Sound Level Damage at DVinfo.net

Harold Schreiber · September 9th, 2006, 08:48 AM

Hi folks,

I'm looking forward to doing a couple of events at which the sound level will be 95db and above. I've been looking to discover at what sound level damage may occur to the Cam's mics and /or to the audio circuts behind them. Can't seem to find a thing. Anybody here got any ideas ???

Harold

Steven Thomas · September 9th, 2006, 09:06 AM

I would not worry about damaging your mic due to excessive sound pressure levels. The worst that will happen is that the levels could exceed the mics capability and cause the audio to be distorted. I doubt you will run into this.

As far as the camera audio circuit, It's only as loud as you turn it up.
Just keep an eye on the levels and back them off if they are to hot.

Greg Bellotte · September 9th, 2006, 03:42 PM

you CAN pop a diaphram, or cause other damage to the mic element with excessive sound pressure levels. however, the level that happens at is kind of rare. i'm talking in excess of 150db/spl.-thats loud enough to shake the ground. space shuttle launches (close to the pad) and NHRA top fuel dragsters are the only things I've actually seen damage mics in this fashion.

as far as the audio input you are feeding, other than some serious distortion i don't think you will really hurt anything. carry on!

don't forget proper protection for your most important audio device. your ears...

Steven Thomas · September 9th, 2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Bellotte

i'm talking in excess of 150db/spl.-thats loud enough to shake the ground.

True, but at that level, you have a lot more to worry about then damaging your microphone. LOL

Steve

September 9th, 2006, 08:48 AM	#1
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Sound Level Damage Hi folks, I'm looking forward to doing a couple of events at which the sound level will be 95db and above. I've been looking to discover at what sound level damage may occur to the Cam's mics and /or to the audio circuts behind them. Can't seem to find a thing. Anybody here got any ideas ??? Harold

September 9th, 2006, 09:06 AM	#2
Steven Thomas Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,896	I would not worry about damaging your mic due to excessive sound pressure levels. The worst that will happen is that the levels could exceed the mics capability and cause the audio to be distorted. I doubt you will run into this. As far as the camera audio circuit, It's only as loud as you turn it up. Just keep an eye on the levels and back them off if they are to hot.

September 9th, 2006, 03:42 PM	#3
Greg Bellotte Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 291	you CAN pop a diaphram, or cause other damage to the mic element with excessive sound pressure levels. however, the level that happens at is kind of rare. i'm talking in excess of 150db/spl.-thats loud enough to shake the ground. space shuttle launches (close to the pad) and NHRA top fuel dragsters are the only things I've actually seen damage mics in this fashion. as far as the audio input you are feeding, other than some serious distortion i don't think you will really hurt anything. carry on! don't forget proper protection for your most important audio device. your ears...