Microphone specs...

[ianplegg]

Hello,

Could anyone point me in the direction of an FAQ or website that

a) explains microphone specifications, e.g SPL, impedance, frequency response

b) what is classed as a good and bad specification

And explains all this in newbie terms?

Presently I can't afford to spend more than 100 pounds sterling on a mic and wonder what I'd get for my money? (Bearing in mind I only wish to create a living room setup but be able to record at CD quality!)

Thanks in advance

Kind regards,

Ian Legg

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Most specs are meaningless......

...if you look at spec alone, you might think that a Radio Shack mic is as good as a Neumann in some cases!

Use your ears - try a bunch of mics in your price range and choose the one(s) that work best for you.

Bruce

 

[Roel]

If you want to understand the specs, you should just learn all about mics... offcourse. I guess if you read THIS thread, you will understand most of it...

 

[The Axis]

There are some technical papers at most of the manufacturer's websites, such as
http://www.akg-acoustics.com/
and www.audio-technica.com

Although you can't really tell how a mike *sounds* from specs, you can tell a certain amount of what its characteristics will be. Even then, though, it still depends on taste and application. Maybe you already know that.

Peace,
Rick