how to attenutate signal before mic 2

[electricpete]

I want to record the sound of machinery on my Android phone. The main purpose is just to build a catalogue of sounds we have heard, so we can be more familiar with what's normal and what's not, and what a machine sounded like a year ago. Getting a good quality recording that sounds like the machinery is therefore important.

I have tried several of the programs available on Android, including:
PCM Recorder
Virtual Recorder
Tape Machine

One thing I find is that all my recordings end up with clipping because the environment (inside a machinery building) is too loud.

None of the programs has an input limiter. (Virtual Recorder and Tape Machine imply they do, but they really don't. Closer review of Tape Machine website explains why: the hardware controls to perform input limiting are not available to the Android programs).

So, I would like to try to reduce the signal before it gets to the microphone.

I can't move away from the machine, because that just tends to make the signal/noise ratio go down (I hear more background noise and less of the machine I'm interested).

So I'm thinking maybe I would put something over the mic. A piece of paper? A piece of masking tape? A cotton ball taped over? What would you suggest that might attenuate the signal but hopefully not distort the noise too much in the process?



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[electricpete]

If small is what you're after, here's a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb99J8Lfl_Q&feature=endscreen&NR=1

which compares three more for iPhone with similar connector, and small:

Vericorder MiniMic:

http://vericorder.com/products/minimic

Brando Mini Capsule Mic:

http://mobile.brando.com/brando-workshop-flexible-mini-capsule-microphone-for...

Blue Mikey:

http://www.bluemic.com/mikey/

My Website:

http://dizzydougtv.com

My Twitter:

http://twitter.com/DizzyDoug

My Facebook:

http://bit.ly/cL0nH9

I saw these first, but I like the iRig better because of the specs. Small would be nice, but low-price and good quality are higher on my list. The plant is 100 yards from my desk... not a big deal to carry a mic that far.

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[electricpete]

By the way, the stackexchange link you posted shows the same setup (for connecting to the smartphone 3.5mm "4-pole" jack to an rca jack for use with standard mics) as the first youtube link that I posted

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[electricpete]

There is a small advantage if the iRig or the other three smaller iPhone mics work, it avoids extra cord or adapter.

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[electricpete]

I bought a $15 wired headphone / mic with 3.5mm 4-pole jack from Best Buy

I could not get mic to record in any software (including making a phone call)... my phone (Samsung Infuse) seems to always use built-in mic's and ignore the connected mic.

I have heard of some who successfuly used external mix with Android

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCnv1SUMoNI

But I could not get it to use the microphone even using the same software as used in that video (LG camera appp... tried all 3 settings of the microphone input setting in that app).

Seems like some other Android phones may have similar problem:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167660

I don't see any external mic in my near future.

Thanks for the comments.



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[hydtools]

Perhaps use a piece of tubing like we used to use to listen to machinery sounds. One end to your ear, in this case your phone, and the other end to scan near the machinery. Essentially a directional microphone isolating sound near the sound source.

Ted

 

[hydtools]

Or a mechanic's stethoscope and listen with your phone. Mark and number targets on the machinery and record the sounds.

Ted

 

[Strong]

I am not surprised Pete, but I was hoping that it would work for you. Part of my delay in buying a fancy phone has been to see what sound and vibration apps and accessories would add value to it. I am leaning toward the iPhone, since more stuff is available. None of it would replace a precision sound meter or spectruma analyzer. It would be nice to get a good audio recording and spectrum with a phone and minimal accessories to carry around.

Walt

 

[electricpete]

A small update, in the event that anyone using Android phone similar to mine finds this thread.

Voodoo sound software gives a lot of useful recording capabilities for Samsung Galaxy S series phones (including Infuse) that should overcome the problems mentioned above. Apparently the capabilities are there in the phone, they just need low level programming (like this voodoo software) to get at them.

Here are some of the capabilities the software provides:
1 – gives the ability to hook up an external microphone
2 – includes several software presets that give varying attentuation for audio input from the phone (from phone mic or external mix)... basically 3 levels: hi, medium and low sensitivity.

Two versions of the software are available

Voodoo sound plus

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.controlappdonate&hl=en

costs $3.50
requires rooted phone (similar to jailbroken iphone)

Voodoo sound

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.projectvoodoo.controlapp&hl=en

free
requires rooted phone
requires custom kernel with voodoo lag-fix / file system

I took the 2nd approach, using Zen’s Infusion A kernel for rooted Infuse phones with Gingerbread OS.
I have done a few early tests. Recorded loud music with phone next to speaker and comes out better on the low-sensitivity setting.
Tried out my $15.00 earbud/mic combo headset, and verified that when it is connected that external mic works as a mic and the phone mic is disabled. I haven’t recorded any machinery yet, but I wanted to update this thread before it gets closed due to age.

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[electricpete]

I'll correct one piece of info while this thread is still at the top of the list:

Tried out my $15.00 earbud/mic combo headset, and verified that when it is connected that external mic works as a mic and the phone mic is disabled

This one definitely true.

Recorded loud music with phone next to speaker and comes out better on the low-sensitivity setting.

This I'm not so sure about. There is not a big difference. Maybe the setting only applies when using external mic (?).

Sorry if this is all a little off-topic. I did want to correct possible inaccuracy about behavior when using voodoo sound with built-in mic.

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