Topic: So I think that I need a preamp

[carbine000]

Sorry if this is somewhere but I couldn't really find exactly what I am looking for and the amount of knowledge here is kind of intimidating:

I have a Sony MD-R700
and
Sony ECM-DS70p http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECM-DS70P-Electret-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00006HOLL

So, I would like to get a preamp and price is a big concern. Can someone point me in the right direction? Suggestions? I have no idea what I should be looking for or where I should be looking.

[dean]

Church Audio.  Send a PM.   

[Belexes]

With that mic, I think you can use the plug in power from the MD.  Not sure if a preamp would be needed.

[carbine000]

From a previous post, someone explained that using the line in would be better than the mic in as you would be able to get less distortion and a wider range so I  thought that line in would be better but dont know if I still need a preamp?

[Evil Taper]

Basically "mic in" supplies power to the microphone, like a preamp would, the problem is that the built ins usually suck horribly.

[attheshow]

The DS-70P that you plan to use does not record the full range of audible sound. It records roughly 100Hz - 15kHz. The full audible range is roughly 20Hz - 20kHz. As a result your recordings will lack a bit in the low and high end. You can still get a decent sounding recording, but you will notice the difference if you compare it to a recording made with a better mic.

If you are a bit handy with a soldering iron, I would try building the Greenmachine DIY battery box (see the Live Recording section of www.minidisc.org/forums). It will cost only about $10-15US in parts, and will serve to power your mic. If you go DS-70P > DIY BBox > Line In you should be able to get better results than you would with DS-70P> mic in. Make sure you set your levels to manual on the MD and turn AVLS off. Save the money you would have spent on a pre towards a better set of mics.

Good luck and happy taping!