Sennheiser ME66 distorting on DVX200

J

JACampbell

New member
I have a Sennheiser ME66 attached to my DVX200, input MIC level set to -50dB, Audio ALC is on. I shoot weddings and have audio levels set to automatic quite often. During loud applause and cheering the audio distorts. I had the exact same microphone and settings on my previous camera, a Panasonic Ag AC160A. On that camera there was no audio distortion during loud applause etc.
What audio settings do other users recommend for this shotgun mike on the DVX200?
 
I'm working from memory, but IIRC, there are two (or more?) different Sennheiser K6 preamps that work with the ME66. At least one model had a pad to lower the output and I think is designed to work with camcorders. It could be your older AC160 was fine with the higher-output version of the K6 and your DVX200 isn't. I can't recall the specifics of the K6 models, but someone here (or The Google) probably will.

If you can't find or don't have the lower-level K6, maybe try a little in-line attenuator pad or cable to drop the output a bit? Shure has a switchable pad that has three levels of attenuation; it's a useful tool...There are plenty of other brands. But on a camera it would be pretty awkward and long sticking out the back of your mic. You could perhaps find or build a cable with a little pad.

If someone here (or somewhere) doesn't chime in with a suggested attenuation level or better solution, you could buy a switchable inline pad for about US$50, experiment with different levels of attenuation, then build (or have built) a cable with that level of padding (perhaps -15db?). The inline pad will be a useful problem-solver for lots of stuff (say, a hot house feed) so won't be wasted money. And then build a padded cable with the attenuation, length, and connectors to do just what you need.

With luck, someone here with more experience using the DVX200 will chime in with a better suggestion... Considering how popular the camera is and how many ME66s are in use, someone should have a good first-hand solution.

I'll be curious to read what ends up working for you.
 
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My K6 powering module can be both battery or phantom powered. I use it phantom powered from the DVX200.

Out of interest, what shotgun microphones are other DVX200 users using with success?
 
Panasonic AG-MC200 mounted with an extender bracket I found on ebay that doesn't actually work with DVX200 (can only use one screw) so I could use a Rycote Softie deadcat.
 
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