Student-Contributed Wiki

An awesome team of students from our education program made this wiki.

One problem which sometimes occurs after using the microphone and listening to the subsequent recording is that the volume appears to be very low. There are a few probable causes. First, was the volume on the receiving device (laptop, mini-disc player, etc.) turned up to a sufficient level prior to use?

The settings on the microphone itself may also have caused the problem, as there is a switch to changes its settings from “90 degrees” to “120 degrees.” The problem may exist with the 90 degree settings, as it is lower. Adjust to 120 to see if the problem persists.

Also, another possible cause concerns microphone usage with a computer. Sometimes the computer software is not compatible with the microphone, causing a myriad of problems related to sound.

Sometimes the wind shield might have holes that lets air or wind affect the clarity of the recorded sounds. In this case you need to buy a new wind screen.

If the microphone is producing sound that is distorted, check both the end jack on the device for corrosion, damage, or split wires wear the jack connects to the power cord. Follow the power cord up to wear it connects to the microphone and make sure there are no deformed elements within the cord. If there is discover of disfigurement, switch out the cord.

http://www.crownaudio.com/mictrouble.htm

If the sound is distorted while speaking and/or recording, for example “breathe pops,” place a wind screen over the diaphragm of the microphone. Make sure the wind screen is appropriate and functioning and retry.

Sometimes what appears to be a complex problem relates to simple, basic functions. Are the microphone and external device both on? Another item to check for is low battery power on the microphone, quickly solved by replacement. Also make sure that the stereo jack is fully inserted into the external device.

Other issues can result in the Sony Microphone ECM-MS907 not recording. For example, the diaphragm may be damaged or broken. Since the job of the diaphragm is receive and produce sound waves, any physical damage or issue may tamper with the performance of the microphone. This includes, but not limited to, recording of sound. Cleaning or replacing the diaphragm is a potential repair.

Another possible cause of non-recording can relate to the microphones amplifier. The job of the amplifier is to boost or—amplify, sound. If it is not functioning correctly, this may result in microphone malfunction and/or non-recording. Again, replacing the amplifier may be a pricey option, but it can be a solution to the problem.

If the microphone is only recording on one side, it may relate to the aforementioned issues. Or, additionally, it could be due to the stereo jack. If it is not compatible with the device it is being synced to, recording dilemmas may ensue. Some devices only have a headphone input, thus the stereo jack may not correctly sync with the device. If it is damaged, dirty, or bent, replacing it and/or power cord can solve this problem.

As previously stated in the first section, many issues may be related to the software of the outside device, in this case, a computer, that is connected to the microphone. Sometimes software is not compatible with the microphone technology. If this is the problem, some investigation on the part of the user must be done in order to find the proper software.

Experiment to figure out when the microphone is echoing most. Once discovered when the microphone echoes, test with and without the wind screen. Additionally, adjust the position of the microphone to (horizontal, vertical) until echo is gone.

If the positioning and wind screen don’t fix the issue, make sure the diaphragm is functioning correctly (how do we make sure of that?) with no visible flaws. Check for holes, filth, and that the diaphragm in properly secure on the microphone. A loose, malfunctioning, or damaged diaphragm may create an echoing sound. If the diaphragm is dirty, clean it. If the diaphragm is damaged, replace it.