics. The ME66 is a very hot mic with a 50 mv output using the standard K6. This can be a problem in loud venues.

Sennheiser doesn't list the actual figures and either does B&H.

There is a reference to a K6-CL in the linked PDF at the sennheiser site. It's stated that it is the same unit but with lkower sensitivety.
http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/WebPreview/122BC1A3920476D5C1256E85002C95E4/$File/K6_bda.pdf

Bryan Beasleigh · May 22nd, 2004, 10:48 AM

I found it. The CL has a reduced sensitivety of -18db

http://buy.sennheiserusa.com/manuals/PDF_data/53686.pdf

Marcia Janine Galles · May 22nd, 2004, 11:49 AM

Hmm, so in judging what counts as "loud venues," I'd only want this (-18db) reduced sensitivity if I were, say, recording a loud concert for example (which I am not)? In my case, if I stick with the regular K6, my mixer should give me more than enough flexibility to bring down things like the occasional kids laughter and shouts/spikes, which can send the audio into the red, correct?

Bryan Beasleigh · May 22nd, 2004, 12:06 PM

The inputs could overload, but your mixer should have input limiters. -18 db would bring the output down in the range of a schoeps, Oktava or AT mic (10mv) Better would be a 10 db pad between the mic and the mixer.

With kids the differences between "normal" and loud would be considerable, possible greater range than the mic could handle.

Bryan Beasleigh · May 22nd, 2004, 09:20 PM

The gold plated version, for $43.50 a 10, 20 or 30 db selectable pad (attenuator) acn be yours

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=68085&is=REG

or for $18 a 10 db pad which should be all you need for the ME66

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=135091&is=REG

For another $18 buy a 20 db pad. That way you'll have spent less and have a shorter pad. You can also use them both at the same time

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=135093&is=REG

Marcia Janine Galles · May 22nd, 2004, 10:51 PM

Bryan, if you were explaining it to your kids/grandkids (which is probably as much as I understand about audio lingo) a "pad" does what exactly? And I need it when I already have a mixer, why? Not trying to be difficult. I'm just confused.

I have the Promix 3 (from PSC), which feeds into my DVX. Why can't I just ride the channels on it/the mixer? Does this "pad" keep it from hitting the red, in the event I screw up (a significant possiblity)? I thought the built in limiters would insure against distortion, to a degree. But again, as I said, what do I know.

Bryan Beasleigh · May 23rd, 2004, 12:20 AM

A pad is an attenuator, it cuts the signal down. You were asking about the low sensitivety K6, it's basically attenuated by 18 db over the standard.

It is possible to overload the inputs of a mixer. A classic example would be bagpipes at close range.

I wouldn't worry about it.

May 22nd, 2004, 10:21 AM	#1
Marcia Janine Galles Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 340	What does a "low sensitivity" version mean? Once again, coming out of a picture background, I'm clueless as to something audio related. Looking for something on the B&H website I ran across a "low sensitivity" version of the K6 powering module: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=92927&is=REG Thing is, when you compare the specs they have posted with the regular K6, I don't see any difference (not that I really understand the specs anyway). I've been debating picking up another power module so I can use the ME64 and 66 at the same time in one scenario (or else add another mic... which might be cheaper). Thoughts?

May 22nd, 2004, 10:34 AM	#2
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The "Red Dot" model K6 will result in a lower output on each of it's mics. The ME66 is a very hot mic with a 50 mv output using the standard K6. This can be a problem in loud venues. Sennheiser doesn't list the actual figures and either does B&H. There is a reference to a K6-CL in the linked PDF at the sennheiser site. It's stated that it is the same unit but with lkower sensitivety. http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/WebPreview/122BC1A3920476D5C1256E85002C95E4/$File/K6_bda.pdf __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 22nd, 2004, 10:48 AM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	I found it. The CL has a reduced sensitivety of -18db http://buy.sennheiserusa.com/manuals/PDF_data/53686.pdf __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 22nd, 2004, 12:06 PM	#5
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The inputs could overload, but your mixer should have input limiters. -18 db would bring the output down in the range of a schoeps, Oktava or AT mic (10mv) Better would be a 10 db pad between the mic and the mixer. With kids the differences between "normal" and loud would be considerable, possible greater range than the mic could handle. __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 22nd, 2004, 09:20 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The gold plated version, for $43.50 a 10, 20 or 30 db selectable pad (attenuator) acn be yours http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=68085&is=REG or for $18 a 10 db pad which should be all you need for the ME66 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=135091&is=REG For another $18 buy a 20 db pad. That way you'll have spent less and have a shorter pad. You can also use them both at the same time http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=135093&is=REG __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

May 22nd, 2004, 11:49 AM	#4
Marcia Janine Galles Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 340	Hmm, so in judging what counts as "loud venues," I'd only want this (-18db) reduced sensitivity if I were, say, recording a loud concert for example (which I am not)? In my case, if I stick with the regular K6, my mixer should give me more than enough flexibility to bring down things like the occasional kids laughter and shouts/spikes, which can send the audio into the red, correct?

May 22nd, 2004, 10:51 PM	#7
Marcia Janine Galles Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 340	Bryan, if you were explaining it to your kids/grandkids (which is probably as much as I understand about audio lingo) a "pad" does what exactly? And I need it when I already have a mixer, why? Not trying to be difficult. I'm just confused. I have the Promix 3 (from PSC), which feeds into my DVX. Why can't I just ride the channels on it/the mixer? Does this "pad" keep it from hitting the red, in the event I screw up (a significant possiblity)? I thought the built in limiters would insure against distortion, to a degree. But again, as I said, what do I know.

May 23rd, 2004, 12:20 AM	#8
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	A pad is an attenuator, it cuts the signal down. You were asking about the low sensitivety K6, it's basically attenuated by 18 db over the standard. It is possible to overload the inputs of a mixer. A classic example would be bagpipes at close range. I wouldn't worry about it. __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"