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...

[yates7592]

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.

Yes, it takes quite a hot signal according to Guysonic.

[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.

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

Yep, you're right! My bad.

[Chimney Top]

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.

the LS-5 is another line of recorders.  The LS-11,12,14 were improved on the LS-10.


edit) I just looked up the LS-5, must be new... similar features to the LS-10.

[fmaderjr]

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

And as Chimney Top says, avoid the Zoom H1 as well. Even line in it would be very easy for it to distort when given a hot input signal.

[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.

the LS-5 is another line of recorders.  The LS-11,12,14 were improved on the LS-10.

edit) I just looked up the LS-5, must be new... similar features to the LS-10.

I read somewhere it's a European version?
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov10/articles/olympusls5.htm
I bought mine two or three years ago 150 euros, new; much cheaper than a M10.
http://www.avisoft.com/LS-5.pdf (specs on p. 83).