Can the mic handle this? at DVinfo.net

Mike Cook · April 1st, 2005, 11:11 AM

OK, shooting an event I was tasked with interviews and cutaways. I put my ME-66 on the cam and did the interviews just fine. While shooting cutaways, I went to catch the band. The MIC clipped out constantly even with the mixer and cam levels cranked way down.

I assume I was somehow overloading the mic. Is there any way to control this or is it simply a matter of switching mics. I do have lots of attenuators around but would that help?

Thanks

Mike

Jay Massengill · April 1st, 2005, 11:32 AM

There are two factors at work here. First, the ME66 has a very hot output and can overload sensitive mic inputs as the volume increases.
Second, the mic itself can overload in really loud situations, especially if the mic is surrounded by sound or reverb.
Add attenuation between the mic and the mic input. If this helps then it's the first case. If it doesn't help, add some more attenuation. If it's still clipping, then the mic itself is probably overloading and you have to either move further away or switch mics.

Mike Cook · April 1st, 2005, 09:55 PM

As I suspected. Thanks very much for your reply. I am certain it was too loud for that mic (concert).

M

April 1st, 2005, 11:11 AM	#1
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	Can the mic handle this? OK, shooting an event I was tasked with interviews and cutaways. I put my ME-66 on the cam and did the interviews just fine. While shooting cutaways, I went to catch the band. The MIC clipped out constantly even with the mixer and cam levels cranked way down. I assume I was somehow overloading the mic. Is there any way to control this or is it simply a matter of switching mics. I do have lots of attenuators around but would that help? Thanks Mike

April 1st, 2005, 11:32 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	There are two factors at work here. First, the ME66 has a very hot output and can overload sensitive mic inputs as the volume increases. Second, the mic itself can overload in really loud situations, especially if the mic is surrounded by sound or reverb. Add attenuation between the mic and the mic input. If this helps then it's the first case. If it doesn't help, add some more attenuation. If it's still clipping, then the mic itself is probably overloading and you have to either move further away or switch mics.

April 1st, 2005, 09:55 PM	#3
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	As I suspected. Thanks very much for your reply. I am certain it was too loud for that mic (concert). M