Topic: Portable Recorder for Using "Hot" RCA Tape Outputs From Mixer

[decryption]

I'm often recording stuff from various mixers for use in recording talks & conferences and would like to know if there's a portable recorder that can handle recording from the normally "hot"  RCA tape outs, without any extra adapters? Just a good quality 2x RCA to 3.5mm cable directly into the recorder?

[Chimney Top]

I'm often recording stuff from various mixers for use in recording talks & conferences and would like to know if there's a portable recorder that can handle recording from the normally "hot"  RCA tape outs, without any extra adapters? Just a good quality 2x RCA to 3.5mm cable directly into the recorder?

Anything that has a line level input should be ok, and not mic level.  Line level with adjustable sensativity settings would be even better.

[Phil Zone]

Sony m10 is the best around for the price. It's very good with hot signals and just make sure to use the line in.

[obaaron]

my local bar I record at a lot only has rca tape out lol.  I run rca > 1/8" into my Sony m10 LINE IN and works beautifully

[decryption]

Wow, quick replies, thank you

The RCA/Tape Outs are generally the easiest to use on a mixer as they're normally unused, unlike the main outputs for 1/4" which often some mixers don't even have (or if they do, they're used by something else).

The Sony PCM-M10 looks great, but a bit expensive (about $320 here in Australia).

I was hoping to buy either the Zoom H1 or the Tascam DR-05 depending on how good either unit is at handling the output from a mixer's RCA/Tape output without any extra accessories.

[Chimney Top]

Wow, quick replies, thank you

The RCA/Tape Outs are generally the easiest to use on a mixer as they're normally unused, unlike the main outputs for 1/4" which often some mixers don't even have (or if they do, they're used by something else).

The Sony PCM-M10 looks great, but a bit expensive (about $320 here in Australia).

I was hoping to buy either the Zoom H1 or the Tascam DR-05 depending on how good either unit is at handling the output from a mixer's RCA/Tape output without any extra accessories.

I would check out Olympus LS-10, LS-12 etc., and avoid the Zoom H1.

[Chimney Top]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olympus-LS-11-Linear-PCM-Recorder-Professional-Portable-Field-DEMO-UNIT-NEW-/171232471205?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27de4028a5

Olympus LS-11 on ebay.  1 day 20 hrs left at $56.

Good choice, and the internal mic's are pretty good.


edit) crap, ships to USA only.

[cd2go]

I've used a Tascam DR-07 MKII (same specs as the DR-05) and it handles a soundboard feed ok. Even better and more rugged I like the Tascam DR-40 as a line-in deck, as it has locking XLR inputs which I like better than mini plug for longevity. 

[decryption]

The Olympus LS12 is about $160 and the Tascam DR-05 is $130. Does anyone know which unit would handle the level from the RCA/Tape output of a mixer?

I've used a Tascam DR-07 MKII (same specs as the DR-05) and it handles a soundboard feed ok. Even better and more rugged I like the Tascam DR-40 as a line-in deck, as it has locking XLR inputs which I like better than mini plug for longevity.

With the DR-07 MKII, did you just use a 2x RCA to 3.5mm minijack cable from the tape out on the mixer? No issues with the levels?

[Phil Zone]

I don't reccomend the tascan dr-05 for anything hot signal wise, it's inputs are really hot.

[decryption]

I don't reccomend the tascan dr-05 for anything hot signal wise, it's inputs are really hot.

Bummer

Maybe the Olympus LS12 can handle a hot signal properly?

[cd2go]

With the DR-07 MKII, did you just use a 2x RCA to 3.5mm minijack cable from the tape out on the mixer? No issues with the levels?

I had a Y-cable: XLRs from the board to a minijack into the recorder. If I recall I did have the input level at "0" and fine tuned with the board fader.

[decryption]

With the DR-07 MKII, did you just use a 2x RCA to 3.5mm minijack cable from the tape out on the mixer? No issues with the levels?

I had a Y-cable: XLRs from the board to a minijack into the recorder. If I recall I did have the input level at "0" and fine tuned with the board fader.

Ahh, XLRs from the board would be nice. Most of the time on the boards I need to connect to, the sole XLR output is hooked up to a PA - leaving me with either 2x 1/4" outputs or the RCA outputs. Using the 1/4" outputs is fine (and my preference, as they're balanced & mic level), but a lot of the boards don't seem to have them and it's RCA (line level) only.

[TSNéa]

If I read correctly, Olympus LS-10 (and I assume LS-5 & 11) can handle +24 dBu into the line input, with the knob on 1.5.
http://www.sonicstudios.com/ls10revw.htm
FWIW.

[runonce]

With the DR-07 MKII, did you just use a 2x RCA to 3.5mm minijack cable from the tape out on the mixer? No issues with the levels?

I had a Y-cable: XLRs from the board to a minijack into the recorder. If I recall I did have the input level at "0" and fine tuned with the board fader.

Ahh, XLRs from the board would be nice. Most of the time on the boards I need to connect to, the sole XLR output is hooked up to a PA - leaving me with either 2x 1/4" outputs or the RCA outputs. Using the 1/4" outputs is fine (and my preference, as they're balanced & mic level), but a lot of the boards don't seem to have them and it's RCA (line level) only.

1/4 inch outs are not mic level...more likely balanced, line level...and pro level, +4db...quite a bit hotter than the RCAs...