how to attenuate sound before mike ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kim L. Ground
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Kim L. Ground

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I am trying to record live piano in a bar setting. I can eliminate room noise (at least while playing) by placing the mike close to or inside the piano, but then have trouble with the mike overloading and distorting or clipping. Is there a way to attenuate the sound level before it reaches the mike without making the sound 'mushy' ? I am using one of those 'pop filters' (foam covers) that came with the mike. Have tried wrapping the mike in cloth, and that does attenuate the sound so I don't get clipping, but then the sound is mushy, with high notes loosing brilliance. This is a very amateur effort using computer sound card and nady wireless mike. Please don't tell me I need to buy a $1000 mike, cause it ain't happening. This mike is very adequate for my amateur level needs as long as the room is quiet -- all I need is a way to get closer to the sound source without overloading the mike ... Any suggestions on how to use the existing equipment to solve the problem would be most appreciated.
 
Unless the mic has a pad switch on it, then no. You'll need a mic that can take higher levels. And no, it shouldn't need to be $1000. :)

What mic is it?
 
Cant you just turn down the mic input or trim control on the recorder?
 
Derek Verner said:
Cant you just turn down the mic input or trim control on the recorder?
Click to expand...
Not if the problem is that the SPL of the piano is exceeding the excursion limits of the mic's diaphragm.
 
it's a Nady brand wireless mike

sorry, don't have the model number at hand, but it is an el-cheapo. I think cost about $150. Sound quality is as good as my ear, but in this application it is either clipping through the electronics or, more likely the sound level is just overdriving the electret mike cartridge.
 
Re: it's a Nady brand wireless mike

Kim L. Ground said:
sorry, don't have the model number at hand, but it is an el-cheapo. I think cost about $150. Sound quality is as good as my ear, but in this application it is either clipping through the electronics or, more likely the sound level is just overdriving the electret mike cartridge.
Click to expand...

i got a pair of mk012's from guitar center for 99 bucks...they have -10 db pads - not a switch, but a little screw in thingy, for lack of a better term ;]
 
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