ECM8000 noisy!

  • Thread starter Thread starter ElSilva
  • Start date Start date
I did a side by side test comparing an ecm8000 with a Behringer B2 last night. I set the B2 on omni and had all the eq and gain settings for both channels the same.

The 8000 was a little noisier, BUT the signal was stronger. When I pulled the 8000 fader down to get the guitar sound at about the same level for both, the self noise was about the same for both. They're both a little bit noisey. I think I liked the 8000 better for the guitar. Sounded good with fingerpickin'. I'm sure this was not a very scientific test, but it convinced me that I can get some good use out of the 8000s. Not bad for 80 bucks a pair.
 
subspace said:
It's a 1/4" capsule measurement omni, so it's self noise is going to be higher when compared to most any larger diaphragm condenser. This includes most 1/2" "small diaphragm" condensers. If you're recording quiet sources only, you may want to avoid miniature capsule condensers and ribbon mics because of the higher self-noise inherent in their low output elements. Earthworks and B+K/ DPA both make miniature diaphragm condensers with different solutions for lower self noise, but that engineering comes at a higher cost. HTH
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Damn. Subspace is not your average newb. I guess we should start calling you Harvey Junior. :) Very impressed with your knowlege, there. Thanks for the informative post.
 
dittos chessy,very informative.
welcome to the board subspace.I'll be sending you a star fleet communique on this as soon as Data reconfigures the deflector dish.
 
Just in case mic placement is your problem-

I put the ECM around the 12th fret and as close to the neck as I can get without bumping it. I actually liked having it point straight down about 2 - 4 inches out. The off axis response seems to have slightly less bass.

Use the LD above the bridge about a foot or so and move up or out to suit. That mix has given me the best results.
 
Thanks

Great suggestions, all. I will try them during my next project, which is coming up shortly. Thanks to everyone for so many good ideas.

Just to answer a couple of your questions:
1. The Mackie's pres are quieter than the Omni, to my ears.
2. The Mackie does have a direct out: if you plug a 1/4" cable into the insert jack, it's essentially a direct out. You're just using the preamp, no fader, eq, etc.

Thanks again,

ElSilva
 
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