Topic: SP-PREAMP and Sony D50 - Which level to adjust?

[(Evan)]

So have I understood correctly that I should turn the output of the pramp all the way up, and adjust the levels from the D50?

[dave570]

Here's what I do when taping low-pro. I raise the recorder levels to 35-45 and then put my recorder on "lock" mode so I don't accidently stop it. Unfortunately, lock mode makes the recorder levels control un-usable. I use the pre-amp knob to adjust the levels and either set the SP preamp to L/H/off depending on the music. If I didn't do it this way, I would have to un-lock the recorder and hope I don't stop it by pressing the stop button when taping.  I don't about you but if you are subject to "oh sh*t" moments like me, locking the recorder after it starts recording is ths safest thing to do. For open taping, I would not do it this way. So it depends.

[(Evan)]

Well the D50 has an analogue dial to control recording levels, so the levels are still adjustable when the recorder is locked :/

[Falconidave]

So I'm just got an SP-PREAMP for my Sony D50, and I was wondering which unit I should use for adjusting the recording level? Should I put the D50 on maximum, and adjust the level with the preamp? Or put the preamp level on maximum and adjust it with the D50?

Also, I'm going to be using the "Low" option most of the time on the preamp, but there may be times when I just use it as a battery box. So I would ask the same question for that case. Adjust level on D50 or preamp?

Thanks!

What mics are you using?  I would never put a preamp in front of the D50.  The internal preamp is great, and "less is more", so don't add anything to the signal chain.  My best recordings are made with mics directly into the recorder (plug in power).

  Richard

I'm going to give this a try tomorrow Richard at an outdoor festival.  I'm gonna run my CA-14's directly into my D-50 via "mic-in".  It seems that since battery life in a non-issue as well as an incredible internal pre-amp, no sense not to.  I feel like many of my recent recordings have been strangely sub-par when going the standard rout: line-in and CA pre-amps.  Any ill effects utilizing the 20db attenuator switch on the D-50 if it get's too loud?  I should think not, hope not.

David

[illconditioned]

So I'm just got an SP-PREAMP for my Sony D50, and I was wondering which unit I should use for adjusting the recording level? Should I put the D50 on maximum, and adjust the level with the preamp? Or put the preamp level on maximum and adjust it with the D50?

Also, I'm going to be using the "Low" option most of the time on the preamp, but there may be times when I just use it as a battery box. So I would ask the same question for that case. Adjust level on D50 or preamp?

Thanks!

What mics are you using?  I would never put a preamp in front of the D50.  The internal preamp is great, and "less is more", so don't add anything to the signal chain.  My best recordings are made with mics directly into the recorder (plug in power).

  Richard

I'm going to give this a try tomorrow Richard at an outdoor festival.  I'm gonna run my CA-14's directly into my D-50 via "mic-in".  It seems that since battery life in a non-issue as well as an incredible internal pre-amp, no sense not to.  I feel like many of my recent recordings have been strangely sub-par when going the standard rout: line-in and CA pre-amps.  Any ill effects utilizing the 20db attenuator switch on the D-50 if it get's too loud?  I should think not, hope not.

David

For ambient I use approx level #5, mic in.  For concerts I use approx #5 with the 20dB pad.

Ideally line in would avoid a bit of mic gain, but then you don't get plug in power.  If I was running a battery box I *might* try running that to line in for loud shows, but really, mic in on this thing is so good, I don't see the need.  Plug in power is just so convenient for me.

  Richard

[Falconidave]

Wow what a big difference.  I ran my CA-14's directly in the "mic-in" input and used the 20db pad switch.  I was sitting in virtually the same spot as I've been the last 3 years, and looks like the same PA system.  The bass volume is always heavy in this festival, so I turned on the LCF at 150hz.  Had it set at 75hz for the opening band and it was slightly boomy in the recording.  Well, the results of the final band(Rick Springfield) pull turned out great.  I had to do some more post volume boosting than usual, but no biggy there, using 24/96 makes that possible.  I am amazed at how much better it sounds when really cranked up, ZERO distortion.  Thanks for the advice Richard. I'll be upping it to DIME later if anyone is interested.

David

[illconditioned]

Wow what a big difference.  I ran my CA-14's directly in the "mic-in" input and used the 20db pad switch.  I was sitting in virtually the same spot as I've been the last 3 years, and looks like the same PA system.  The bass volume is always heavy in this festival, so I turned on the LCF at 150hz.  Had it set at 75hz for the opening band and it was slightly boomy in the recording.  Well, the results of the final band(Rick Springfield) pull turned out great.  I had to do some more post volume boosting than usual, but no biggy there, using 24/96 makes that possible.  I am amazed at how much better it sounds when really cranked up, ZERO distortion.  Thanks for the advice Richard. I'll be upping it to DIME later if anyone is interested.

