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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: aaronji on June 26, 2010, 07:32:53 AM

Title: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on June 26, 2010, 07:32:53 AM
Continuation of: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=130924.375 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=130924.375)

Quote from: beatkilla
Im using m10 with dpa 4061s and bbox,(mic in pip off)audio is to be used for bluray concert video,bluray spec allows 16bit 48k or 24bit 48k.with this deck will i notice better quality with 24bit?should i record 24bit 96k?what is the point of diminishing returns?

Personally, I would definitely opt for the 24 bit.  48 vs. 96 kHz doesn't make a difference that I can hear, but some people have strong preferences one way or the other...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on June 26, 2010, 01:32:57 PM
the m10 still kicks ass! welcome to part three.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Chris K on June 26, 2010, 05:38:05 PM
Just picked on up. Love the 'feel' of the unit. The record button seems a little different, perhaps stiffer, than the other transport buttons, but it still functions.

i am using copper top batteries...anyone have issues with rechargeables?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gmm6797 on June 26, 2010, 05:43:50 PM
I use rechargeables with no issues for close to 7 hours of 24/96 record time... but make sure to change the battery settings when you switch so the meter reads correctly on the screen
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: flintstone on June 27, 2010, 12:42:26 PM
I just noticed that B&H Photo Video is selling the Sony PCM-M10 this morning for $199.  You have to add the item to the shopping cart to see the low price.

Yesterday, B&H's price was $251.  So the $199 price may not last long.

Flintstone
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bucsab12 on June 27, 2010, 01:22:34 PM
I love B&H!!!

I have purchased a Sony PCM-M10 from them 12 days ago for $251.00.
I have just called them and told them that the price dropped to $199.00 and they said that they will refund the difference to my credit card.
It is such a sweet deal right now, $199.00 for a great recorder and you also get a nice case through rebate ($30 value).

Thank you very much Flinstone for letting me know. You've saved me $50  :D
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: listener2 on June 27, 2010, 08:03:20 PM
I just noticed that B&H Photo Video is selling the Sony PCM-M10 this morning for $199.  You have to add the item to the shopping cart to see the low price.

Yesterday, B&H's price was $251.  So the $199 price may not last long.

Flintstone
Oh man! and I thought I got the best deal paying only $235 after Bing Instant Cashback from a seller on eBay for my Sony PCM-M10 !  Wow that is a nice price for $199.  It definitely would make this one of the best buys out there now.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ironbut on June 28, 2010, 02:31:15 AM
Wow, thanks you guys!
Just ordered a red one!

Free shipping too. (man, as they say, I am my father now,.. he's a cheap skate too)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jbell on June 28, 2010, 07:30:25 AM
Great price!  I am tempted to pick one up.   >:D
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on June 28, 2010, 09:44:04 AM
on the question of rechargeables, I still have the ORIGINAL batteries that I got with the unit a few months ago back in march/april and all bars still show full. Occasionally it will slip down one tick but hasn't stayed down constantly.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: kfrinkle on June 28, 2010, 03:59:34 PM
Damn, if I had an extra 200 bucks, I would buy a backup.  I LOOOOVE that little recorder, man what a great upgrade after dealing with the MicroTrack 24/96...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on June 28, 2010, 08:42:05 PM
Well...I was holding off getting the M10, but $200 was too hard to pass up. Good thing is that completes my new stealth rig. (Nevaton MCE400 > Tinybox > M10).

The internal 4GB should be enough for me for most situations, but I may be doing a festie in August and 4GB is going to be a close call for what I want to cover.

Any suggestions on a 8GB micro SD card?

Anyone use this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208453&cm_re=micro_sd-_-20-208-453-_-Product
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ziggz on June 28, 2010, 08:56:03 PM
Seeing as my backup iRiver is starting to do random weird things, I couldn't resist the price of this. Grab 'em while you can!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: sparkey on June 28, 2010, 11:51:28 PM
The only thing I don't like about this recorder is the lack of a digital input.  Is there anything comparable that has a digital in?

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on June 28, 2010, 11:57:20 PM
Here's the link for the free case:

https://www.rebate-zone.com/default.asp?PN=SY00122k7&DirectID=32746
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on June 29, 2010, 12:01:19 AM
The only thing I don't like about this recorder is the lack of a digital input.  Is there anything comparable that has a digital in?

discussed many times.

sony d50 has the optical cable input as well as 16 bit iriver and hi-md recorders. the pmd 661 and pmd 671 are both 24 bit.
personally, if you want digital input, I would consider the r-44 since the d50 is only optical and the 661 and 671 are pricey new...although you could probably find them for a good price on the board.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: sparkey on June 29, 2010, 01:00:43 AM

thanks

The only thing I don't like about this recorder is the lack of a digital input.  Is there anything comparable that has a digital in?

discussed many times.

sony d50 has the optical cable input as well as 16 bit iriver and hi-md recorders. the pmd 661 and pmd 671 are both 24 bit.
personally, if you want digital input, I would consider the r-44 since the d50 is only optical and the 661 and 671 are pricey new...although you could probably find them for a good price on the board.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Chris K on June 29, 2010, 10:41:20 AM
I just noticed that B&H Photo Video is selling the Sony PCM-M10 this morning for $199.  You have to add the item to the shopping cart to see the low price.

Yesterday, B&H's price was $251.  So the $199 price may not last long.

Flintstone

Thanks for this...I just called Musicians Friend and got them to credit me the difference plus an extra 10% between what I paid there and the bh photo price. So after all is said and done I paid $197. Not bad. Now to apply for the free case.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: JD on June 29, 2010, 10:54:55 AM
A friend of mine just picked one of these up and she is now in need of a few 16gb memory cards, any recommendations?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on June 29, 2010, 11:04:22 AM
A friend of mine just picked one of these up and she is now in need of a few 16gb memory cards, any recommendations?

i have a 16 gig sandisk that I got from Buy.com for about $40. so I have almost 20 gigs of recording time in my recorder.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: JD on June 29, 2010, 11:33:27 AM
A friend of mine just picked one of these up and she is now in need of a few 16gb memory cards, any recommendations?

i have a 16 gig sandisk that I got from Buy.com for about $40. so I have almost 20 gigs of recording time in my recorder.

Any chance it is this model?    http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDHC-Memory-SDSDQ-016G-Packaging/dp/B001L1H0SC (http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDHC-Memory-SDSDQ-016G-Packaging/dp/B001L1H0SC)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on June 29, 2010, 11:39:12 AM

Any chance it is this model?    http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDHC-Memory-SDSDQ-016G-Packaging/dp/B001L1H0SC (http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDHC-Memory-SDSDQ-016G-Packaging/dp/B001L1H0SC)

damn, where were you three weeks ago? That looks like the exact same one. I haven't used the adapter card but its nice to have.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mloewen on June 30, 2010, 10:08:22 AM
I picked up a 16 gig card a few weeks ago on Amazon that someone posted a link to here for 20$. I think the price will be dropping for these soon if you keep looking for deals. I would recommend against getting some of the cheap ones on ebay.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gdplusmore on June 30, 2010, 09:04:28 PM
I just noticed that B&H Photo Video is selling the Sony PCM-M10 this morning for $199.  You have to add the item to the shopping cart to see the low price.

Yesterday, B&H's price was $251.  So the $199 price may not last long.

Flintstone

Thanks for the post...I just purchased one...seeking advice on best way to run my naks into this deck ?

Can I run them directly into the deck via  xlr to mini plug mic in ?  or would I be better off feeding them from my mx-100 via rca ->mini 1/8 - Line in ?

Thanks
Brian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mattmiller on July 01, 2010, 10:41:03 AM
Here's the link for the free case:

https://www.rebate-zone.com/default.asp?PN=SY00122k7&DirectID=32746

Is this free case supposed to be only for business-related purchases of the M10?  It's asking me for my business name and business type, and won't let me get any further without picking one and giving them a name.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on July 01, 2010, 10:56:13 AM
I just made up a name for my company.

Always handy to have that around for various deals anyway.

Goes along with having a pre-prepared alias...mine is Fabrizo Garcia, BTW.  :P
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on July 01, 2010, 03:29:18 PM

Can I run them directly into the deck via  xlr to mini plug mic in ?  or would I be better off feeding them from my mx-100 via rca ->mini 1/8 - Line in ?

Thanks
Brian

M10 has quiet mic preamp with +2 dBu mic input clean handling level so no need for using external preamp for even very hot output mics. 

Using a dual XLR to miniplug patch is all that's needed, and if looking for highest quality adapter, my company makes one of the best with molded (will not stress deck's mic input jack) right-angle plug (this hard gold plated over nickel) shown on my site at: http://www.sonicstudios.com/access.htm#adapters (http://www.sonicstudios.com/access.htm#adapters)
(http://www.sonicstudios.com/xlr-3f.jpg)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gdplusmore on July 01, 2010, 05:11:52 PM
Thank you , I will consier your cable once I receive the deck
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: morst on July 02, 2010, 04:02:29 AM
Is this free case supposed to be only for business-related purchases of the M10?  It's asking me for my business name and business type, and won't let me get any further without picking one and giving them a name.
The online rebate is probably for businesses, but you can mail it in. Is the case any good? Has anyone seen this case?

I don't think a class 2 card (the slowest cards) would have any performance problems, but faster cards would finalize files and transfer more rapidly, so I'm thinking class 4 or 6 will save transfer time and be worth the extra bux. Plus prices will always come down on these things, and the 8GB class 6 costs less than 16GB class 2.

Pardon while I reason out loud. I have to talk myself into this. BTW, this has a line input that can handle a hot signal, right? The Zoom H2 and M-Audio Microtrack 24/96 can NOT handle line level, though the M-Audio is not as bad as the H2.

Quote
from http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-audio/cat-recorders/product-PCMM10%2FB/ (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-audio/cat-recorders/product-PCMM10%2FB/)
(Stereo Mini Jack) Input impedance: 22k ohms; Minimum input level: 500mV; Rated input level: 2.0V

Ahh, that's the stuff.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Napo on July 02, 2010, 06:44:28 AM
Guysonic, Morst

sorry for my ignorance but hot mic is not the same as saying phantom power? ??? and the Sony M-10 does not support that....
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: alexaa on July 02, 2010, 06:18:05 PM
Has anyone used the M-10 in a shirt pocket to record loud music.  Do the omni mics pick up a lot of the crowd noise when using the m-10 in this manner.   I currently have a Zoom H2 and use it mostly in the 90deg mode.

Thanks
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on July 02, 2010, 07:03:20 PM
Guysonic, Morst

sorry for my ignorance but hot mic is not the same as saying phantom power? ??? and the Sony M-10 does not support that....
Hot mic is, in this case, is one with high output signal; typical of 48 volt external to deck powered mics. 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Napo on July 03, 2010, 05:34:06 AM
Thanks guysonic,

One day I will be on top of every technical topic and in the meantime I am enjoying the ride  8)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gdplusmore on July 03, 2010, 08:12:57 AM
Any thoughts on how the SP-CMC-2's would work with the  Sony PCM-M10 ?
Would the Sony PCM-M10 plug-in power be enough or do I need to get a BB as well, trying to keep as stealth as possible..but do not want to get distortion so will get BB if needed..
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on July 03, 2010, 08:41:33 AM
Has anyone used the M-10 in a shirt pocket to record loud music.  Do the omni mics pick up a lot of the crowd noise when using the m-10 in this manner.   I currently have a Zoom H2 and use it mostly in the 90deg mode.

Thanks
if it was me i would try and find someone to split this buy 1 get 1 deal
they are pretty good mics for cheap
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-BMC-1
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on July 03, 2010, 10:27:43 AM
The shirt pocket is going to pick up...shirt pocket noise and anything rubbing the surface of the recorder.  Crowd noise too, but no more or less than external omnis. Meanwhile, the built-in omni mics on the PCM-M10 do have a bass cutoff--at 80 Hz I believe--that makes things a little tinny, though tolerable if you're desperate. The little SoundPro mics above, even clipped to a shirt collar, would be superior.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on July 03, 2010, 04:08:01 PM
Any thoughts on how the SP-CMC-2's would work with the  Sony PCM-M10 ?
Would the Sony PCM-M10 plug-in power be enough or do I need to get a BB as well, trying to keep as stealth as possible..but do not want to get distortion so will get BB if needed..
The mics will work with M10's ~2.5 volt mic powering, but not to full low distortion potential without using a 9 volt BB.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gdplusmore on July 03, 2010, 04:32:44 PM
Thanks for the info...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on July 04, 2010, 04:11:11 AM
Thanks for the thread you guys! After doing a quick read through this and also a few reviews elsewhere, I was blown away, so earlier today I jumped on an M10 at B&H for the aformentioned 199 bucks. How could you go wrong at that price?

