Parabola or shotgun? (1 Viewer)

Hi - I'm considering buying a parabolic reflector but have have a couple of questions I'd be really grateful if someone experienced could answer......

First, how does the directionality of a parabolic vs. a long shotgun mic like a Sennheiser 816 compare? - Is the parabolic significantly more directional? and how does it compare tonally?

Also would a parabola give better results with a cardioid or omni at the focal point?

Finally, where could I buy one?? - bearing in mind there's not many Kroner to the pound these days

Many Thanks,


rob

ezahp said:

Hi - I'm considering buying a parabolic reflector but have have a couple of questions I'd be really grateful if someone experienced could answer......

First, how does the directionality of a parabolic vs. a long shotgun mic like a Sennheiser 816 compare? - Is the parabolic significantly more directional? and how does it compare tonally?

Also would a parabola give better results with a cardioid or omni at the focal point?

Finally, where could I buy one?? - bearing in mind there's not many Kroner to the pound these days

Many Thanks,


rob

Click to expand...

Depends what you want to record and what you are doing it for. I have experince of Senn ME67 and also Telinga parabolas/mics.

Parabola + more gain at distance, more focussed at distance. Parabolas tend to emphasize the higher frequencies and have less bass frequencies. A Telinga Twin science mic gives both cardioid and omni simulataneously, though most peops prefer the Stereo DAT mic as the background is in stereo with the focussed sound in mono.

A Telinga is always gonna cost no matter when you buy it. However, it is a great bit of kit and Klas and Augur (the UK dealer) provide good support. If you go for a Sennheiser try Thomman in Germany - I bought my ME67 and capsule through them and saved a packet on UK prices in 2006.