David

Glad it worked for you.

Yeah, *if* you're careful with the plug in power wiring (4.7 or 2.2k mod or whatever), this recorder is top-notch, both for ambient and rock recording.

  Richard

[Dede2002]

So I'm just got an SP-PREAMP for my Sony D50, and I was wondering which unit I should use for adjusting the recording level? Should I put the D50 on maximum, and adjust the level with the preamp? Or put the preamp level on maximum and adjust it with the D50?

Also, I'm going to be using the "Low" option most of the time on the preamp, but there may be times when I just use it as a battery box. So I would ask the same question for that case. Adjust level on D50 or preamp?

Thanks!

What mics are you using?  I would never put a preamp in front of the D50.  The internal preamp is great, and "less is more", so don't add anything to the signal chain.  My best recordings are made with mics directly into the recorder (plug in power).

  Richard

Agreed.
You don't have to use a preamp just because you own one 

[Falconidave]

Wow what a big difference.  I ran my CA-14's directly in the "mic-in" input and used the 20db pad switch.  I was sitting in virtually the same spot as I've been the last 3 years, and looks like the same PA system.  The bass volume is always heavy in this festival, so I turned on the LCF at 150hz.  Had it set at 75hz for the opening band and it was slightly boomy in the recording.  Well, the results of the final band(Rick Springfield) pull turned out great.  I had to do some more post volume boosting than usual, but no biggy there, using 24/96 makes that possible.  I am amazed at how much better it sounds when really cranked up, ZERO distortion.  Thanks for the advice Richard. I'll be upping it to DIME later if anyone is interested.

David

Glad it worked for you.

Yeah, *if* you're careful with the plug in power wiring (4.7 or 2.2k mod or whatever), this recorder is top-notch, both for ambient and rock recording.

  Richard

What do you mean by "careful"?  The only modded mics I own are the recently purchased ATU853A's from SP, and the AT853's(4.7k) I got from you in a trade awhile back.  Will those work okay with the D50?  Thanks

[Arni99]

Although I got the SP-PREAMP a little while ago, I'll be using my DPA 4061 + bbox on my D50's MIC-IN with the -20db setting for Tommy Emmanuel...acoustic amplified guitar in a few days.
I actually NEVER used my preamp except for home-recording-tests. 

[Falconidave]

Although I got the SP-PREAMP a little while ago, I'll be using my DPA 4061 + bbox on my D50's MIC-IN with the -20db setting for Tommy Emmanuel...acoustic amplified guitar in a few days.
I actually NEVER used my preamp except for home-recording-tests. 

Since it's raining, I'm going indoors tonight to see Monte Montgomery, acoustic guitar wizard.  Will go with CA-14 cards and "mic-in" -20db pad and probably 75hz LCF.

[Arni99]

Although I got the SP-PREAMP a little while ago, I'll be using my DPA 4061 + bbox on my D50's MIC-IN with the -20db setting for Tommy Emmanuel...acoustic amplified guitar in a few days.
I actually NEVER used my preamp except for home-recording-tests. 

Since it's raining, I'm going indoors tonight to see Monte Montgomery, acoustic guitar wizard.  Will go with CA-14 cards and "mic-in" -20db pad and probably 75hz LCF.

I wouldn't use the LCF with cardioid mics.
With DPA4061 omnis it's a different story at "bassy" funk/pop/rock shows....75Hz would fit well then.

[Falconidave]

Although I got the SP-PREAMP a little while ago, I'll be using my DPA 4061 + bbox on my D50's MIC-IN with the -20db setting for Tommy Emmanuel...acoustic amplified guitar in a few days.
I actually NEVER used my preamp except for home-recording-tests. 

Since it's raining, I'm going indoors tonight to see Monte Montgomery, acoustic guitar wizard.  Will go with CA-14 cards and "mic-in" -20db pad and probably 75hz LCF.

I wouldn't use the LCF with cardioid mics.
With DPA4061 omnis it's a different story at "bassy" funk/pop/rock shows....75Hz would fit well then.

Yeah you're probably right there.  I just got a bit paranoid after this festival last night where you could literally feel the bass waves hitting your chest.  I am so loving not having to run a pre-amp/battery box every night!!  Thanks...