microphone for high SPL

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sathyan

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My main microphone is a Studio Projects B1 which is having trouble dealing with very loud passages (it distorts - static sound).

The B1 is listed as 132dB SPL


The loudest parts I need to record are:
male vocals
trumpet
trombone
bass trombone
flugelhorn


My recording room has bad acoustics so I want to close-mike rather than pickup much of the room.

Can you recommend any microphones to try?

Are dynamic microphones better for this?
 
sathyan, 132dB SPL is LOUD! The B1 has one of the highest SPL ratings on the market until you start getting into some very pricey mics. You could also look into mics that have a dB pad.

I'd recommend backing those horns and screaming vocals off the mic.
You also want to make sure you're not overdriving your signal somewhere else in the chain.

Dan Richards
Studio Forums
The Listening Sessions
The Project Studio Handbook
 
The Audix CX111 handles up to 145dB, as do several of their other mics.

Although, you should be using different mics to record all of those things you mentioned, not just one. They all have way different characteristics.
 
You didn't mention what preamps are used.

A full range, low output dynamic such as the Beyer M201 or Audix D3 might be more in line with your needs. Both are designed for very high SPL, and have a corresponding very low sensitivity level.

The Sennheiser E608 is a clip-on for horns, etc, and is also a very low output/high SPL type.
 
A dynamic can handle higher spl better than a condensor due to it's construction.
 
sathyan said:
My main microphone is a Studio Projects B1 which is having trouble dealing with very loud passages (it distorts - static sound).

The B1 is listed as 132dB SPL


The loudest parts I need to record are:
male vocals
trumpet
trombone
bass trombone
flugelhorn


My recording room has bad acoustics so I want to close-mike rather than pickup much of the room.

Can you recommend any microphones to try?

Are dynamic microphones better for this?
The Shure SM57 is better than the Studio Projects B1 for your needs... but you should hear a Sennheiser MD421.
 
Is the Senn 835 any good (compared to SM57)?

I can't afford the MD441 just yet
 
get a 421, you will use it on a lot of stuff
In HIs Name
BK
 
An Electro-Voice EV RE15 can handle all of these chores well.
Will run around $100 or so used typically in good condition.

The EV RE20 and EV 666 are also usual suspects, but the RE20 is more expensive, and the EV 666 has to be a "good one"
(rarer to find).

If you're hunting for a ribbonish tone, the EV's are a good choice.

I only have used the Peavey PVM 520i as a (sleeper) vocal mic.
Perhaps Gidge or one of the other guys will also let you know how well it works on these instruments.
FWIW it's brighter than the MD421, and less bright than the new
MKII 421's.

Chris
 
sathyan said:
My main microphone is a Studio Projects B1 which is having trouble dealing with very loud passages (it distorts - static sound).

The B1 is listed as 132dB SPL


The loudest parts I need to record are:
male vocals
trumpet
trombone
bass trombone
flugelhorn
I honestly can't envision any of those things actually creating 132db, or rather needing to create 132db in order to record them. Be sure that your 'static' is not coming from clipping elsewhere in your signal chain.
 
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