Can someone please link me to Sony PCM-M10 threads Part 1 and Part 2?

Thanks!

Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gdplusmore on July 04, 2010, 08:23:53 AM
Thanks for the thread you guys! After doing a quick read through this and also a few reviews elsewhere, I was blown away, so earlier today I jumped on an M10 at B&H for the aformentioned 199 bucks. How could you go wrong at that price?

Can someone please link me to Sony PCM-M10 threads Part 1 and Part 2?

Thanks!

Dave

Dave, just go to the first message in this topic and you will find a link to the other parts
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 04, 2010, 03:21:30 PM
Anyone heard the rumors about the M11?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gmm6797 on July 04, 2010, 03:37:47 PM
Anyone heard the rumors about the M11?
What have you?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 04, 2010, 04:02:58 PM
Anyone heard the rumors about the M11?
What have you?

It goes to 11.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on July 04, 2010, 06:21:56 PM
Thanks for the thread you guys! After doing a quick read through this and also a few reviews elsewhere, I was blown away, so earlier today I jumped on an M10 at B&H for the aformentioned 199 bucks. How could you go wrong at that price?

Can someone please link me to Sony PCM-M10 threads Part 1 and Part 2?

Thanks!

Dave

Thanks, Freelunch - found it!



Dave, just go to the first message in this topic and you will find a link to the other parts
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Johnny Thunder on July 04, 2010, 09:00:29 PM
Anyone heard the rumors about the M11?
What have you?

It goes to 11.
Why not just make it go to 10... and ummm..... make 10 louder?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: tekdroid on July 05, 2010, 03:58:47 PM
$199 US dollars is an excellent deal - especially for those in the USA who don't pay exorbitant postage :)

It's a shame that the case is only redeemable to USA residents - in the past B&H included it without Sony collecting your private info to redeem it.

The case is great and if Sony could actually take a real picture of it (and a real pic of the insides of it, too), they would get more people interested in it, I reckon. Their website pics are not really indicative; they seem to have a strange set of pics on their website that has always looked quite different to the real thing.
http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/mkt-corporate/mkt-corporateboardroom/product-LCPCMM10G/

Anyway, great deal.
I doubt Sony will release a new recorder model this year but you never know. If they do, we could probably expect an announcement soonish, 'cause the PCM-M10 started selling last October with an announcement at least a couple months in advance of retail availability. But I doubt it.

Both Sony PCM-D50 and PCM-D1 have been selling for well over 12 months with no direct replacements (only additions to their Pro recorder range), so I don't think there is a business need to replace the PCM-M10 so soon, especially given how much of a seller it is for them.





Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: adrianf74 on July 05, 2010, 04:13:07 PM
As far as internal mics on a recorder go, I'd get a cheap battery box and buy an external mic.

A cheap external omni mic will yield better results almost always since the mics can be run "higher up" than burried in your shirt pocket.

Somebody here wants to go halves on some Sound Pros mics.

That'll be a good idea, or you could look at Chris Church's "Freakin' Small" (CAFS) omni mics or the CA-1 ($80 preorder in Retail Space) and pick up a battery box from him or the yard.

Best of luck.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ScotK on July 05, 2010, 06:17:02 PM
All right. Just ordered one. Thanks for the tips.:)
This will be my backup to my Church-modified R-09, which means you'll probably be
seeing my Korg MR-1, Sony Hi-MD and maybe old Neuros DAC in a Yard Sale near you.
I just don't run Windoze often enough to make the hassle of converting the Korg and Hi-MD
recordings via Windoze for transfer to my main linux work area very convenient....

Wanted to order red, but figured black might be better when going low-pro.

scot
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: tim in jersey on July 05, 2010, 06:32:38 PM
To answer my own question- the M10 seems to mount both the on-board memory and the 16gb SDHC cards just fine in Linux (Ubuntu 10.04, in any case...)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on July 05, 2010, 06:38:57 PM
$199 US dollars is an excellent deal - especially for those in the USA who don't pay exorbitant postage :)

Waddya mean?? I payed FOUR DOLLARS for three-day postage, on top of $199!!  :'(

(just kiddin'! Yes, we are very lucky here in the US, especially when it comes to price of gear.)

Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on July 06, 2010, 03:11:19 AM

Wanted to order red, but figured black might be better when going low-pro.


The red is more like a purple-tinged  burgundy. And who knows, it might be just as good for low-pro because it just looks like  a fatter iPhone or a point-and-shoot digicam--not a serious recorder. I mean,  who could take seriously this little wine-colored rectangle as a 24-bit bootleg monster?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ironbut on July 07, 2010, 05:09:11 AM
Yup, I figured the red (which should be here tomorrow!) would look more like a candy colored cell or point and shoot.
Anyway, you know that red flash recorders are freakin chick magnets!

BTW, I'm sure it's here someplace, but what are those speed ratings on the SD cards. I'm all for spending a little more for quicker transfers but I don't want to spend a lot for something that's only useful with video.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Johnny Thunder on July 07, 2010, 08:44:10 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#Speeds
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: tyler1234 on July 07, 2010, 04:14:20 PM
just got my recorder but it does not seem to record from line in. is there something i am doing wrong.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 07, 2010, 04:15:54 PM
just got my recorder but it does not seem to record from line in. is there something i am doing wrong.

there you go. A much better place to post. ;) :)

So you have external mics and a pre-amp that you're routing into the line-in? generally that's what's required for the line-in. what occurs when you plug your mics into mic-in?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: tyler1234 on July 07, 2010, 04:21:35 PM
yes church preamp and ca 14 mics. it lets me record but no meters or sound coming out
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: tyler1234 on July 07, 2010, 04:24:31 PM
it works fine in the mic jack but not the line in jack
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 07, 2010, 04:38:45 PM
it works fine in the mic jack but not the line in jack

turn your gain up on the the 9100 to the max and see if you get an readings on the m10.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Napo on July 07, 2010, 04:51:01 PM
it works fine in the mic jack but not the line in jack

turn your gain up on the the 9100 to the max and see if you get an readings on the m10.

Alternatively, unscrew your capsule on the mics and ensure that the metal tabs at the base of the mic  are wide enough to make good contact with the prods on the capsules (hope my broken english gets uderstood)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: tyler1234 on July 07, 2010, 05:00:56 PM
it was the battery, would u reccomend  mic senitivity to be high orlow for rock shows and dpc speed control should be off or on. thanks ras
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ironbut on July 07, 2010, 05:14:32 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#Speeds

thanks,.. exactly what I was looking for!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 07, 2010, 05:15:06 PM
it was the battery, would u reccomend  mic senitivity to be high orlow for rock shows and dpc speed control should be off or on. thanks ras

haha, I forgot to suggest that. ;)

the dpc speed control only affects the playback so don't worry about that for recording.
I believe the mic sensitivity only works when you are using the mic in and the internal mics but what you need to adjust is the gain knob on the side. I've read that unity is 4-6.

record in 24 bit and you'll want the meters to be between -12 and -6.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: beatkilla on July 07, 2010, 06:39:30 PM
Anyone used the sandisk micro sd cards that are class 2 ?are these fast enough for audio at 24-96?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: listener2 on July 07, 2010, 10:40:50 PM
Hi, I just happen to buy one of these after seeing it posted on these forums.  I bought it through Amazon.com from a 3rd party seller.  I have been using it to just make miscellaneous test recordings around home at 96khz/24 bit and it was working fine it seemed.  But just last night I switched over to 48khz/24bit and went out to make a test recording outside the house.  When I came back inside I turned on the hi-fi stereo to record some demo music and when I pulled the Sony M10 out of my pocket, it had stopped recording and said failed recording or bad drive or something.  The M10 at this point would not respond to any key presses so I had to power off and power back on.  When I did that, I immediately checked the recording file I just made and it was there but it ended abruptly at the point obviously where this Sandisk 16GB microSD Class 2 card glitched and failed.  I was disappointed to see that this card was now not to be relied on for recording anything you might treasure.  I am going to try to reformat the card and hope that it never happens again.  I am recording on it after the single failure error occurred and so far it has not happened again... yet.  But I don't trust it now.  I want to now spend more money on a more reliable microSD card. :(
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Cheesecadet on July 08, 2010, 12:36:30 AM
I use and 8gb SDHC card by A-DATA Class 6 and have no issues.

I have been told that class only refers to video and picture speed...not recording audio.  I still opted to get a class 6 card though.  It was dirt cheap a couple months ago at Frys and I couldn't pass it up.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on July 09, 2010, 04:53:38 PM
The Memory Stick Micro has a write speed of 3 MB/s, which would make it equivalent to a class 3...Assuming Sony has any semblance of a clue, that would suggest that class 4 is more than sufficient for the M10.  Really, though, class 2 should be good.  Even at 24/96, you're only writing at about 0.55 MB/s...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: beatkilla on July 09, 2010, 08:00:40 PM
Thanks for that input on class 2 finally.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on July 10, 2010, 05:25:01 AM
I use and 8gb SDHC card by A-DATA Class 6 and have no issues.

I have been told that class only refers to video and picture speed...not recording audio. 

Yes, for recording audio at 24/96 even a Class 2 card should be way more than fast enough if the card is a good one. 24/96 translates to 4,608kbps (approximately 0.56MB/sec). Class 2 guarantees 16,384kbps (2MB/sec).

Faster cards are nice for uploading to the computer faster though. My class 2 cards take quite a while compared to uploads from my iHP-120 hard drive and in some of my recorders is seems to take a very long time to format a class 2 8 GB card in the recorder.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on July 10, 2010, 11:13:58 AM
Get a class 6 for any flash card.  You'll thank me later.   ;)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Johnny Thunder on July 10, 2010, 02:24:22 PM
Get a class 6 for any flash card.  You'll thank me later.   ;)

What class 6 cards are you running? Any microSD?

-JT
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Cheesecadet on July 10, 2010, 06:27:32 PM
A-DATA 8gb SDHC
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on July 10, 2010, 08:05:19 PM
Get a class 6 for any flash card.  You'll thank me later.   ;)

What class 6 cards are you running? Any microSD?

-JT

Transcend 8gb and PQI 16gb  SDHC

Have at it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=microsd+class+6&x=0&y=0
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on July 12, 2010, 05:36:46 AM
Get a class 6 for any flash card.  You'll thank me later.   ;)
If microSDHC cards were commonly useful for HD video cameras, then getting the far more costly Class 6 rated cards is good advice for having a second application for these.  However, very few HD cameras are yet to appear using this smallist of SD card, so not yet a good investment if just needed for audio recording where a good brand Class 2 is plenty for any audio app.    If you do have a HD video capable camera using standard SDHC cards, some of the micro cards come with standard card adapter, so same costly Class 6 card  might also be used in both the M10 and adapted for your HD camera.

My personal choice is to choose Sandisk that, even in Class 2, seems the most reliable for sustained high rate audio recording apps.   Maybe getting faster rated cards made by others is a good hedge against these not having the sustained write performance of the Sandisk brand.  Also, beware if knockoffs as I've seen Sandisk 'marked' 16 gig Class 6 cards selling for $20 on Amazon, but normal cost is ~$70 for these anywhere else. so doubt these to be really Sandisk made.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on July 12, 2010, 09:08:04 AM
Guy,

Microsd cards are not costly.  An 8GB Class 6 microsd card goes for $20.00 at newegg.  Click on my link above. Class 6 is king when it comes to transferring HUGE 24/96 files and are very stable.  I've been using Class 6 flash for 4 years now and never had a problem.  I did have an issue using a Class 2 card, which happened to be a Sandisk.   Ditto, caution on buying a Sandisk card, since they are the most commonly faked on the secondary markets.  Buy one direct from an authorized dealer.   ;)   
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Johnny Thunder on July 12, 2010, 09:47:56 AM
Actualy, I think spyder9 offers some pretty sound advice here, at least for me. It seems my opportunities to offer live CD's is expanding. In some situations, I may have 5 or more recordings coming at me at once and they all need to be transfered before I do a quick post, write a cue file, and burn a master. That speed in doing the transfers would be a big help, and I'm wishing I had bought class 6 cards instead of 24 class 4's.

