Question about condenser mic clipping

[rumleymusic]

In other words, does a condenser mic have an absolute level where it clips, or does it's distortion raise gradually as the level goes up?

There usually is a well defined level where the microphone will distort, and it is usually caused by the circutry overloading. The capsules usually can withstand quite a bit more. It is much more likely you will clip digitally because your gain is too high.

With 24 bit resolution, you should give yourself a good amout of headroom for safety.

[YTCrazyTieGuy]

So is that a yes on the last question?

Also, can someone say what they think the peak level of an average big band is about 5 meters away, or that of a snare drum about 10 meters away?

BTW I actually had over 15 dB of digital headroom.

[rumleymusic]

Cheaper mics can distort easily on SPL's way below the printed maximum. Especially on instruments with high distortion like trumpet, trombone etc. This is not necessarily due to the high SPL, but more due to inferior circuitry. Naiant uses off the shelf electret capsules with cheap opamps. So it is not really a proper condenser. Not to "diss" the mic. It can perform well on strings and other quiet instruments.

Then again, even my Rode NT5's tend to do the same thing. I have some nicer pencils mics from DPA and Sennheiser which do not have that problem.

Usually a big band should not reach more that 100dB at the range you asking.

[YTCrazyTieGuy]

Thanks!

If a big band really only reaches 100 dB on peaks then I should be fine, cause the Naiants are rated at 0.1% THD at 94 dB SPL, which is good enough for me.

[Analok]

There may have been other factors at play. You mention one snare hit being louder than the rest, which seems to had reached beyond peak/clip. You'd typically see that within your DAW during playback, and can probably edit it by slicing a Db or two off of it. Other noises could be creeping in from the mic stand on up to the Naiant's body...who knows? Best would be for you to drop a snippet of the performance here for others to examine & summize what's going on for you.

HTH

BTW: I love my Naiant XM-T!!