Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic

Subject: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: AKS
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 09:10 AM

Hello again, kind people, are any of you experienced with boundary layer microphones?

I have been using an AKS C562 BL for nearly ten years now to 'tape' guest lecturers for possible later reference and various other occasions where a transcription is needed, and I must say it works perfectly because it picks up practically any sound spoken in the room.

Every now and then we - our band - have recorded our rehearsals with two C562s connected to a c-recorder and now to a minidisc (both with auto level adj) for self criticism purposes, and again must admit that it works adequately enough.

Next step is to try it at a live session in a pub. Shouldn't be too complicated since the mics need only one square meter of table (or wall or any flat surface) and the minidisc is battery driven.

Now, has anybody done that already - or have heard to've been done, what d'ya say?

AKS

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 17 Jan 00 - 07:23 PM

Your name is the same as the alphabetical part of the name of the mike? Is that because of your preference for the mike or because of your design of it? Can you give us any information about manufacturer, distributor, retailer, price (list and street), specifications, etc.? And is it the whole setup that requires a square meter of table space (table space is at a distinct premium where I would like to record, the Irish sessions at the Starry Plough and the shanty sessions at Quinn's Lighthouse, both of which feature tables full of beer pitchers and glasses, and the latter of which features free peanuts added to the mix), and lots of foot traffic on the sorely limited floor space. Could you post your answer to the B.S. Minidisc recording thread?

thanks, --seed

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: AKS
Date: 18 Jan 00 - 01:40 AM

Aaargh, dem fingers of mine, I am not that clever as they seem to think!! I'm no microphone designer, of course that should stay: AKG C562 BL, the Austrian one!

I'll add some details on the minidisc thread a little later today, OK?

AKS

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 18 Jan 00 - 03:32 AM

Thanks, AKS.

--seed

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: GeorgeH
Date: 18 Jan 00 - 03:59 AM

Is that the plate mic? In which case I'm with BSeed - the chances of finding 1m^2 of table space (or 9 sq feet at a very approximate conversion . . ) at any session I know is a pretty good joke, especially if you don't want your equipment to end up soaked in beer . . .

Perhaps more seriously, if you're only wanting the recording as an "aide-memoire" to tunes etc. I wouldn't risk a professional quality mic on it at a session, especially given the relatively low cost of condensor mics theses days. For those purposes we've recorded sessions perfectly succesfully both with the stereo mic which came with a "walkman"-type cassette recorder several years ago (and has taken the odd dent along the way) and with a Sony mono mic we purchased a couple of years ago (when our son stole the first mic for taping his college lectures . . )

G.

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: AKS
Date: 18 Jan 00 - 07:01 AM

Yes, the plate mic, same thing! You're quite right, George, about the risks of professional gadgetry at sessions. What I had in mind was hanging the 'plates' on the wall nearby - that would make it safe enough what comes to liquids, and the minidisc to the hands of a trusted friend at a different table.

AKG makes cheaper BL mics also, but with (hyper)cardioid polarity instead of omnidirectional, and that makes them somewhat more difficult to position, doesn't it. Has anybody seen other makes (I know there are Sennheisers 'round, but even more expensive)?

Sony Walkman really has proved to be handy when 'taking acoustic notes', in fact we did that at a couple of sessions in Dingle Co Kerry some three years ago (Yes, the players were asked first. And now mentioned, I ask meself who's got the cassette now, I'd like to listen to it too, after all these years ...)

AKS

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: Terry Allan Hall
Date: 18 Jan 00 - 08:52 AM

We use a Crown PZM (what you referred to as a "boundary" mic) to amplify the congas, bongos and dumbek through my PA system. What we've found works great is to mount the PZM onto a 24"x24" piece of 3/4" plywood, with a piece of thick carpet on the back-side (de-couples the board/mic from the floor, thereby reducing "walking" noises), and then place it on the floor directly beneath the conga and bongo/dumbek stands.

We've also used a pair of PZMs for recording, usually by placing them on opposite walls (for adding "room" sounds to the mix, while close-mic'ing vocals and acoustic instruments...bass we run DI.)

Handy little devices!

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 08:38 AM

AKS, yes I've experieced what you require. Just a few tips. I've always loved and owned AKG gear, but my professional audio colleagues tell me that the Tandy?Radio Shack equivalent would be much more cost effective if you were starting from scratch. If directionality is needed to avoid unwanted noise you can emulate the AKG mics you have by pointing any reasonable cardiods in the direction of the music, but pointing down towards a flat surface (like a table) at an angle of 45 degrees, but no more than an inch from the flat surface. Sound engineers have been doing this for 70 years - the boundary mics are merely a clever way of doing the same thing in a compact package. Give it a try - that's the only way to satisfy yourself. Regards, John

Subject: RE: Session, minidisc, boundary layer mic
From: AKS
Date: 19 Jan 00 - 09:07 AM

Thanks, John, looks like I have some testing to do tomorrow!

AKS