Additionaly, I wish I'd have been given this advice before I'd invested so heavily in full sized SD cards. Obsolescence is often part of the price we pay, but good choices can help limit those losses. Not when I start adding more decks to my line-up, I'll most likely be adding m10's. {sigh} And purchasing more SD cards because I have no microSD's.

-JT
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Elana on July 14, 2010, 02:26:10 AM
How does the PCM-M10 perform without a preamp in front of it?  Either mic in or line in w/ battery box.  I was looking at picking up an R09HR but I just read a thread here where some people stated it produces click noises when you adjust the gain on the unit.  The M10 has got a really long stated battery life, and it's got USB power, which are both pluses (assuming it runs for as long as the specs say).  W/ the B&H price this doesn't sound like a bad option for stealthy stuff.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on July 15, 2010, 01:14:27 AM
How does the PCM-M10 perform without a preamp in front of it?  Either mic in or line in w/ battery box.  I was looking at picking up an R09HR but I just read a thread here where some people stated it produces click noises when you adjust the gain on the unit.  The M10 has got a really long stated battery life, and it's got USB power, which are both pluses (assuming it runs for as long as the specs say).  W/ the B&H price this doesn't sound like a bad option for stealthy stuff.


Just get yourself a Sony D-10. Now. You cannot go wrong.

It's the digital reincarnation of the WM-D6C, but even slicker!  8>)


Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 15, 2010, 01:43:19 AM
Just get yourself a Sony D-10. Now. You cannot go wrong.

Is that the DAT version of the M10? :P
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on July 15, 2010, 01:57:11 AM
Just get yourself a Sony D-10. Now. You cannot go wrong.

Is that the DAT version of the M10? :P


umm, yeah!!! that's it  :D haha!  :o  ;D

er... I guess I meant, 'get yourself an M-10'! 

(or a D6C!!)



Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: barrettphisher on July 15, 2010, 02:23:50 PM
Got mine the mail yesterday, can't believe how SMALL it is!  Really user friendly and super easy to use.  Didn't read the instructions, had it up and running in 10 minutes.  If you are on the fence about a small  >:D recorder look no further!
Barrett
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ehren on July 15, 2010, 05:37:27 PM
Got mine the mail yesterday, can't believe how SMALL it is!  Really user friendly and super easy to use.  Didn't read the instructions, had it up and running in 10 minutes.  If you are on the fence about a small  >:D recorder look no further!
Barrett

...and the a/d sounds kick ass.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on July 16, 2010, 05:07:36 AM
Maiden voyage on my M10 tonight at Paul McCartney. Very easy to use. Piece of cake to sneak in. It's too bad it sounded like poo where I was sitting.

I'll have the rest of my small recorders in the YS when I get a chance to put everything together.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 16, 2010, 09:19:04 AM
I need to sell off my last h320 and pickup one of these guys soon...

neil
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gdplusmore on July 16, 2010, 01:32:51 PM
Maiden voyage on my M10 tonight at Paul McCartney. Very easy to use. Piece of cake to sneak in. It's too bad it sounded like poo where I was sitting.

I'll have the rest of my small recorders in the YS when I get a chance to put everything together.

Did you use the internals  ?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 16, 2010, 09:35:24 PM
Here's something interesting ... don't know if it means anything.

I have forced my new M10 to record across the internal and card memories to examine the file split. I have tried it twice and seen the same result:

(http://thekingsleyfirm.net/M10_gap_2.jpg)

Note the scale on the top reflects samples between the two files. It's almost as if there is half a sample (is that possible?) missing in the right channel of the first file. Can't seem to hear it.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 17, 2010, 12:09:11 AM
Thoughts?

The r09 is now better than the m10!!! :P

That's weird.  Does it happen when it splits on a single card?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on July 17, 2010, 01:46:08 AM
Here's something interesting ... don't know if it means anything...

...It's almost as if there is half a sample (is that possible?) missing in the right channel of the first file. Can't seem to hear it.

Thoughts?

"If you're not sure you can hear it, does it matter?"  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: chrise on July 17, 2010, 06:17:53 AM
It's almost as if there is half a sample (is that possible?)

No such thing as half a sample, no.

But I can't explain what you're seeing.  Is there any way to know if it's the M10, or the software you're using to join and view the waveforms ?

The fact it's looks like half a sample kinda suggests the software may be confused.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 17, 2010, 12:55:17 PM
That's weird.  Does it happen when it splits on a single card?

S*&^. It did happen on a same card split. This time, though, with serious noise just before the split. It's clearly visible, too. I am going to go do this test again. This puppy may be going back! In the first screen shot you can see the noise and the file split occurs at the change in color of the waveform.

The second shot shows the "half sample" again.

Anyone else tested file splits yet?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 17, 2010, 01:38:30 PM
It's almost as if there is half a sample (is that possible?)

No such thing as half a sample, no.

It is a semantic argument.  It looks like he has lost one sample from one channel.  In two channel recording, it could be argued that each sample at a given time has a left and right component... and then call each a half sample.  But it is really just semantics.

One gotcha from losing a single sample is it tends to flip the channels.   So, yes, it matters in a big way.   It'll be interesting to know what behavior others observe.

Was the most recent file split glitch on the built-in card?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 17, 2010, 01:46:41 PM
Was the most recent file split glitch on the built-in card?

Yes, recorded on the internal memory, not the SDHC card. Suddenly seems like a lot of work to check this out! To minimize the time to file split, I recorded at 96/24.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 17, 2010, 02:35:55 PM
Knowing that it is on the internal eliminates concerns about 3rd party cards.

Is there an option on the m10 to start a new file?  You might check the split on that.  It's possible the split issue only happens in certain circumstances, like 24/96, etc..
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 17, 2010, 02:53:14 PM
Knowing that it is on the internal eliminates concerns about 3rd party cards.

Is there an option on the m10 to start a new file?  You might check the split on that.  It's possible the split issue only happens in certain circumstances, like 24/96, etc..

Yeah, I guess there are innumerable permutations to try.

My second try with the internal memory (not card) and at 96/24 yielded a similar result as the first. The nasty static type noise is in the first file just before the split (first screen shot). Then at the split, the "half sample" is dropped. I hadn't noticed the waveform flipping right after the "gap" before (second screen shot).

Not sure this rules out card memory. Think I'll try another test on the external card. This is troublesome, though. And tedious.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 17, 2010, 04:19:22 PM

On the other hand, with the Edirol R-09, there is no static noise just before the file split, there is a sort of "half sample", the waveform seems proper, and there is no audible detection of the file split.

A new test with the M10 underway now, splitting files on the SDHC card. More later.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 17, 2010, 05:38:03 PM

Alright, it's settled. This puppy goes back. Whether splitting a recording within the M10's internal memory, across internal and external memory, or within an external SDHC card, in all cases, a static type noise is introduced just before the file split, something goofy happens with the waveform. I tried also using the TMark function and dividing the tracks, and a small "tick" noise was also introduced at the split point. (BTW, I also used two different, freshly formated SDHC cards.)

I like the aesthetics of the M10 and the feel in the hand. Regretably this one goes back.

Do I just have a defective unit? Should I gamble on swapping this one out? Are these actually reported to do seamless file splits? I thought I read that somewhere, but perhaps not.

Who else has split tracks in one way or another and had good results? Or have you tried yet?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 17, 2010, 05:51:28 PM

Alright, it's settled. This puppy goes back. Whether splitting a recording within the M10's internal memory, across internal and external memory, or within an external SDHC card, in all cases, a static type noise is introduced just before the file split, something goofy happens with the waveform. I tried also using the TMark function and dividing the tracks, and a small "tick" noise was also introduced at the split point. (BTW, I also used two different, freshly formated SDHC cards.)

I like the aesthetics of the M10 and the feel in the hand. Regretably this one goes back.

Do I just have a defective unit? Should I gamble on swapping this one out? Are these actually reported to do seamless file splits? I thought I read that somewhere, but perhaps not.

Who else has split tracks in one way or another and had good results? Or have you tried yet?

Can we hear what this static noise sounds like? an mp3 or wave would help... :) Did you have the recorder in a silent room or did you have the gain turned all the way down?

I know in the menu there is an option for cross recording and I thought that was if/when the internal memory fills up, it switches to the external card. It seems that you have that enabled by what you wrote. Is that true?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 17, 2010, 06:07:40 PM
Can we hear what this static noise sounds like? an mp3 or wave would help... :)

Attached.

Did you have the recorder in a silent room or did you have the gain turned all the way down?

I was always recording ambient sound with a moderate level of manually determined gain.

I know in the menu there is an option for cross recording and I thought that was if/when the internal memory fills up, it switches to the external card. It seems that you have that enabled by what you wrote. Is that true?

Correct.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 17, 2010, 06:18:55 PM
I'm now running a test to see if I get the same or different results of Carrera2.

1 hour 36 minutes remaining at 96/24. my gain is turned all the way down so absolutely no sound is being recorded.
Title: My results
Post by: rastasean on July 17, 2010, 08:59:08 PM
I'm now running a test to see if I get the same or different results of Carrera2.

1 hour 36 minutes remaining at 96/24. my gain is turned all the way down so absolutely no sound is being recorded.

I just finished my tests to see what kind of results I would come up with.

What I did is I set recorder to internal memory at 24/96 bit rate to take up most disk space and recorded nothing. The gain was at zero and nothing registered on the m10. Two files were created on the m10 and one was 1.99gigs which ends up being 1 hour, 2 minutes and 8 seconds the next one was 1.11 gigs with a time of 34 minutes and 29 seconds.
Once the entire 4 gigs were full on the m10, a message came up: Continue recording in a different memory. It did this automatically and updated the recording time remaining on my 16 gig card which was somewhere around 7 hours 16 minutes. I let the third recording roll for 2 minutes and 26 seconds which results in a 80.1MB file of nothing.

Before copying the files to my computer, I switched to the internal memory and started to play the first file and skipped to the last ~20 seconds for the recorder to seamlessly play the last file on the internal memory. What did I hear? nothing. Absolutely nothing.
According to page 40 of the users manual, When you play back the original track recorded with Cross-Memory Recording, the PCM recorder does not play the succeeding track automatically.

So I to copied all three files totaling 3.10 gigs to my computer and opened up Audacity to see if there is any static disruption as Carrera2 found in his tests.

(http://i30.tinypic.com/15wfk06.png) end of file one

(http://i25.tinypic.com/s2z7lv.png) beginning of file two

(http://i29.tinypic.com/3321mo1.png) end of file two

(http://i25.tinypic.com/2z541i0.png) beginning of file three

(http://i31.tinypic.com/104n5m0.png) play times of files  the file in the middle, 100717_01 is on the external memory.

While my tests recorded nothing, the file splits also occurred without creating any sound whatsoever. The only DAW tool I have is audacity so while it may be primitive, I think static noise would have been displayed and heard on the recordings.

So I think my tests show that if you record nothing, there will be no static noise. I plan I doing the test over again with the gain raised to record audible noise and hope I get the same results.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on July 17, 2010, 10:51:46 PM
Good job.

I don't think you will see the issue at that zoom level.  You'll need to zoom in until each sample becomes visible as a dot.
It'd also be interesting to know if there is any glitch when the files are joined.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on July 18, 2010, 01:07:01 AM

rastasean's test got me to test still some more. I did the "zero gain" test he mentioned and then imported the files into Samplitude V8SE. Just before the file split, there was once again the "zzzzztt" static sound. So I imported that same pair of files into Audacity. Suddenly, I was hopeful. I didn't hear any static, pops, clicks or gaps. I've returned to the computer tonight and re-imported serveral of the earlier recorded files into Samplitude 10 Master. And to my wonderment, the previously observed half-sample gap was still visual (but not audible) and none of the static-type noise or queer looking wave forms existed. I've used Samplitude V8SE many times to join split files made with an Edirol R-09 with no problem.

So...something must be happening in the way that Sony, Edirol, Samplitude and Audacity are implementing .wav file standards. I'm now cautiously optomistic that the problem is one of file compatability between Sony and Samplitude file handling capabilities, and not with the M10 hardware. More later.

Thanks to all for chiming in with their experiences.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on July 18, 2010, 08:40:56 AM
This thing has been on the market since something like October/November 2009.  Lots of people here have picked one up and, given the generally compulsive tendencies of a lot of tapers, somebody would have noticed non-seamless splits by now!  Especially since it has been a problem with past recorders...

