Topic: Remote control with levels?

[CreepingDave]

Hi all, I will start out by saying that i'm probably still a newbie when it comes to taping, even though technically i've been doing it for years. I have pretty much always used my trusty iriver h120 until it failed last minute, causing me to perhaps review my rig. I did buy a pcm m10 a year or two ago but never used it really. The main thing for me, since it was mostly stealth recordings I do, is that seeing the levels on the remote made things much easier. So my question really, is there a recording unit which comes with a similar remote where I can see the levels? A quick look around and I don't see  any, or at least in my budget range. So if not, is the iriver h1x0 still a good device, or is it best just to change my approach and get into using the m10? It just doesn't feel as conspicuous though.

Thanks!

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

This will let you use your phone to check the levels...but at that point you might as well check them on the M10.

http://tascam.com/product/dr-22wl/

I have no issues checking levels on my M10 when stealthing. With so many people checking their phones (often) at shows I think most security think the M10 is a phone. Either that or they don't give a shit.

FWIW, I know my gear well enough now that I can guess at the levels before the show. I set them a bit on the low side to make sure I don't go over and then boost the levels in post.

I think you can also set the limiter on the M10 to on, just to be on the safe side, just in case you go over.

I usually set my levels to peak around -10. I have never even come close to going over. Again...boost the levels in post and it sounds fine.

[udovdh]

If you need to adjust levels during a show you already have some audio that is subpar.
You know the gear, you know the band, know the venue so you have a ballpark where the level knob should be.
Set and forget.
Make notes if you need to. (date, venue, band, level, margin)

[CreepingDave]

Thanks for the advice guys. Its a good point that with everyone checking their smartphones these days, it isn't as obvious as perhaps it was in the past. I never adjust or check levels during a show, it was more for convenience to have it on a smaller remote whilst setting up. I'll get used to the M10 then, it is a better device afterall.

[Ozpeter]

Tascam DR-22 shows levels and adjusts them via smartphone.

[2manyrocks]

Dr-22 price point less than M10, but since it's a new product, it isn't yet proven like the M10 in terms of reliability, quality and battery life.  The ability to control levels at a distance has some useful applications, however.