Topic: Using splitters to compare different recording setups

[adrianb]

I would like to compare different recording setups with the same mics, and just wondering if the following would work.

Mics -> Battery Box -> Splitter -> Two different recorders (with PIP switched off)

Is the consensus that this would be a useful way to compare, or that both will just be awful?

[adrianb]

Okay, finally got around to trying this at a couple of gigs. I've been trying to compare recordings on my Sony M10 with an iPhone.

First gig was as planned above, with some Church Audio CAFS -> Ugly battery box -> Splitter -> 1. Sony M10 and 2. Tascam iXJ2 + iPhone 4s

I've been wondering about using the iPhone to stealth, and have used it a couple of times previously with the iXJ2 and thought it was quite good. However, using the splitter to obtain a direct comparison of the same mics showed that the M10 was superior.

I was going to give up on the idea, but then wondered if it I bypassed the preamp in the iXJ2 it might be better.

Second gig last night, this time with the Church Audio CAFS -> CA Ugly 2 Preamp -> Splitter -> 1. Sony M10 and 2. Tascam iXJ2 (with levels turned down to zero) + iPhone 4s

Much much better. Little to distinguish between the two.

This might be my  kit for a while.