I have had no problems with cross-memory recording in 16/44.1 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=124639.msg1719160#msg1719160 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=124639.msg1719160#msg1719160)), but thought maybe Carrera2's problem could be related to higher rates/frequencies.  The first .jpeg is a cross-memory split from a 24/96 recording magnified to the sample level.  The second is from a 24/48 recording of a Steve Hackett show a couple of months ago (one second before/after the split) and the third is the second magnified to show the split at the level of single samples...Nothing could be heard in these, either, and combining the files with Sound Forge, Audacity or Audition all produced the same results.

Seems like there must be a problem with Samplitude, especially since it also chops a half sample with the Edirol...

EDIT TO ADD:  The splits are at the orange flags; guess that is obvious but I should have mentioned it...

 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 19, 2010, 10:04:44 AM
I agree with aaronji. This site has more exhaustive reports, reviews, and information than any other audio blog I've ever read (specifically about the m10 and in general). If seamless audio splitting was an issue, it would be here and on some audio blogging website but this is my first time to hear it and read about it.

Carrera2, can you actually hear the static noise on playback of the recorder or ONLY on the computer in Samplitude?

Good job.

I don't think you will see the issue at that zoom level.  You'll need to zoom in until each sample becomes visible as a dot.
It'd also be interesting to know if there is any glitch when the files are joined.




I will re-take the screen shots but I think if there was ANY noise, it would be visible at the level I have it at. 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 20, 2010, 12:47:07 AM
maximum zoom level in audacity shows no static noise as carrera2 was getting.

(http://i29.tinypic.com/2d6jwoo.png)
^ end of track one with max zoom. ^
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: SPLASTiK on July 25, 2010, 04:08:06 AM
Bought this thing last month and have logged about 12 hours on it plus a few hours playback... still on the stock Sony batteries!
I bought it as a replacement for my Sony PCM-M1 that died on me a couple years ago and had retired from taping since.

I think it's a great replacement. Sounds great, easy to use, super small and stealthy! Last night I was getting knocked around by an impromptu moshpit and it never missed a beat. The battery compartment came open, good thing it's not like the old M1 as that would have ejected the batteries!

The only things I miss are the peak hold for setting levels and I'm not really a fan of the hold/on/off button. I always get worried I'm going to shut it off mid-recording fumbling it around in the dark but I'm sure that will eventually subside. The other thing I wish is that it would just flash "hold" in the place where time remaining/elapsed or something was when you pushed a button with it on. When wanting to do a quick check at levels, etc. in the dark the hold screen flashes for a few seconds first. A hold screen seems a little excessive.

Overall, it's a steal at the $250 I paid, and robbery at $199... especially considering I paid over twice that for the old M1.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Elvis Hitler on July 25, 2010, 07:35:37 AM
Just tried out my new M10 on a local bar band last night and it sounds really good, even with my sub-par mics.  I tried two different mics -- an Aiwa CM-T7 stereo condenser, very similar to the Sony model pictured below, and my Sony ECM-907C shotgun that I use on my camcorder.   The condenser mic sounded better overall and seemed to produce the best sound when I positioned it straight up and down instead of pointing out horizontally.   The sound was best & had the most punch when the deck was peaking at about -6 dB.

(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images345x345/334837.jpg)

Can't wait until I have enough cash to pick up a pair of CA-11's, I'm sure it will be a big improvement.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on July 25, 2010, 09:55:14 AM
Can't wait until I have enough cash to pick up a pair of CA-11's, I'm sure it will be a big improvement.

It sure will. My old recordings with a Sony ECM-907 still sound pretty good, but the bass is very thin and it was a pain in the ass to have to hold it while recording. CA-11's will be a big step up (more bass and better stereo separation) and are more convenient to use since you don't have to hold them.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on July 27, 2010, 01:41:38 PM
Just joined Team M10.  Gave it a test run over the weekend.  Ran it head to head against the R09HR.  Will upload samples to the M10 vs R09HR thread this week.

Very impressed with the ADC.  Extremely clean.  Reminds me of the V3.  Transparent.  High frequencies much more recessed than the D50.  The main reason I dumped the D50 after 2 shows.  Little light in the low frequency department, however. 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: sparkey on July 27, 2010, 04:01:11 PM
Little light in the low frequency department, however.

Dunno what kind of wire you're running into the box, but I lost my low end when using a cheapo rca to mini...ran digital into my receiver and, shaplam, I got full frequencies again.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on July 27, 2010, 07:17:37 PM
Little light in the low frequency department, however.

Dunno what kind of wire you're running into the box, but I lost my low end when using a cheapo rca to mini...ran digital into my receiver and, shaplam, I got full frequencies again.

Littlebox with a Jensen transformer for output.  In comparison to the HR, its little light in the pants.  But the M10's bass sounds more accurate, not as bloated as the HR's.  Critical listening.   ;) 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ts on July 28, 2010, 08:34:28 AM
Little light in the low frequency department, however.

Dunno what kind of wire you're running into the box, but I lost my low end when using a cheapo rca to mini...ran digital into my receiver and, shaplam, I got full frequencies again.

 ??? sparkey, not sure i understand what you're saying. i use both a "cheapo" xlr to stereo mini and a "milspec" xlr to stereo mini from the mics to pre/batt box or directly to the M10 and have not noticed any difference in sound quality.

what about battery life? the manual says 23 hours at 24/48 with monitoring. has anyone verified this? anyone using lithium aa's?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on July 28, 2010, 09:40:00 AM
Little light in the low frequency department, however.

Dunno what kind of wire you're running into the box, but I lost my low end when using a cheapo rca to mini...ran digital into my receiver and, shaplam, I got full frequencies again.

 ??? sparkey, not sure i understand what you're saying. i use both a "cheapo" xlr to stereo mini and a "milspec" xlr to stereo mini from the mics to pre/batt box or directly to the M10 and have not noticed any difference in sound quality.

what about battery life? the manual says 23 hours at 24/48 with monitoring. has anyone verified this? anyone using lithium aa's?

the battery life is VERY good. 23 continues hours would take up 22 gigs at 24/48 so anyone have a 36gig card they want to test this out on? I have had the original batteries since I bought the recorder back in may/june.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jiawa on August 01, 2010, 11:52:58 AM
Hello everyone! I am new here. I ordered mine last Thursday from B&H and got it on Friday. I like it a lot. Believe or not, I found this site yesterday and went throught part 1-3 quickly.

I have a few quick questions here. Please forgive me if they were asked (I am sure they were :) ) before.

- Can someone give me a quick guide on the setting of the mic level (Hi vs Low), and the recording level (auto vs manual). Which setting should I use? I am going to use this mainly to record violin solo (coupld fo feet for just violin or maybe 3-4 feet with the piano) and chamber music such as a string quartet ( maybe 3-4 feet away from each player) all using just internal mics.

- Should I always try to record in the highest quality of WAV? Or the mp3 should be OK? What's the best way to convert from WAV to mp3?

- I think 4GB is enough for me to record anything. But I'd also like to use this as a mp3 player. The funcions of changing speed, key and the A-B repeating are realy handy. Should I get a microSDHC or M2 card ( I am thinking about 16GB so I can load a lots of music onto it)? Any suggestion on the brand/model?

Many thanks!

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 01, 2010, 04:24:59 PM
I have recorded a lot of spoken word and conservations so my answer to your first question applies to that.
I have my on high sensitivity and manual gain. for music, I think manual gain and low sensitivity would work fine. Do you have a pre-amp? What mics are you using-internal/built in?

recording at 24/48 is what the majority of people do. The recorder can do 24/96 but unless you can hear the difference, go with 24/48 and you'll still be able to hold a lot on your built in 4 gigs.

4 gigs at 24/48 will last about 4 hours handy calculator (http://sounddevices.com/calculator/)
Personally I wouldn't use the m10 as an mp3 player but you certainly are able to.  I got a micro SD sandisk 16 gig card for $10-20 more than I should have paid so don't be foolish and pay that much. ;)

check out this card:

SanDisk 16 GB Class 2 microSDHC Flash Memory Card
 (http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDHC-Memory-SDSDQ-016G-Packaging/dp/B001L1H0SC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280694234&sr=8-1)



Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 01, 2010, 04:25:59 PM
Just joined Team M10.  Gave it a test run over the weekend.  Ran it head to head against the R09HR.  Will upload samples to the M10 vs R09HR thread this week.

Very impressed with the ADC.  Extremely clean.  Reminds me of the V3.  Transparent.  High frequencies much more recessed than the D50.  The main reason I dumped the D50 after 2 shows.  Little light in the low frequency department, however.

Did you know there are effects to increase the bass...in playback. its in the effects menu, bass1 or bass2 or off.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mloewen on August 01, 2010, 05:29:08 PM
Hello everyone! I am new here. I ordered mine last Thursday from B&H and got it on Friday. I like it a lot. Believe or not, I found this site yesterday and went throught part 1-3 quickly.

I have a few quick questions here. Please forgive me if they were asked (I am sure they were :) ) before.

- Can someone give me a quick guide on the setting of the mic level (Hi vs Low), and the recording level (auto vs manual). Which setting should I use? I am going to use this mainly to record violin solo (coupld fo feet for just violin or maybe 3-4 feet with the piano) and chamber music such as a string quartet ( maybe 3-4 feet away from each player) all using just internal mics.

- Should I always try to record in the highest quality of WAV? Or the mp3 should be OK? What's the best way to convert from WAV to mp3?

- I think 4GB is enough for me to record anything. But I'd also like to use this as a mp3 player. The funcions of changing speed, key and the A-B repeating are realy handy. Should I get a microSDHC or M2 card ( I am thinking about 16GB so I can load a lots of music onto it)? Any suggestion on the brand/model?

Many thanks!
I agree with recording at 24/48 . You will need to convert it to 16/44.1 if you want to burn it to cd .  Once you are familiar with everything you may want to use a program to make changes to the wave. A good program would be Audacity. You can find advise on this site about it. It is fairly user friendly. You can also use it to convert to mp3. You could also use Cd Wave Editor to split your recording into tracks and convert it to mp3. If you look around the forum you can get lots of useful knowledge. use the search before you ask a lot of questions that are well covered already then ask questions when you get confused about stuff.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on August 01, 2010, 08:50:33 PM
- Can someone give me a quick guide on the setting of the mic level (Hi vs Low), and the recording level (auto vs manual). Which setting should I use? I am going to use this mainly to record violin solo (couple of feet for just violin or maybe 3-4 feet with the piano) and chamber music such as a string quartet ( maybe 3-4 feet away from each player) all using just internal mics.


Use manual level.  Auto is for something unmusical like speech, where it's not important to preserve dynamics. Do put the Limiter on, just in case you do briefly overload, but it's better if you never need it.

Use low sensitivity just to give you more headroom if things get loud. High is most useful for speech.

You're going to need to do some tests on what the best level is, which will depend on how close the unit (since you're using internal mics) is to your music, how resonant your room is and, well, how loud you play. Classical music has a wide dynamic range, so set your levels to work at fortissimo. Even with the unit at a little distance, you should be able to see green lights go on when you are getting a nice full signal and red lights when you overload.  But you didn't even really need the green light--just under the green-light level will give you a good recording.

Start testing at about 6, which is unity gain--playback is the same level as what goes in.

You also need to test where you place the unit for recording.  Placement makes a huge difference. You don't want it right next to one particular instrument (unless you're trying to hear your violin part within the quartet), and if it's too far away in a resonant room you're going to get a blurry sounding recording. This is why there are recording engineers (who often blend close-miking for clarity and more distant miking for warmth). As your own engineer, you can learn a lot from a little bit of testing. Try just speaking the labels when you test--"5 feet from quartet," "10 feet from quartet," "at center of quartet"--or make sure you're taking good notes so you can make sense of your test samples.

What are you doing with your recordings? If they are just rough rehearsal tapes for further practice, you could even record mp3 at 320 kbps, and that 4GB will give you a whole lot of recording time.  If you are planning to do something further and more professional with the recordings, or you want as much detail as possible, then yes, move on up to .wav. There are lots of programs to convert .wav to .mp3. Media Coder at http://www.mediacoderhq.com/ (http://www.mediacoderhq.com/) is free and handy.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jiawa on August 02, 2010, 10:36:48 AM
I have recorded a lot of spoken word and conservations so my answer to your first question applies to that.
I have my on high sensitivity and manual gain. for music, I think manual gain and low sensitivity would work fine. Do you have a pre-amp? What mics are you using-internal/built in?

recording at 24/48 is what the majority of people do. The recorder can do 24/96 but unless you can hear the difference, go with 24/48 and you'll still be able to hold a lot on your built in 4 gigs.

