flat response

C

caldwell

Active member
"flat response microphone... what is it... and what situations would it be good for and what situations would it be bad for... thanks
 
There isn't hardly such a thing. But, the flatter the response curve, the better the mic, in general.
Normally you'd want to have the flattest signal recorded so you can tweak in post editing.
Sometimes you'll roll off the low end to attenuate wind noise and other low frequency rumble.
Sometimes a mic will be "tailored" to a certain range and have peaks at specific frequencies to
make speech more intelligable. But, generally speaking, I would prefer a flat mic and tweak later.

In response to your essential question, whenever there isn't wind, use a Scheops MK41.
 
I was looking at a flat response shotgun... but most of my work would be dialogue... (documentary)...
i heard the flat response is the ideal music mic/ could i mix out the other levels effectively
its a 416 that i was thinking of
 
All flat response really means is that what enters the microphone gets passed along unchanged, uncolored, "true".

It would be rare under any circumstances for you to *want* the microphone to mess with the sound. (The bass roll-off thisiswells mentioned to eliminate wind noise and such is one of the circumstances.)

Dan
 
The 416 has a built in bass rolloff and presence peak. Definately not a flat response. The MKH60 is a similar mic with a totally flat response (as much as is possible today) but gives you the option of rolloff and peak with switches.

That control the 60 gives you is helpful but the 416's response curve is designed to be flattering to the human voice, so for your purposes it would be fine (actually great).

Good luck.
 
Flat is just that. No attenuation or boosting of certain frequencies at certain db levels. Many people like mics that arent flat. The SM57 is a prime example. It's far from flat, but gets used on a lot of things. Certain mics have certain characteristics that may make someone's voice sound better.

-Dave
 
would a flat response shot mic be a good documentary mic...????
mostly dialogue... sometimes in noisy cafes + sport
ps...
i am looking at a pam 42 as a mixer... thoughts.
 
If you can afford the 416 I think that would be an excellent choice. You can worry about these things for years. Get the 416 and be done with it. You might also add an Oktava hyper, but honestly use the 416 first and see how that works, it is a very good quality mic.

Matt
 
caldwell said:
i've just purchased a 416tf the f stands for "flat response" as it was described to me.
Click to expand...
That's a rare bird, indeed. Bet it was more affordable than most.
Hope it works out well for you.

Best.
:happy:
 
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