Can you use cell phones with OKM microphones?
Yes, we provide an interface called Interface D1, which allows you to record in stereo using your cell phone, compatible with both iPhones and Android devices. This interface supports 24-bit and 96 kHz sample rate, ensuring high-quality recording with a top-notch converter. As a result, many portable recorders may no longer be necessary. You can order all OKM microphone variants with either the A3 Adapter for analog recorders or the Interface D1.
What kind of microphone is best for recording nature sounds, original audio, and ambient recordings?
All variants of the OKM II Classic are suitable here, as this is the most sensitive version is. When recording nature sounds, the microphone must be used to record exactly the acoustic impressions. The sensitive classic version is necessary for nature recordings, for example when recording bird song, the person recording cannot approach the sound source at will without closing it. For very quiet sound sources or very large distances. The sensitive microphone input of the recording device must be used for the sound source, depending on the recording device.
Do I need to buy the complete version, which includes the A3 adapter, for this purpose?
No, the OKM II Classic solo version is sufficient because it can handle distortion up to 105 dB, and nature recordings rarely reach this level.
What kind of recordings should I use the A3 Adapter for?
A3 Adapter is suitable for handling a sound pressure level of 115 dB, which is roughly equivalent to the volume of a chainsaw or a loud rock concert.
Most portable recording devices typically offer a 1.6 V power supply to the microphone. However, this voltage is only sufficient for sound pressures up to 115 dB. To capture higher sound pressures, the microphone requires a stronger power source, like the A3 Adapter, which provides a 6V power supply.
What does a sound pressure level of 115 dB mean?
115 dB is approximately the sound level of a chainsaw or a loud rock concert.
Can you record nature sounds on windy days without capturing unwanted noise?
Soundman has collaborated with Rykote GB to develop a windscreen for OKM microphones. This windscreen creates a calm area around the microphones, preventing disruptive noises, even in strong winds.
I'm experiencing distortion in the bass range, even though I've ensured that the peaks are below 0 dB
The power provided to the microphone through the tone wire supply isn’t sufficient to capture the bass. The A3 adapter, on the other hand, supplies the microphone with 6 volts, allowing it to capture bass frequencies more effectively. This is especially important for recording at very high sound pressures, and it’s recommended for OKM II Rock microphones.
My OKM microphone is not functioning with my recording device
While it’s quite uncommon, there are recording devices that lack a power supply for microphones, which usually require a tone wire supply or plug-in power. In such situations, you’ll need to use the A3 Adapter for both the microphone input and the line-in input.
Can I use other microphones with my A3 Adaptor through my line-in input and recording devices?
Unfortunately, that’s not possible. The OKM microphones, when used with the A3 adapter, are designed exclusively for this purpose. They’re the only electret microphones that function through the line-in input. The adapter is specifically designed for OKM microphones and works exclusively with them as a preamplifier.
What sets apart the OKM II version from the corresponding studio versions?
The studio versions are specific microphones carefully chosen for minimal channel synchronization, where the difference between the left and right channels is less than 0.5 dB. This selection process is important for stereo listening, especially at certain frequencies. This meticulous selection leads to reduced channel variation, resulting in a clearer and more transparent sound. This effect is particularly evident when recording in high-quality acoustic environments.
Can the OKM II Rock Studio be used for recording quiet passages, such as classical music?
The rock version is recommended for handling extremely high volumes, like concerts by hard rock bands, with a distortion limit of 141 dB, making it suitable for heavy metal bands. However, it may not be sensitive enough for recording classical music and outdoor field recordings.
Where is the best place to stand when recording a concert?
In most cases, at big concerts, it’s advisable to position yourself near the mixer, typically located in the center of the venue. This is because all standard microphones pick up the ambiance of the room, and the acoustics of the venue play a significant role in the overall recording quality.
What is the intended purpose of the OKM I?
OKM I is suitable for recording speech and music on analog recording devices and dictation recorders. However, for better results with modern, high-quality digital recording devices, especially the reasonably priced ones available now, it is recommended to use the OKM II version or a higher model.
If the microphones are placed in the ears, can they capture the heartbeat?
No, the microphone capsules are suspended freely and do not have direct contact with the ear.
Is it possible to connect the OKM microphones to my computer's sound card?
Most sound card microphone inputs, like those on portable recorders, typically include a tone wire supply. This means that the OKM microphones can be used with sound cards as well.
Is it possible to play recordings made with the OKM microphone through the home speaker system?
If you wore the OKM microphone in your ear during recording, it’s best to listen to the playback using headphones. This is because wearing the microphone in your ear allows for spatial awareness and precise positioning within the room, which is enhanced through headphones. However, since all OKM microphones are free-field equalized, you can also play the recordings through a stereo system. Keep in mind that while stereo systems can reproduce the recordings, they may not achieve the same spatial experience as headphones.