4 gigs at 24/48 will last about 4 hours handy calculator (http://sounddevices.com/calculator/)
Personally I wouldn't use the m10 as an mp3 player but you certainly are able to.  I got a micro SD sandisk 16 gig card for $10-20 more than I should have paid so don't be foolish and pay that much. ;)

check out this card:

SanDisk 16 GB Class 2 microSDHC Flash Memory Card
 (http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDHC-Memory-SDSDQ-016G-Packaging/dp/B001L1H0SC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280694234&sr=8-1)
Thanks! I am using the built-in mics for now and will play with the manual + low setting.
I have set it to 24/48.
Will think more if I am going to use it as a mp3 player or not.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: audBall on August 02, 2010, 10:53:14 AM
Has anyone here run V2 (rca out) > M10?

Also, are right-angle mini's generally preferred?  Would going straight-in 1/8" be too 'bulky' (using that term loosely)?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jiawa on August 02, 2010, 11:06:51 AM
- Can someone give me a quick guide on the setting of the mic level (Hi vs Low), and the recording level (auto vs manual). Which setting should I use? I am going to use this mainly to record violin solo (couple of feet for just violin or maybe 3-4 feet with the piano) and chamber music such as a string quartet ( maybe 3-4 feet away from each player) all using just internal mics.
Use manual level.  Auto is for something unmusical like speech, where it's not important to preserve dynamics. Do put the Limiter on, just in case you do briefly overload, but it's better if you never need it.

Thank you so much for such a detail and clear instruction!
I actually did some tests before I saw your reply. Your answer really lighted me up so I know what to do next.

Here is what I am thinking:

- Use 24/48, or mp3 at 320 kbps;
- Use manual level;
- Use low sensitivity;
- Turn on the Limiter. How about the LCF?
- Test the recording level by changing the dial starting at 6;
- Test the distance and the placement of the unit.

Most of the recordings will be for just rough rehearsal as you mentioned. I may also use some for Youtube video and may do some serious recording at some point.

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on August 02, 2010, 11:07:31 AM
Here's my revised (more info) suggestions for best recording settings:

Use M10 ONLY set in 24 bit recording mode.  Sample rate is your choice, but suggest using 44.1K sample rate if wanting best CD compatible editing options.

Use M10 ONLY with MIC INPUT sensitivity switch set in "LOW" taping over this switch to not be moved. "HIGH" setting is way too much 20 dB boosted first stage gain giving inferior audio quality.  Even with very low VU levels, LOW setting gives cleaner more defined 24bit depth audio best boosted in post edit, NOT by using deck in HIGH setting.

Use M10 in full manual (not AUTO, Limiter) record level control mode setting also taping over this switch. 

Wise tact is to always engage HOLD feature so touching buttons do not accidentally stop recording until you're ready to stop the session. 

Do all editing in 24 bit mode, adjusting loudness and other changes desired.  Then as last software edit step convert copy of file to 16 bit if later doing CD storing this copy of file for disc burning purposes.





Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on August 02, 2010, 01:18:12 PM
Also, are right-angle mini's generally preferred?  Would going straight-in 1/8" be too 'bulky' (using that term loosely)?

It completely depends on the cable and connector.   Some 1/8 cables are made with goofy amounts of heatshrink (many cables I see pictured on TS look that way).  I guess they'd rather strain the internal jack than the cable.  And some cables are made with stiff cable that strains the jack - I think that is a major source of jack strain.   Some RA cables are worse than straight-in terms of strain.   The m10 jacks are on the top, so a straight in can be good if in a pocket or a bag.

An RA on a side entry jack, with an overly reinforced cable, strains the jack if the recorder and cable are 'squeezed'.

Ideally, I'd say...  Use cable as flexible as 1804a, cut the connector down to nothing, and pot it in hot glue or epoxy, as Guysonic does.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on August 02, 2010, 05:52:12 PM
Just joined Team M10.  Gave it a test run over the weekend.  Ran it head to head against the R09HR.  Will upload samples to the M10 vs R09HR thread this week.

Very impressed with the ADC.  Extremely clean.  Reminds me of the V3.  Transparent.  High frequencies much more recessed than the D50.  The main reason I dumped the D50 after 2 shows.  Little light in the low frequency department, however.

Did you know there are effects to increase the bass...in playback. its in the effects menu, bass1 or bass2 or off.

Yes, I saw that.  Prefer not to add any effects for now.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 03, 2010, 04:05:10 AM
Hi, I am new to this forum. I have just spent several hours reviewing all the messages on the M10. I am pretty much convinced I need one of these units but I have some noob questions I hope someone can help me with.

The main reason I am interested in the M10 (and D50 to some degree) is for recording ambient soundscapes - waterfalls, babbling brooks, wind, rain, ocean waves, thunder, etc. I would not be using the unit to record music as that is not my scene. Sorry  :). One thing I *am* concerned about is the apparent minimal stereo separation owing to the omni mics. I have listened to some samples provided by users and this issue is obvious. I have listed to samples from the D50 with the mics placed in different positions and the separation is quite stunning.

My question is whether post production manipulation of the stereo image to produce wider stereo separation loses much signal in the process and sounds ‘natural’. I have heard some samples of this also on this forum and it sounds better than nonprocessed but as I eventually plan to burn these images to CD for family, friends, and patients (I'm a shrink), I want it to sound as natural as possible.

I know very little about external mics except that they seem to be very expensive. I would rather not have to bother with them but if what I want cannot be achieved with internal mics I may have to go that way. Can I ask in practice how this would work given there in only a single stereo in socket? I am guessing you would use two mono mics spliced into the stereo input? Can anyone recommend suitable but not overly expensive external mics for this function? I will be recording in the wilderness so I can’t be lugging too much equipment.

The M10 has some compelling selling points and sounds perfect for my needs except for the stereo separation issue. I would be grateful of your responses and views.

Many thanks.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jiawa on August 03, 2010, 06:09:58 AM
Hi, I am new to this forum. I have just spent several hours reviewing all the messages on the M10. I am pretty much convinced I need one of these units but I have some noob questions I hope someone can help me with.

The M10 has some compelling selling points and sounds perfect for my needs except for the stereo separation issue. I would be grateful of your responses and views.

Many thanks.

Would Olympus LS-10/11 work in your case?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS4PYn6prBs
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Kevin T on August 03, 2010, 09:09:33 AM
Or for soundscapes the Zoom H2. In 4mic surrond or 5.1 ambisonic could be stunnning
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 03, 2010, 09:27:32 AM
Would Olympus LS-10/11 work in your case?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS4PYn6prBs

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for the link.

The Olympus LS-11 was on my shortlist but according to reviews I have read, the Sony had better audio specs, battery life, and build. Moreover, the LS-11 is outrageously and prohibitively over-priced in this country (Australia). The H2 suggested by Kevin above does have the two sets of stereo mics but the mics, preamps, and build are apparently pretty crappy. I haven't actually seen either device and these comments come from reviews.

Any thoughts on post processing to widen the stereo separation as queried in my initial post?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ozpeter on August 03, 2010, 10:37:15 AM
Have you seen my posts (somewhere  here...) where I discussed and demonstrated widening techniques for the M10 - and did I post any ambient examples?  If not maybe I should bestir myself and do so.  But I have to say although I'm in general an M10 fan, I personally don't like its imaging.

Meanwhile, don't dismiss the H2 - listen to the example posted at http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=104998.msg1401411#msg1401411 (assuming the sample can still be downloaded).
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 03, 2010, 11:47:42 AM
Have you seen my posts (somewhere  here...) where I discussed and demonstrated widening techniques for the M10 - and did I post any ambient examples?  If not maybe I should bestir myself and do so.  But I have to say although I'm in general an M10 fan, I personally don't like its imaging.

Meanwhile, don't dismiss the H2 - listen to the example posted at http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=104998.msg1401411#msg1401411 (assuming the sample can still be downloaded).

Yes, it was your post processing I was referring to Ozpeter. I think it was you that reprocessed some existing audio samples. It was actually hard to tell by listening to the short clips, though.

The link to the H2 example just plays blank unfortunately but in any case I'm not awestruck (in the same way that I am by the M10) by the H2 design and mic quality.

On the other hand, the mics on the M10 seem really quite good it’s just that they are omnidirectional and there is considerable overlap of left and right images which result in very poor stereo separation - almost a mono image.

A couple of quick questions.

1. Is it possible to place some sort of physical barrier between the mics to limit mixing of the left and right images. I have no idea what this divide might look like in reality?

2. With your post-processing method, how effective is this actually in producing something close to what our ears might hear?

I am really trying to make do with the M10 in case you haven’t guessed.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on August 03, 2010, 12:49:32 PM


...Is it possible to place some sort of physical barrier between the mics to limit mixing of the left and right images. I have no idea what this divide might look like in reality?

[/quote]

At a minimum this would have to be a disk (at least 10" in diameter?) positioned with a mic on each side. So a slot would have to be cut out of the disc for the recorder to sit in. You could bracket and mount the whole thing off the 1/4" socket. I was actually thinking of building one out of Plexiglass/Perspex, but it would be a cumbersome setup, and ultimately I don't see any advantage over using a pair of external mics.
(The M-10's internal mics are decent, but generally thought of as a 'bonus', or just for off-the-cuff use.)
Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 03, 2010, 05:49:54 PM

...ultimately I don't see any advantage over using a pair of external mics.

Dave

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I see Dave. Please excuse my ignorance but how is this done in practice - attaching 2 mics to a single stereo mic input? I gather these would need to be individually powered by battery. Does one use 2 x mono mics spliced into the stereo input? Can anyone provide details of suitable but not overly expensive external mics for this function? I'm pretty new to this entire field and know very little. Any help is appreciated.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ozpeter on August 03, 2010, 07:42:03 PM
Post-processing is a fudge, inevitably.  You'll have seen from my posts that the high frequencies are pushed to the edge of the image and the low frequencies to the centre, and any correction can't be exact. 

As for that H2 sample - http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/9/22/1451533/Dogs%20in%20park%20for%20net%20MS.mp3 - having now bothered to recheck it myself, it plays fine here.  As it's a recording of relatively quiet sounds, you have to keep the playback volume up, though beware of the end (car doors slamming and car radio coming on). 

I could mention another H2 sample but as this is a PCM-M10 thread I won't.  Oh well, as you begged, see http://www.2090.org/zoom/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=11501 - my point being that for stereo imaging the H2 is probably king of portable recorders due to its capsule configuration.  (Obviously it's not king on a great number of other fronts!).  The M10 is IMHO not at all good for imaging, on the other hand.  But excellent in many other respects.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 03, 2010, 08:20:00 PM


I see Dave. Please excuse my ignorance but how is this done in practice - attaching 2 mics to a single stereo mic input? I gather these would need to be individually powered by battery. Does one use 2 x mono mics spliced into the stereo input? Can anyone provide details of suitable but not overly expensive external mics for this function? I'm pretty new to this entire field and know very little. Any help is appreciated.

there are plenty of advantages of using external mics.

There are mics made by chris church. i'll use his ca-1s as an example. they are two mono microphones that terminate to a 1/8" plug that goes in the line-in on the m10. essentially one is left audio and one is right audio. there are single point stereo mics. that means one mic has a capsule for left and a capsule for right audio that plugs into a 1/8" adapter.

what kind of music are you interested in recording? the ca-1 i mentioned does not require a battery box and will run on the plug in power provided by the m10.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on August 03, 2010, 08:39:05 PM

The main reason I am interested in the M10 (and D50 to some degree) is for recording ambient soundscapes - waterfalls, babbling brooks, wind, rain, ocean waves, thunder, etc.


You might head over to groups.yahoo.com and review messages on the naturerecordists forum. There's been some traffic about using the M10 for ambient nature sounds. Historically, the Audio Technica AT3032 were regarded as the lowest noise, best value omni mics for nature recording. They would require a preamp, however. I used my Church Audio omnis (CA-11?) that terminate into a stereo mini plug, split about 3 feet  the other day to record a chamber music concert and the results were just fine.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 04, 2010, 05:48:01 AM

I could mention another H2 sample but as this is a PCM-M10 thread I won't.  Oh well, as you begged, see http://www.2090.org/zoom/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=11501

That's a nice recording, thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 04, 2010, 06:01:24 AM

There are mics made by chris church. i'll use his ca-1s as an example. they are two mono microphones that terminate to a 1/8" plug that goes in the line-in on the m10. essentially one is left audio and one is right audio. there are single point stereo mics. that means one mic has a capsule for left and a capsule for right audio that plugs into a 1/8" adapter.

what kind of music are you interested in recording? the ca-1 i mentioned does not require a battery box and will run on the plug in power provided by the m10.

