Sennheiser Ambeo self noise

[tom_lowe]

Originally Posted by michaelfbates

Thought I'd update on how this went in case anyone else is considering the Ambeo for this specific application.

I was given an Ambeo to test shortly before starting work on my last feature and I wanted to see if it would handle recording quiet room tones. I have to say I wasn't impressed, the self noise was really noticeable and decoded to 5.0 it was all a bit hissy and indistinct. Pleasingly compact setup though, if you happened to be recording something with enough level I think it might be worth testing out, just not for me.

The MKH double mid side setup on the other hand was brilliant (thank you Cheesehead for the suggestion), really lifelike 5.0, strong centre image and obviously very low noise.

Which version of the A-B convertor are you using? I noticed lots of hiss on the 1st version, every subsequent version is much better.

[michaelfbates]

Originally Posted by tom_lowe

Which version of the A-B convertor are you using? I noticed lots of hiss on the 1st version, every subsequent version is much better.

I think I just used SurroundZone and switched the input to A-Format. Interesting that it makes a difference to the noise levels when using their version.

[tom_lowe]

Originally Posted by michaelfbates

I think I just used SurroundZone and switched the input to A-Format. Interesting that it makes a difference to the noise levels when using their version.

Don't use that, it doesn't have the correct filters, measurements etc for the AMBEO. A-format is mic-specific.

There's a new AMBEO decoder out. Harpex-X also has measurements for the AMBEO.