PZM low output

Guitarist · 07-09-2009, 02:19 AM

I've got a PZM boundry mic that has seemingly low output, even with a fresh 1.5V battery. Is this stock or where should one look to repair it? The wire and jack are fine. These use a small capsule ala Panasonic/camcorder type.

Enzo · 07-09-2009, 06:26 AM

Are your impedances matching up?

Guitarist · 07-09-2009, 07:10 AM

Yes, it's going into Hi-Z; saying "check" at close range I get about -6dB on the meters with the trim fairly loud. I thought this seemed quiet as they're supposed to be "room mics" no? In a kick drum and perhaps piano, this might work well. I guess there isn't much of a preamp in these things. They sound good though. 'just want to be sure they're working as designed.

Enzo · 07-09-2009, 10:07 AM

The point of a "room" mic is not so much that it is real sensitive, but the way it is designed, it minimizes that "off-mic" sound. SO you can plop it in the middle of a large conference table and it gets everyone without sounding like they are in another room or down a well.

Look up the spec sheet on one and compare to something familiar like a SM57.

I think Crown invented boundary mics, and licenses them to others who make them. SHould be some writing about it at Crown. Of course I may be having a senior moment.

Guitarist · 07-14-2009, 04:22 AM

You're right on with that BG info. The cool thing is that these are so easy to make or adapt. I now pop these capsules just out of sight—next to the hole—in acoustics and they sound incredible. An external preamp box works with all an owners instruments that are 2-wired thus; no batteries or preamps to route inside your uke, mando or Martin.

It's a challenge with acoustic players to find a good pickup/preamp.

I sold the PZM after ensuring they worked perfectly.
Thanks.

07-09-2009, 02:19 AM	#1
Guitarist Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 244	PZM low output I've got a PZM boundry mic that has seemingly low output, even with a fresh 1.5V battery. Is this stock or where should one look to repair it? The wire and jack are fine. These use a small capsule ala Panasonic/camcorder type.

07-09-2009, 06:26 AM	#2
Enzo Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA Posts: 10,366	Are your impedances matching up? __________________ Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

07-09-2009, 10:07 AM	#4
Enzo Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA Posts: 10,366	The point of a "room" mic is not so much that it is real sensitive, but the way it is designed, it minimizes that "off-mic" sound. SO you can plop it in the middle of a large conference table and it gets everyone without sounding like they are in another room or down a well. Look up the spec sheet on one and compare to something familiar like a SM57. I think Crown invented boundary mics, and licenses them to others who make them. SHould be some writing about it at Crown. Of course I may be having a senior moment. __________________ Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

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07-09-2009, 07:10 AM	#3
Guitarist Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 244	Yes, it's going into Hi-Z; saying "check" at close range I get about -6dB on the meters with the trim fairly loud. I thought this seemed quiet as they're supposed to be "room mics" no? In a kick drum and perhaps piano, this might work well. I guess there isn't much of a preamp in these things. They sound good though. 'just want to be sure they're working as designed.

07-14-2009, 04:22 AM	#5
Guitarist Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 244	You're right on with that BG info. The cool thing is that these are so easy to make or adapt. I now pop these capsules just out of sight—next to the hole—in acoustics and they sound incredible. An external preamp box works with all an owners instruments that are 2-wired thus; no batteries or preamps to route inside your uke, mando or Martin. It's a challenge with acoustic players to find a good pickup/preamp. I sold the PZM after ensuring they worked perfectly. Thanks.

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