Not music Rastasean but ambient soundscapes.

The two mono CA-1 setup might work if it is not too expensive. Can I ask why this plugs in to Line-In and not the mic jack? Also do you have a link for specs and pricing in these mics? All I could find from Googling is a reseller page on eBay selling Church mics and I could not find the CA-1.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 04, 2010, 06:08:57 AM
You might head over to groups.yahoo.com and review messages on the naturerecordists forum. There's been some traffic about using the M10 for ambient nature sounds. Historically, the Audio Technica AT3032 were regarded as the lowest noise, best value omni mics for nature recording. They would require a preamp, however. I used my Church Audio omnis (CA-11?) that terminate into a stereo mini plug, split about 3 feet  the other day to record a chamber music concert and the results were just fine.

Thanks I will check that site out.

Do you have a link for info and pricing on the church CA-11? The only thing I can find is Chinese made cartidges here: http://www.chinese-microphone.com/Microphone-Cartridges.html.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on August 04, 2010, 06:46:48 AM
Do you have a link for info and pricing on the church CA-11? The only thing I can find is Chinese made cartidges here: http://www.chinese-microphone.com/Microphone-Cartridges.html.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=136212.0
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on August 04, 2010, 06:56:08 AM
The two mono CA-1 setup might work if it is not too expensive. Can I ask why this plugs in to Line-In and not the mic jack? Also do you have a link for specs and pricing in these mics? All I could find from Googling is a reseller page on eBay selling Church mics and I could not find the CA-1.
Thanks.

If not using a battery box to power the mics you must go mic in. Raastasean just assumed readers would know this.

Do not ever buy Church Audio gear from his E-Bay site. He gives a discount to tapessection members and much of his equipment is not available there. Send him a PM here.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=14500
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 04, 2010, 09:45:31 AM
Do not ever buy Church Audio gear from his E-Bay site. He gives a discount to tapessection members and much of his equipment is not available there. Send him a PM here.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=14500

Great - thanks for the advice and PM address. I will make some enquiries.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on August 04, 2010, 12:40:54 PM
My question is whether post production manipulation of the stereo image to produce wider stereo separation loses much signal in the process and sounds ‘natural’. I have heard some samples of this also on this forum and it sounds better than nonprocessed but as I eventually plan to burn these images to CD for family, friends, and patients (I'm a shrink), I want it to sound as natural as possible.

I know very little about external mics except that they seem to be very expensive. I would rather not have to bother with them but if what I want cannot be achieved with internal mics I may have to go that way. Can I ask in practice how this would work given there in only a single stereo in socket? I am guessing you would use two mono mics spliced into the stereo input? Can anyone recommend suitable but not overly expensive external mics for this function? I will be recording in the wilderness so I can’t be lugging too much equipment.

The M10 has some compelling selling points and sounds perfect for my needs except for the stereo separation issue. I would be grateful of your responses and views.

Many thanks.
Satisfying for what seems important to you means having budget for external mics. 

For this suggest my own brand of stereo-surround baffled mics configured with windscreen headband good for all indoor/especially outdoor conditions.  DSM-1S/H mic model seems most appropriate for lowest noise recording of natural-acoustic sounds.  More  info about M10 deck and models of these mics in the retail section at:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=83254.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=83254.0) Samples at http://www.sonicstudios.com/mp3.htm (http://www.sonicstudios.com/mp3.htm)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: OFOTD on August 04, 2010, 12:51:46 PM
guysonic,

Please take your advertisements to the Retail Space section where they belong.   http://taperssection.com/index.php?board=22.0

Thanks!

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: OFOTD on August 04, 2010, 04:14:47 PM
I could care less that you don't have support from your customers .   That's your problem not the membership here.   Passing the buck and blaming your company's problems on CA owners, DAT-Heads mods or any 'political climate' around here is just lame.  Who wants to buy something from someone who whines like you just did?  Really?   So instead of blaming things on others why don't you look at yourself and see what YOU are doing to dissuade business or dissuade your customers from coming forward.  Blaming others isn't the correct reason.   Your business can either end up like CA or end up like Len's business around here, you control that.  I think its pretty obvious about people's opinions about the two companies are.   


The real issue here is entirely the fact that your advertisement should be in the Retail Space forum and not in this thread.    Period. 



ETA: guysonic has now deleted a post above this one.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on August 04, 2010, 06:21:20 PM
I still cannot explain why Samplitude V8SE causes static and dropouts at file splits when joining files that were split on the M10 and not when joining files recorded and split on R09. Oh well. M10 files seem to join properly in Audacity and in Samplitude V10 Master.

Around the time I was testing file splits, I also ran several comparisons:

internal mics > M10
internal mics > R09
853 omnis > CA9100 > M10
853 omnis > CA9100 > R09
CA cards > PIP > M10
CA cards > PIP > R09
AKG C480B/CK61 > V3 > M10

The CA9100 was providing 8.7 volts. Files at 48/24. If anyone is interested in hearing any of these, let me know.

(http://thekingsleyfirm.net/M10_comparisons_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on August 04, 2010, 08:00:52 PM
Do not ever buy Church Audio gear from his E-Bay site. He gives a discount to tapessection members and much of his equipment is not available there. Send him a PM here.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=14500

Great - thanks for the advice and PM address. I will make some enquiries.

By the way, another reason not to use internal mics on the M!0 is that their bass rolls off steeply at about 80 Hz. Your rain, waterfalls, etc. are basically white noise, covering the whole audio spectrum, and will sound a lot more majestic with microphones that capture the full 20-20,000 Hz of the human listening experience.

Look at frequency range for any mics you do get.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on August 04, 2010, 08:48:01 PM
You piqued my interest. I played loud white noise on my stereo and recorded with the internal mics and some Church mics. I can definitely see less lower frequency content in the internals. And, of course, my speakers and other components play a role, although they generally seem to be pretty flat.

[Edited as suggested below by Brian Skalinder to reflect linear scale on both. My bad. Also reduced image sizes a bit more. Although I do not understand guysonics following note, I did record the internals on the "hi" mic sensitivity since the levels were so low with the "low" setting.]

With the M10 internal mics:

(http://thekingsleyfirm.net/M10_white_noise_2_sm.jpg)


With Church mics > M10:

(http://thekingsleyfirm.net/M10_CA_white_noise_2_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Brian Skalinder on August 05, 2010, 01:12:58 AM
I can definitely see less lower frequency content in the internals.

It's a little hard for me to see, considering one uses a linear horizontal scale, the other log scale.  Maybe re-analyze on same scale?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on August 05, 2010, 01:23:34 AM
FWIW M10 analog measured electrical signal low frequency response changes with MIC input sensitivity switch setting.

MIC setting in LOW ....... - 3 dB @ 15 cycles (-3 dB is technical bandwidth cutoff frequency)
MIC setting in HIGH ...... - 3 dB @ 24 cycles (~ -4 dB @ 20 cycles)

Likely input setting affects BOTH internal mic/external mic low frequency bandwidth performance. 

Suggest always stating M10 input switch setting used when showing internal/external mic frequency plots
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Carrera2 on August 05, 2010, 06:35:37 PM
I can definitely see less lower frequency content in the internals.

It's a little hard for me to see, considering one uses a linear horizontal scale, the other log scale.  Maybe re-analyze on same scale?

I edited and reposted the screenshots above. Good catch. I guess I had switched back and forth a couple of times.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 06, 2010, 06:18:12 PM
Can I ask Australian members where you purchased your M10?

It is tempting to purchase from the US at a current price of AU$269.40 delivered (B&H). The cheapest delivered price I can find locally seems to be AU$421.05 at TechBuy.com.au or AU$449.00 at Minidisc.com.au

The Sony Australia RRP is AU$449.00 so there is little to no competitive pricing here. In fact, some businesses are advertising the M10 way above the RRP. For instance, you can pick one up at proaudio.com.au for the outrageous price of AU$634.00 delivered!!

My concerns about buying it from the US are the warranty issue and possible import duty. Even if the import duty was on par with the GST I'd still be saving a huge amount. To date I have never had to pay duty on items purchased from the US so I could be lucky.

Can anyone clarify whether the warranty would be transferrable? If it isn't it should be in this day where we effectively live in a global village with various trade agreements in place. Of course I would rather buy locally but the prices here are absolutely absurd and bordering on offensive.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ziggz on August 06, 2010, 06:51:42 PM
Can I ask Australian members where you purchased your M10?


Slightly across the way in NZ, I got mine from B&H. I didn't get stung for import duty or GST (which I had to pay on my R-09). I've thrown the shipping box out but I'm pretty sure they didn't declare its full value on the customs form, so that would explain the lack of taxes.

The warranty sheet says the Limited Warranty is only valid in the United States.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ozpeter on August 07, 2010, 08:17:02 AM
Got mine here -

http://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/21382/sony-pcm-m10-linear-pcm-portable-audio-recorder-black-pcm-m10-black.html

There are slightly different versions available.  Mine came with a dead kitten, and I think that makes it the pro version...  The Videoguys page seems not to mention that.  I've made a number of purchases from them over several years and they seem ok.  It's always good to visit their showroom and mentally caress all that tasty video gear!  And that "you must get out your wallet" smell in the air from the warm equipment...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 07, 2010, 08:52:32 AM
Got mine here -

http://www.videoguys.com.au/Shop/p/21382/sony-pcm-m10-linear-pcm-portable-audio-recorder-black-pcm-m10-black.html

There are slightly different versions available.  Mine came with a dead kitten, and I think that makes it the pro version...  The Videoguys page seems not to mention that.  I've made a number of purchases from them over several years and they seem ok.  It's always good to visit their showroom and mentally caress all that tasty video gear!  And that "you must get out your wallet" smell in the air from the warm equipment...

Videoguys have it for AU$499.95 - that's $50 above Sony Australia's RRP. If I import, I can also buy some Church Pro Binaural mics, pay for shipping, and still have $100 in my pocket. This is insane.

I think I read some pages back that someone from Europe was complaining about the price there also. Maybe it's just not us.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: trekkie on August 07, 2010, 07:39:43 PM
Can I ask Australian members where you purchased your M10?

It is tempting to purchase from the US at a current price of AU$269.40 delivered (B&H). The cheapest delivered price I can find locally seems to be AU$421.05 at TechBuy.com.au or AU$449.00 at Minidisc.com.au

The Sony Australia RRP is AU$449.00 so there is little to no competitive pricing here. In fact, some businesses are advertising the M10 way above the RRP. For instance, you can pick one up at proaudio.com.au for the outrageous price of AU$634.00 delivered!!

My concerns about buying it from the US are the warranty issue and possible import duty. Even if the import duty was on par with the GST I'd still be saving a huge amount. To date I have never had to pay duty on items purchased from the US so I could be lucky.

Can anyone clarify whether the warranty would be transferrable? If it isn't it should be in this day where we effectively live in a global village with various trade agreements in place. Of course I would rather buy locally but the prices here are absolutely absurd and bordering on offensive.



I live in Melbourne and am a long time customer of B&H having bought a Blu-ray player, video camera, projector, camera case, netbook, Eneloop rechargeable batteries etc.  I bought my PCM-M10 in February for USD274 in February from B&H.
You will not be taxed if the value of your shipment is under AUD1000 based on the exchange rate on the day it clears customs. B&H is a large store in NYC and all the invoices I have from them are accurate.
One of the deterents of overseas purchases for me is shippping cost so I combine my purchases but keeping it  under the Australian Custom's threshold.
Warranty is generally a non-issue as most popular-brand electronic items do not fail within the warranty period. I've been lucky so far and my PCM-M10 is fine.


Tips for shopping at B&H:
I always select UPS Worldwide Saver. It is secure, quick and is usually the cheapest option. Orders placed on Thursdays generally do most of their air travel on the weekend and arrive on my door step Monday AM.
When combining orders, always add the new items one at a time and monitor the shipping cost. Once you cross a weight/volume threshold, the shipping charge increases by a larger step.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ozpeter on August 07, 2010, 08:20:24 PM
That's some handy advice, 'trekkie' - welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: visibility on August 07, 2010, 09:30:46 PM
Thanks Trekkie. Very comforting news.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 09, 2010, 07:38:41 AM
Can I ask Australian members where you purchased your M10?

