karlo
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Post by karlo on Jun 10, 2024 13:30:53 GMT -6
Is it normal to have to adjust the pre-amp gain after switching between polar patterns to achieve the same perceived loudness?
I've acquired a used microphone and there is approximately a 6db difference in gain between the omni/Fig. 8 and the cardioid pattern with the cardioid pattern being louder and thus requiring less gain. I think I read somewhere this is typical (or at least not unheard of) and wanted to confirm it with the RGO experts. Or is my microphone malfunctioning?
Thank You,
Karlo
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Post by doubledog on Jun 10, 2024 13:42:38 GMT -6
yeah, It's certainly not unheard of. I think some brands/designs you might notice it more than others. I have a few that do it for sure. It's all about the capsule polarization. If you can be more specific about the brand/model than I'm sure someone here could verify if theirs does the same.
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Post by svart on Jun 10, 2024 13:53:41 GMT -6
Honestly I've never noticed. I usually just switch and then go adjust the preamp to the source.
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karlo
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Post by karlo on Jun 10, 2024 14:15:15 GMT -6
yeah, It's certainly not unheard of. I think some brands/designs you might notice it more than others. I have a few that do it for sure. It's all about the capsule polarization. If you can be more specific about the brand/model than I'm sure someone here could verify if theirs does the same. It's a MtG UM70s. Seller said its about 30 years old. It sounds awesome so I hope the perceived volume difference is normal... it also might only need about 3 db of gain between the polar patterns... I just got it so I'm still learning it. |
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karlo
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Post by karlo on Jun 10, 2024 14:19:35 GMT -6
Honestly I've never noticed. I usually just switch and then go adjust the preamp to the source. I'm probably overthinking this! I'm just want to make sure I cover all my bases before I decide to keep it. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jun 10, 2024 15:14:56 GMT -6
Is it normal to have to adjust the pre-amp gain after switching between polar patterns to achieve the same perceived loudness? I've acquired a used microphone and there is approximately a 6db difference in gain between the omni/Fig. 8 and the cardioid pattern with the cardioid pattern being louder and thus requiring less gain. I think I read somewhere this is typical (or at least not unheard of) and wanted to confirm it with the RGO experts. Or is my microphone malfunctioning? Thank You, Karlo Yes it is, when you change the pattern 2 things come into play 1. The general focus of the pick up 2. The phase relationship of the front and back pick up so there will be some change in level of the source as well as how your picking up reflections. |
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karlo
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Post by karlo on Jun 10, 2024 16:07:46 GMT -6
Looking at the data sheet frequency response graph, it looks like there is a significant mid and upper mids lift in the cardioid and Fig. 8 polar patterns that may be contributing to difference in perceived loudness versus the omni direction polar pattern: sound-link.co.uk/pdf/UM70S%20Data%20Sheet.pdfI think the volume difference is inherent and not a malfunctioning microphone! Which is good because I want to keep. I think it sounds luxurious. |
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Post by drbill on Jun 10, 2024 16:17:27 GMT -6
It's a MtG UM70s. Seller said its about 30 years old. That is the golden era (mid-90's) of one of the most coveted solid state condenser mics of all time. By all means - KEEP IT!! |
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Post by smashlord on Jun 10, 2024 16:20:35 GMT -6
Is it normal to have to adjust the pre-amp gain after switching between polar patterns to achieve the same perceived loudness? I've acquired a used microphone and there is approximately a 6db difference in gain between the omni/Fig. 8 and the cardioid pattern with the cardioid pattern being louder and thus requiring less gain. I think I read somewhere this is typical (or at least not unheard of) and wanted to confirm it with the RGO experts. Or is my microphone malfunctioning? Thank You, Karlo The different patterns have different amounts of proximity effect, so depending on how close the source is, its very possible the extra lowend boost you get from cardioid and F of 8 vs OMNI is translating as an overall hotter signal. |
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karlo
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Post by karlo on Jun 10, 2024 16:34:10 GMT -6
Is it normal to have to adjust the pre-amp gain after switching between polar patterns to achieve the same perceived loudness? I've acquired a used microphone and there is approximately a 6db difference in gain between the omni/Fig. 8 and the cardioid pattern with the cardioid pattern being louder and thus requiring less gain. I think I read somewhere this is typical (or at least not unheard of) and wanted to confirm it with the RGO experts. Or is my microphone malfunctioning? Thank You, Karlo The different patterns have different amounts of proximity effect, so depending on how close the source is, its very possible the extra lowend boost you get from cardioid and F of 8 vs OMNI is translating as an overall hotter signal. My microphone testing is about as uncontrolled and unscientific as it gets but what you are saying makes sense so I believe what you're saying could also be contributing to my perceived difference in loudness. However, I don't need the scientific method to tell me this mic has an expensive sound! |
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karlo
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Post by karlo on Jun 10, 2024 16:41:02 GMT -6
It's a MtG UM70s. Seller said its about 30 years old. That is the golden era (mid-90's) of one of the most coveted solid state condenser mics of all time. By all means - KEEP IT!! I know! I kinda want another one now too... to do stereo! |
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Post by drbill on Jun 10, 2024 19:46:50 GMT -6
That is the golden era (mid-90's) of one of the most coveted solid state condenser mics of all time. By all means - KEEP IT!! I know! I kinda want another one now too... to do stereo! LOL. At least. I've got 6 + 2 SDC versions. |
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