Specifications

DSM HRTF Mic Power & Bass Filter Page
file:///D|/Sonicweb%20Dreamweaver%20Edition_Recent/pa_x.htm[4/3/2010 12:43:52 PM]
Just plugging-in a DSM mic into 'most' Sony MD/DAT, and Edirol (talking R-1 only) mini-
portable recorders will allow a DSM "to operate" (like you'll be able to record), but performance
varies from sufficiently OK to NOT OK manner sometimes causing distorted (or indeterminate)
performance at unexpected times if the deck is under-powering the mic set.
In other words,
conventional
electret microphone
work best at
HIGHER voltage
NOT found in
portable decks, but
are happy ONLY
with the low current
that is found in
these same decks
.
DSM mics
work best
with LOW
voltage found
in 'Plug-in-
Power' portable
decks, but need
much HIGHER
current than
most electret
type mics; just
the OPPOSITE
of conventional
condenser type
microphones.
While the 1.5-2.5 volts available at the mic jack in Sony decks is fine
for full performance with DSM (but NOT for ordinary electrets that work best with
5-10 volts or higher), the 'direct-from-stock-deck' power issue with DSM series mics is
DSM needs up to 10 times MORE 'current' or amperage than is usual for common
electrets from other manufacturers.
Other recorder models (like Edirol R-1, Aiwa, and Sony/Canon camera) with mic 'plug-
in-power' features are again, generally usable, but with the same problems of
indeterminate DSM performance; some work OK, but others are too weak
supplying needed more mic powering current for consistent performance.
Stock Roland/Edirol R-09
/R-09HR, and Marantz PMD-620 mic input-jack powering
feature will NOT work for direct DSM mic
powering unless MOD-3 or MOD-4 upgrade
is installed.
KNOWN: Stock (analog cassette) WM-D3/D6C mic power is weak (for powering the DSM mic) while the D7/8 decks
is much better, but NOT (nearly) good enough for full DSM performance.
Sony MZ-R30/37/50/55/90 & SBM-1 powering is OK or mostly good enough ...
The DSM mic powering ability of Sony MD and HiMD portable decks is
unknown, there just too many models to individually acquire for bench testing. I have had
several reports of direct DSM mic powering problems with MZ-R700 and later. Using a
PA adapter solved audible distortion complaints.
I think in general Sony MD
models are not very good for
DSM mic powering or at least greatly
suspect to not being adequate.
ANY SHARP MiniDISC MODEL
(with mic input) is the only stock portable deck
(found) that directly powers DSM mics nearly PERFECTLY just 'as supplied stock by
Sharp'.
NOTE: Sharp USA distributed/warranty
MD decks are no longer available.
#2) IN-SERIES PA Mic Powering & Bass Reduction
Filters
'Standard' PA mic power/filter models use 3.5 mm mini-stereo
input jacks that fit 'standard' DSM-1S/6S series mics.
New version PA-10PFC adapter (shown at left) shows upgraded
miniXLR input connection optional (+$50) on all PA adapters
and DSM mic preamplifier models.
Using a simple Bass filter during recording is much preferred to