It is tempting to purchase from the US at a current price of AU$269.40 delivered (B&H). The cheapest delivered price I can find locally seems to be AU$421.05 at TechBuy.com.au or AU$449.00 at Minidisc.com.au

The Sony Australia RRP is AU$449.00 so there is little to no competitive pricing here. In fact, some businesses are advertising the M10 way above the RRP. For instance, you can pick one up at proaudio.com.au for the outrageous price of AU$634.00 delivered!!

Wow. I was lucky as I was working in Canada at the time of the unit's release and bought it from Musician's Friend (US) so I got the toy in time to record a couple gigs up in Vancouver. I wonder if I should put my PCM-D50 up on eBay for sale then? Hmmmmm!

Quote
My concerns about buying it from the US are the warranty issue and possible import duty. Even if the import duty was on par with the GST I'd still be saving a huge amount. To date I have never had to pay duty on items purchased from the US so I could be lucky.

Can anyone clarify whether the warranty would be transferrable? If it isn't it should be in this day where we effectively live in a global village with various trade agreements in place. Of course I would rather buy locally but the prices here are absolutely absurd and bordering on offensive.

Nope. The warranty is strictly domestic. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states that it's an international warranty, you'll have no choice but to send it back to the US for a warranty repair. It's a calculated risk that only you can decide if you take it or not. I took it just as I took the risk with the PCM-D50 when I bought it in Japan back in July 2008 and neither unit has failed me. I'm approaching 10 months now with my PCM-M10 so the warranty will be a moot point in 2 months and while there is always the sh*t happens factor with anything you buy, I've had a lot of faith with such products from Sony. Hell, I even buy my expensive digital SLR cameras and lenses from China and Hong Kong without international warranties. :)

Anyway, only you can be sure if the risk is worth it for you. I only know the risks are minimal and worthwhile for me. If you do decide to buy, B&H Photo and Video are the benchmark for cheap prices (who deal with people overseas). Musician's Friend were the cheapest at the time but they don't deal with anyone outside of the US and Canada.

Good luck with the purchase mate. You can't go wrong. I love this little beast and haven't touched my PCM-D50 since.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 10, 2010, 11:09:20 PM
Sound Forge is a fine piece of audio editing software though I prefer to use the full version 10 myself as it has the Izotope Ozone mastering plugin as well. I'm a very big fan of this plugin when recording live rock shows as it makes the post-processing so much easier with mid/side processing for extra flexibility.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Napo on August 11, 2010, 05:11:22 AM
It all goes down to the choice of plugins. I love the Voxengo ones all of of which work with Sound Forge Audio Studio 9LE software.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 11, 2010, 01:17:34 PM
So this 9LE isn't a "Light edition" so to speak?  I should check it out?  I'm into my 5th year with Audition 1.0 and am pretty happy w/it.

Oh no, it's definitely a light edition, hence the LE. Basically, it doesn't have the wonderful plugins. I use many other features in the full Sound Forge package so the light edition may still be suitable for you, just definitely not for me.

That said, you can still install the LE version and find VST plugins to install yourself.

In the end, you won't lose a large chunk of your life if you just install it and try it out to be your own judge so just whack that CD in and give it a go.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Crumbo on August 11, 2010, 01:36:56 PM
haven't seen this mentioned, so I'm guessing this isn't an option

can you set the recording file splits either by time (1 hour) or file size (1GB) or is the default 2GB?

thanks :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: OFOTD on August 11, 2010, 02:55:53 PM
There are two major differences between SoundForge 9/10 and Sound Forge Audio Studio 9LE related to our hobby.

The first is with 9LE you are limited to two channel.  SF 9 and 10 both support multichannel and the second is lack of included plugins (i.e. Izotope Ozone suite). 

My advice is that if don't want to upgrade you audio software and you know how to use Audition then stick with it.   SFAS 9LE is a lateral move to Audition 1.0.    If you consider upgrading know that SoundForge 10 can be found for a few bucks cheaper than Audition 3.0 and in that case you might as well start with 9LE to learn the interface.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 11, 2010, 11:44:42 PM
can you set the recording file splits either by time (1 hour) or file size (1GB) or is the default 2GB?

thanks :)

There's no adjustable automatic splitting on this so you're stuck with the 2GB file limit splits. The only thing you could do is to manually insert track marks however often you desire - be it on the unit or via the remote - and then you can divide the track based on all the track marks after the recording is completed.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Crumbo on August 11, 2010, 11:57:50 PM
can you set the recording file splits either by time (1 hour) or file size (1GB) or is the default 2GB?

thanks :)

There's no adjustable automatic splitting on this so you're stuck with the 2GB file limit splits. The only thing you could do is to manually insert track marks however often you desire - be it on the unit or via the remote - and then you can divide the track based on all the track marks after the recording is completed.

:thumbsup

thanks!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: M-chen on August 15, 2010, 12:27:17 PM
I was able to discover some "secrets" of M10:  >:D

#1: The AD/DA-converter, the headphone amp and the mic amp is all together combined in just one chip: the Cirrus Logic CS42L52. I don't know if this can be interpreted as good ore bad, because the specs are not that stunning. Nevertheless the sq says: good.

#2: The M10 contains a lithium battery for memory backup purposes, type MS614SE. When emptied one day, good luck replacing it.  :-\

#3: The mic capsules have the marking H9804, diameter 10mm, thickness 4.7mm. Unfortunately I could not find out the manufacturer or any technical specification until now.

Cheers,

Martin
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 15, 2010, 02:16:57 PM
I was able to discover some "secrets" of M10:  >:D

#1: The AD/DA-converter, the headphone amp and the mic amp is all together combined in just one chip: the Cirrus Logic CS42L52. I don't know if this can be interpreted as good ore bad, because the specs are not that stunning. Nevertheless the sq says: good.

I noticed that chip when I opened mine up. The specs may not be as stunning as you might like to expect but for portable equipment, it's about as good as it gets and that's pretty damn good!

Quote
#2: The M10 contains a lithium battery for memory backup purposes, type MS614SE. When emptied one day, good luck replacing it.  :-\

Saw that in there too. With the right tools and skills, no problem.

Have you managed to gain access to a service manual for this unit? I'm looking at buying it soon if I have to but would have preferred a PDF or scan of it from somewhere.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on August 15, 2010, 03:30:45 PM
I was able to discover some "secrets" of M10:  >:D

#1: The AD/DA-converter, the headphone amp and the mic amp is all together combined in just one chip: the Cirrus Logic CS42L52. I don't know if this can be interpreted as good ore bad, because the specs are not that stunning. Nevertheless the sq says: good.

#2: The M10 contains a lithium battery for memory backup purposes, type MS614SE. When emptied one day, good luck replacing it.  :-\

#3: The mic capsules have the marking H9804, diameter 10mm, thickness 4.7mm. Unfortunately I could not find out the manufacturer or any technical specification until now.

Cheers,

Martin
Thanks for the information.


Question: are there any opamps in there?  In the PCM-D50 there are opamps for both mic (preamp) and line level (buffer before ADC).  I expect there is something, because of the analog level control, and also the very low noise on the mic inputs.


  Richard

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: M-chen on August 15, 2010, 03:45:04 PM
Question: are there any opamps in there?  In the PCM-D50 there are opamps for both mic (preamp) and line level (buffer before ADC).  I expect there is something, because of the analog level control, and also the very low noise on the mic inputs.

Yes, there is. On the audio board there are three or four different opamps, but I do not know what type and for what exactly.

Have you managed to gain access to a service manual for this unit?

Unfortunately not, but I also would appreciate that very much.

Cheers,

Martin
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: twoheadedboy on August 15, 2010, 10:24:06 PM
I've researched all these threads and I'm either not finding the answer to the question I have or not understanding what I'm seeing, so I'm asking it now...between the D10 and R-09HR, which performs better through the LINE input? I've seen a lot of comparisons of mic input noise (mostly Leonard's), but not line. I use a preamp so I'm not concerned with the mic input.

Any answers, or responses pointing me to where this was answered previously, would be most appreciated.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on August 15, 2010, 10:39:13 PM
I've researched all these threads and I'm either not finding the answer to the question I have or not understanding what I'm seeing, so I'm asking it now...between the D10 and R-09HR, which performs better through the LINE input? I've seen a lot of comparisons of mic input noise (mostly Leonard's), but not line. I use a preamp so I'm not concerned with the mic input.

Any answers, or responses pointing me to where this was answered previously, would be most appreciated.
I think there are a lot of advantages to the M10, including battery life (12hrs continuous recording, stays in "standby" mode forever) and ergonomics (leds on the top to watch in your pocket).  I also think the preamp will turn out to useful.  In fact, Guysonic himself suggests it can power his mics directly, without a preamp or battery box, so this setup would be ideal for you.  In my opinion, the less in the input chain, the better.  Also you don't have to worry about extra connections or and batteries in your preamp.  I run Countryman B3 directly into the M10 and love it!


  Richard

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: twoheadedboy on August 15, 2010, 11:11:20 PM
I've researched all these threads and I'm either not finding the answer to the question I have or not understanding what I'm seeing, so I'm asking it now...between the D10 and R-09HR, which performs better through the LINE input? I've seen a lot of comparisons of mic input noise (mostly Leonard's), but not line. I use a preamp so I'm not concerned with the mic input.

Any answers, or responses pointing me to where this was answered previously, would be most appreciated.
I think there are a lot of advantages to the M10, including battery life (12hrs continuous recording, stays in "standby" mode forever) and ergonomics (leds on the top to watch in your pocket).  I also think the preamp will turn out to useful.  In fact, Guysonic himself suggests it can power his mics directly, without a preamp or battery box, so this setup would be ideal for you.  In my opinion, the less in the input chain, the better.  Also you don't have to worry about extra connections or and batteries in your preamp.  I run Countryman B3 directly into the M10 and love it!


  Richard

I'm quite aware of the benefits of the M10 vs. R-09HR (and vice versa) at this point...I'm just curious about line-in performance (self-noise/noise floor, frequency response/coloration) between the two as all the data I've seen focuses on mic in only.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on August 16, 2010, 01:12:02 AM
I'm just curious about line-in performance (self-noise/noise floor, frequency response/coloration) between the two as all the data I've seen focuses on mic in only.

Guysonic to the rescue:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=5168d7cba3720ca7e4ba64e8cccaeae5&topic=124639.msg1722123#msg1722123
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on August 16, 2010, 02:59:56 AM
Had a little issue today with the maiden voyage with my M10 (at least for music).

I bought a 8GB MicroSD card, and it gave me some issues when I put it in the deck. Tried to format in the deck, no go (gave me an error). Put it in my desktop and formatted without issue. Put it back in the M10 and formatted it again (worked fine). So I thought I was good to go. Nope.

Ran for Drive-By Truckers today and recorded for at least a few minutes fine (it was working when I checked my levels during the first song). At the end of the set it said something like File Error.

So...moral of the story:

ALWAYS TEST ALL NEW GEAR for the time of an actual show. I should have made a test recording. I didn't and it bit me in the ass.

I'm certain it was the external card, as after the DBT set I moved over to the internal memory and recorded the rest of the day (this was at MHMF) without issue.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 16, 2010, 06:44:05 AM
Had a little issue today with the maiden voyage with my M10 (at least for music).

I bought a 8GB MicroSD card, and it gave me some issues when I put it in the deck. Tried to format in the deck, no go (gave me an error). Put it in my desktop and formatted without issue. Put it back in the M10 and formatted it again (worked fine). So I thought I was good to go. Nope.

What brand card? I'm very firm on my choice of memory cards and have always used Sandisk for all my memory card needs as they've always been very reliable. I have a Sandisk Mobile Ultra 16GB card in mine and it hasn't skipped a beat in the 9 months I've been using it.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: twoheadedboy on August 16, 2010, 07:54:58 AM
I'm just curious about line-in performance (self-noise/noise floor, frequency response/coloration) between the two as all the data I've seen focuses on mic in only.

Guysonic to the rescue:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=5168d7cba3720ca7e4ba64e8cccaeae5&topic=124639.msg1722123#msg1722123

Looks like that's mic vs. line dangit. Am I interpreting right to say that the baseline noise on the D10 is lower, but the bass rolls off a little quicker, however the R-09HR has a "lot" (relative) more noise above 10khz? I'm looking at the red line on picture 1 and the yellow one on picture 2.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on August 16, 2010, 08:35:47 AM
Fortunately, 09HR LINE input with your external preamplifier has NO high frequency noise issues only experienced with the Edirol's mic input.  The 09HR with PA-3SX or PA-24 model preamp is my choice of top quality portable configuration for doing 24bit 88.2K mode recording. 

