In this test I compare the self-noise of Clippy EM172 into a Sony PCM-A10 recording at extremely low gain (level 3 out of 30) versus the same microphones into a Zoom F6 recording in 32-bit float mode.

Clip 1: Sony recording of outdoor scene at original volume
Clip 2: Same Sony recording normalised (+24.2dB)
Clip 3: Zoom F6 recording of the same scene normalised to the same level
Clip 4: Sony recording of indoor scene normalised (+24.2dB)
Clip 5: Zoom F6 recording of the same scene normalised to the same level

My conclusion is that when using Clippy EM172 microphones (14dBA self noise, -28dB sensitivity), low noise preamps such as those on Zoom F series recorders or Sound Devices are overkill. In addition, if you want to avoid clipping (a reason for using 32-bit float) you can simply set the gain level on the PCM-A10 very low, and when you bring the noise levels back up there is no noise penalty (you should avoid going below level 3 however as I have demonstrated in a previous test that the noise increases considerably below level 3).

Sony PCM-A10 Low Gain Vs Zoom F6 32-Bit Float

Stereo soundscape recordings. Sometime nature, sometimes people, sometimes machinery. Sometimes quiet things like a single branch creaking in the wind on Dartmoor, sometimes odd moments in the city. Mostly local, but sometimes travelling. 

Sony PCM-A10 Low Gain Vs Zoom F6 32-Bit Float

Douglas Langley