Noise Floor??

Hello everyone i ve been reading specifications for some mics and there are a lot of things that i dont understand For example for the AKG C 4000 B it says NOISE FLOOR of 8dB(A)and maximum level capability of 145dB can someone explain what that means ?? thnx a lot I ll post some similar questions soon - i hope they are interesting Vouts Greece

Hi Vouts, Bastiaan & I would differ on the definition of noise floor. My understanding is that noise floor as used in this context is the noise that is put out by the mic itself, meaning if you had a perfectly quiet system (which can't happen until you get to a temp of Absolute Zero...) the mic itself would still put out this much noise. This is pretty low and is not at all likely to cause you any trouble. Regards, Mark

There is a point, way down there in level, where noice is louder than your signal. That would be the noise floor. Then on the high end, you reach a point where the mic will not get any louder (or a point where distortion would exceed a certain point). After all, a mic can only generate so much voltage, no matter the distortion. With modern mics, you don have to worry much about the signal-to-noise ratio. With old vintage tube mics you will get much more noise. The ratio for 24 bits is 140 db. That would be from the smallest sound you can't hear to standing next to a blasting jet engine.

Mark I ment the same, but i am a stoopied forignjer..... some troubles here every now and then expressing myself.

Bastiaan, Hey, I think you're doing a GREAT job! We're all beginners here, and I certainly don't think my answers are always right! Sorry if it sounded that way. It wasn't my intention. Ask me to write in a foreign language and watch me get 1% as far as you guys do. I'm envious, jealous, and desirous of the ability. I hear it works great with the ladies! With great regard, Mark <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bastiaan: Mark I ment the same, but i am a stoopied forignjer..... some troubles here every now and then expressing myself.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>