Re: Microphones vs. ear sensitivity

Ban wrote:

> Pooh Bear wrote:
> >>
> >> So, do microphones get much better than this?
> >
> > Professional condensor mics are often specified in terms of their dBA
> > equivalent noise. I haven't heard of one lower than 12 dBA.
> >
> >> Or is the ear such a marvellous organ that it is yet to be beaten?
> >
> > It is.
> >
> > Graham
>
> I do not know if it is true but this mike from Bruel and Kjaer has extremly
> low noise:
> The model 4179 is claimed to have -5.5dB(A) thermal noise only, that would
> be more sensitive than the human ear. http://www.bksv.com/3035.asp

It's a larger than average capsule ( see diameter ) which helps but even so that's an
astonishingly low noise figure. Looking at the data it has a polarising voltage of 200V.
That helps too.


> Neumann has one with +7dB(A)
> http://www.neumann.com/infopool/mics/produkte.php?ProdID=tlm103&Language=Engl
> and another one: BCM104
> They also have a mike with built-in DSP with the same sensitivity.
> http://www.neumann.com/infopool/mics/produkte_sol_d.php?ProdID=solution-d&Language=Engl

Not too surpised at Neumann. Good products. I was thinking of more affordable mics !

I once owned an Neumann U87 - a classic mic. Last time I checked the RSP was £1600.

Graham

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