Equivalent Noise Level question.

[firlgriend]

hello,
i'm considering buying the SE 4400a microphone by SE Electronics.
the frequency response is good, it looks handy and multi purpose,
the only little thing that worries me is the equivalent noise level: 17dB(A weighted).
compared to like a C414 (6.0 dB) it's a lot no?
i'm going to use it for classical guitar, voice, banjo also drums, stuff like that. mostly low sounds...
i really don't know which noise level value is decent, or when it starts to be a problem,
could anyone help me on that?

best.

(sorry for any misspelling, i'm french)

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Sensitivity: 14.1mv/pa-37db ± 1dB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure 8, Omni, supercardioid
Impedance: ≤ 50 Ohms
Equivalent Noise Level: 17dB(A weighted)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD@1000Hz: 130dB
Power Requirement: Phantom power 48V±4V
Connector: 3-pin[/SIZE]

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

Self noise simply indicates the amount of noise generated by the mic itself, measured as the equivalent of how many SPL of room noise it would take to sound as loud. 17dBA is not ultra-quiet, but it's not exactly unusual, either.

For more on reading an interpreting microphone specs, check out Jon O'Neil's excellent 2-part treatise at these links:

"How To Read A Spec Sheet, Part 1: Microphones"
"How To Read A Spec Sheet, Part 2: Microphones Again"

G.

 

[firlgriend]

thank you!!!
very helpful links also,
i was concerned about the self noise in situations where i have to record say 8 tracks of low input sources.
but i guess self noise of 17db isn't that bad...

anyone here tried this mic?