[TenTec] Ten-Tec mics

[Richards]

Gee... I think I disagree with this proposition.   Here is my take:

This type of "electret condenser" microphone is not the same type of 
"condenser microphone" used in professional recording studios.

Of course there are at least two types of condenser microphone.   The 
type usually called a "condenser microphone"  is different from the far 
less expensive  type called "electret condenser."   This latter electret 
condenser type is what we find in most ham applications, including 
computer gaming headsets, and most likely the type employed in the TT 
product.

Most "studio condenser" microphones require 10-48 volts "phantom 
voltage", but the ones we use, and which work with TT gear, are the 
"electret condenser" type, and this is confirmed because they require 
2.5 - 5  volts  "bias voltage"  and modern TenTec transceivers provide 
10 volts on pin 2 of the 8 pin mic connector, so they are NOT expecting 
a studio condenser simply because they do not provide sufficient phantom 
voltage (any voltage less than 48 volts phantom voltage leaves the mic 
with lower signal output and narrower, lower dynamic range.)

I believe dynamic type microphones are, generally, more "rugged" - at 
least if you are talking survival of physical shock and rough handling. 
    The most popular hand-held interview mic is made by ElectroVoice and 
has the nickname, "The Hammer."   I have never encountered such a 
moniker attached to an condenser mic.   I believe electret condenser 
capsules are not as rugged as dynamic cartridges.  They are more likely 
damaged by shock, water, and other hazards.

There is no consensus that condenser microphones are "better" - they 
have different characteristics from dynamic microphones,  but sometimes 
you want one type for one application, and the other for another 
application.  Personally, I prefer dynamic microphones for most 
recording, for various reasons, including the fact they typically have a 
lower open signal voltage, and have a warmer tone.

The reasons TT and other manufacturers use "electret condenser" mic 
capsules are multiple:   They are small,  easy to manufacture, cheap to 
make, easy to install and replace, and readily available int he 
marketplace.   You can buy decent capsules at RadioShack for less than 
$3 each.   You can buy Panasonic capsules on eBay.com for around $5-7 
each, and way less in multiple quantities.  Knowles is one of the 
largest manufacturers of OEM capsules, and many of their products are 
available for just pennies each in quantity.

These "electret condenser" capsules ARE cheaper to build than dynamic 
microphone cartridges - but are not more rugged or durable.  They are of 
lower quality and make lower quality recordings than better made, more 
expensive dynamic cartridges.

Professional studio condenser microphones are a very different matter. 
  They can cost as much as, or more than dynamic microphones.   While 
they often have a wider dynamic range,  wider frequency response, and 
(usually) higher open signal voltage, they are not always consider 
better than dynamic microphones.   If you are recording voices, you 
might want the famous Sennheiser MD-431-II dynamic microphone.   If you 
are recording the nuances of an acoustic guitar played fast and hard, 
you might want a Neumann U87 studio condenser mic.   If you are 
broadcasting a newscast, you might use an Electrovoice RE-20 dynamic 
mic.  If you are recording a drum set, you might use the  Shure SM-57 or 
AKG D112 dynamic microphone;  but if you want to capture the nuances of 
a violin solo you might use an AKG C414 B-XL II 5-Pattern condenser 
microphone.

But the electret condenser TT sold as the Model 705 is NOT THE SAME TYPE 
OF  CONDENSER MICROPHONE AS THE PROFESSIONAL RECORDING STUDIO 
MICROPHONES YOU COMPARE IT TO.

Happy trails.   _____________  K8JHR  ____________________





On 4/6/2012 9:36 PM, Paul Kraemer wrote:
> Electret (condenser) mics are widely used in pro sound applications. They
> are very small, rugged, have a good pickup, high output, and usually very
> wide flat response.  All desireable qualities.  I have a TenTec 705 electret
> that came with the 564 transceiver and it is no exception to the above.
> Perhaps the issue is that electret mics exceed the requirement of
> "communications". I'm sure they can be built for lower cost than an equally
> performing, less rugged,  dynamic.
> Paul K0UYA
>
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