The Sony's have no 88.2K mode, but the M10 is my choice for smallest size, longest running 2-piece DSM mic+flash deck rig when 24bit 44.1K for audio only recording is plenty good enough, or 24bit 48/96K sound for video is required.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on August 16, 2010, 10:58:48 AM
Had a little issue today with the maiden voyage with my M10 (at least for music).

I bought a 8GB MicroSD card, and it gave me some issues when I put it in the deck. Tried to format in the deck, no go (gave me an error). Put it in my desktop and formatted without issue. Put it back in the M10 and formatted it again (worked fine). So I thought I was good to go. Nope.

What brand card? I'm very firm on my choice of memory cards and have always used Sandisk for all my memory card needs as they've always been very reliable. I have a Sandisk Mobile Ultra 16GB card in mine and it hasn't skipped a beat in the 9 months I've been using it.

Kingston. It's this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134717

Maybe I just got a dud. It's a Class 4 card. I'm under the impression that is fast enough (or do I need something faster).

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 16, 2010, 11:09:44 AM
The Sandisk is also a class 4 and is more than adequate for even the highest recording bitrates. In fact, class 4 is actually good for low-bitrate video recording so it's all good.

I'm quite surprised with your Kingston and I'd be inclined to think that you've just got a dud. I'd look at getting it replaced under warranty if that's the case or otherwise see if you can exchange it for the same card as mine.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: kleiner Rainer on August 16, 2010, 04:36:24 PM
I was able to discover some "secrets" of M10:  >:D

...

#2: The M10 contains a lithium battery for memory backup purposes, type MS614SE. When emptied one day, good luck replacing it.  :-\

Hi Martin,

from my knowledge of the internals of such devices, the Lithium battery is there to power the built in real time clock only if the main batteries fail. Real time clock chips are designed for ultra low current consumption during standby, so the lifetime of a standard Lithium battery is measured in years (in fact, the self discharge of those batteries can be higher than the current consumption of the RTC chip!)

Your info was very valuable, since I could find the data sheet for the battery:
http://speed.sii.co.jp/data/file_PRODUCT_MASTER_50112_TITLE_IMAGESP.pdf

The battery is made by a japanese company named Seiko Instruments. As you can see, the battery is rechargeable, and the worst case lifetime is 100 full charge/discharge cycles, or 1000 cycles with 20% discharge. All in all, I expect it to last many years (but there is always a statistical risk of early failure). Since Seiko Instruments is no chinese backyard operation, but a very renowned manufacturer, I trust the data in the data sheet.

Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on August 16, 2010, 07:26:59 PM
I would guess that kind of battery should last for well over 10 years, easily exceeding the service life of the deck when the mechanical buttons wear out or something else fails to work anylonger.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: udovdh on August 17, 2010, 09:20:01 AM
Did you try to open a 'CMD.EXE window' and have a look at the files that way?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bucsab12 on August 17, 2010, 09:40:18 AM
Maybe you recorded the files on the internal memory and not on the memory card? Did you check the folder of the internal memory?

It happened to me a few times that after recording something to my memory card, the "Memory" option switched automatically to "Built In Memory". That might explain why you don't see any files on the memory card.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 17, 2010, 10:10:34 AM
I would do as bucsab12 asked and search INTERNAL memory since it obviously shows three file names.

Perhaps you can take the microSD card out and put it in a memory card reader to see if there is actually any data on it. I find this a lot easier than opening each set up empty folders up.

What is the name of the exe file that you found?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: udovdh on August 17, 2010, 10:40:22 AM
The M10 should show the SD-card icon when the card is the target. Icon is absent when internal memory is targetted.
This could confirm the internal memory suspicion.

Maybe this is one of the M10 weaknesses: it does not remember what memory you preferred.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 17, 2010, 11:03:52 AM
Maybe this is one of the M10 weaknesses: it does not remember what memory you preferred.

Depends on what you do.

If you take out the memory card and switch the unit on, it will default to the internal memory, naturally. When you switch it off, plug the memory card back in and switch it back on again, it will still default to the internal memory because that was the last memory in use and it remembered that accordingly.

However, should you already have the unit configured to use the memory card, switch it off, take out the memory card, then plug the memory card back in and then turn the unit on, it will default to the memory card because nothing changed since it was last turned on.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: udovdh on August 17, 2010, 11:16:11 AM
Now record cross memory from card into internal memory.
Stop recording into internal memory.
Erase stuff on the card.
Start recording.
Where is the M10 recording?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 17, 2010, 11:22:48 AM
Now record cross memory from card into internal memory.
Stop recording into internal memory.
Erase stuff on the card.
Start recording.
Where is the M10 recording?

where ever the default is. if you have cross memory enabled from external to internal and you stop recording, it will start recording back on external. if external is full, I'm sure a message will appear indicating it will record on internal (in not so many words)

another thing that occurred to me is that the microSD card was not put in right. As udovdh mentioned, you should see a little icon indicating the memory is in correctly. if you don't see this, chances are microsd card is in upside down.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on August 17, 2010, 01:17:31 PM
The battery life on this thing is mind blowing!

I've recorded: a 30 minute speech on internal mics + 1 hour ambient noise, 3 hour Paul McCartney show, 1 hour DBT show, 1.25 hour Jimmy Cliff show, 1.25 hour My Morning Jacket show, 3 hour DMB show, and last night a 3 hour Rush show...and the battery meter just dropped it's FIRST BAR!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Cheesecadet on August 17, 2010, 01:26:40 PM
I have had no issues cross memory recording on my unit.

I always record to microsd card (adata 8gb) and if need be it switches to internal memory automatically.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: crbatt on August 17, 2010, 02:45:37 PM
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the help on this forum and especially in this thread. I used to record shows in high school and college on my Aiwa handheld cassette recorder and, after stumbling upon this forum, realized that my life would not be nearly fulfilled until I impulsively, and semi-obsessively blew some cash on something I never knew I needed, but somehow now couldn't live without.

Spent a week reading all I could here, and based on your reviews/recommendations (and the $199 B&H price tag) I picked up an M10 last week. Recorded my first show at a small bar/venue last night using only the on-board mics. Attached a mini tripod and placed the recorder on a ledge about 7 feet up, 15-or-so feet back from the stage. Ran it on low sensitivity, manual at about 1.5 rec level in. I'm really impressed with the quality of the recording... the built-in's are actually quite good. Better than I expected.

Only bad part was Monday night/12:30 AM/"I think only 3 or 4 more songs! I swear!" doesn't quite work for the GF, so I missed the last couple songs. Oh well. It was a good trial run for me.

So again, thanks for the help with an unexpected new obsssion that will cost me time and money. I owe you all one.  ::)

I guess next up is finding a set of mics...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 17, 2010, 09:51:57 PM
Good luck on your test, sounds like you got it all figured out. :)

btw, what exactly are you testing?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 17, 2010, 10:49:28 PM
It's very odd you can't locate the files when you connect the recorder to the computer, but you're saying when you're navigating from internal memory to external memory, you can see that there is a recording? Are you able to play the recording and hear audio?

Like most modern recorders, they require two buttons to start recording. The m10 will go in pre-record mode when you press record once and to start recording, press the flashing pause button.

Let us know how the test goes!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 18, 2010, 03:04:25 PM
It's to be expected that the unit will give you two different drives in Windows because it's the equivalent of having an all-in-one memory card reader where the CF card is say drive G: (for argument's sake) and the SD card is say drive H: (also for argument's sake).

It mentions in Note 4 on page 86 that the internal memory and memory card appear as two volumes and gives you the volume names for them.

Now as for the frying pan you mention, I don't see the problem here. If the card runs out of space and crosses over to the internal memory (or vice versa), the file will simply be split across them and all you'll need to do is load both files and stitch them together, same as with the 2GB file limit.

In the end, if it's that much of a concern for you, there's always the option of buying a larger memory card. I'm running a 16GB Sandisk Mobile Ultra without issue, giving me 15 hours at 48kHz/24bit, and don't have cross memory recording enabled.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jbell on August 18, 2010, 04:30:07 PM
The D50 works the same way! 

It's to be expected that the unit will give you two different drives in Windows because it's the equivalent of having an all-in-one memory card reader where the CF card is say drive G: (for argument's sake) and the SD card is say drive H: (also for argument's sake).

It mentions in Note 4 on page 86 that the internal memory and memory card appear as two volumes and gives you the volume names for them.

Now as for the frying pan you mention, I don't see the problem here. If the card runs out of space and crosses over to the internal memory (or vice versa), the file will simply be split across them and all you'll need to do is load both files and stitch them together, same as with the 2GB file limit.

In the end, if it's that much of a concern for you, there's always the option of buying a larger memory card. I'm running a 16GB Sandisk Mobile Ultra without issue, giving me 15 hours at 48kHz/24bit, and don't have cross memory recording enabled.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 18, 2010, 04:36:40 PM
my multi card reader is the same way. I put in ONE sd card in it and ALL the available drives (about 5) are visible but when you click on it, it will say to insert a disk since obviously nothing is in the particular drive.

Good job on finding the issue and sorry I didn't mention this with everything else but we obviously knew the files were somewhere on the recorder/memory card. ;)

Artstar is right, set the recorder to the bigger of the two choices (i.e. a 16 gig microsd card as opposed to internal 4 gigs) and once the 16 gig is full, you'll be able to cross record onto internal without issue.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bdasilva on August 23, 2010, 04:52:32 PM
I just got the "free" case from Sony for my PCM-M10 in the mail    Sweetness
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on August 23, 2010, 04:56:36 PM
^^ Is there any way to buy this case?  Is there an order # or something?


Thanks,
  Richard

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bucsab12 on August 23, 2010, 05:02:05 PM
I also received it a couple of days ago and it is really great.

Here is a link for the case on B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/667369-REG/Sony_LCPCM_M10G_LCPCMM10G_Carrying_Case_for.html#features

I just wanted to say that if it wasn't for free, I would never have paid $30 for it.

It is nice but too small and you can't really fit anything inside it other than the recorder.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bdasilva on August 23, 2010, 05:15:13 PM
Its not small.. Its compact... Its not like you need to bring tapes or batteries... It does have room for a shitload of micro-sds  It has a nice "molded" feel and  would really help from a reasonable drop.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ironbut on August 23, 2010, 05:19:47 PM
I totally forgot about that free case,.. in any event, I have a couple of those cloth pouches that came with the last two hi mini disc recorders I bought and I kinda like using that. I have a butt pack that I've used for years for carrying my stealth gear (and my flask!). I have a couple of strips of the hook side of velcro inside the main compartment and that cloth pouch attaches to the hook securely. With the opening of the cloth pouch right at the top and attached to front and back of the compartment I can slip the M10 in and out and it's always in an upright position (I also don't have to worry about it getting scratched by the zipper).

Regarding micro SDHC cards, I bought a couple of Class 4 "TopRam" 16G cards on Amazon for around $32 each. I've run them through their paces and they seem to work great. One came with a USB card reader and I can transfer the files to my Mac pretty fast (using the M10 is much slower). I imagine that the class 6 cards should be even faster but when I transfered 8G it only took under 5 minutes so that's fast enough for me.
BTW, the card reader is a super cheap one and it's a pain to get the cards out without a pair of tweezers. Any recommendations for a nice one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003C2SQ9K/ref=oss_product
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bucsab12 on August 23, 2010, 05:49:12 PM
Its not small.. Its compact... Its not like you need to bring tapes or batteries... It does have room for a shitload of micro-sds  It has a nice "molded" feel and  would really help from a reasonable drop.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is a nice case but I was hoping it would be large enough so I'll at least be able to fit my CA-14 mics inside.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bdasilva on August 23, 2010, 07:42:44 PM
I can see that...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mattmiller on August 23, 2010, 08:47:36 PM
Its not small.. Its compact... Its not like you need to bring tapes or batteries... It does have room for a shitload of micro-sds  It has a nice "molded" feel and  would really help from a reasonable drop.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is a nice case but I was hoping it would be large enough so I'll at least be able to fit my CA-14 mics inside.

Interesting.  I was actually a little bummed about it because it seems too big to me.  But then I acknowledged that it was created for someone to carry the M10 around in by itself, so it's probably appropriate for that purpose.  For my (and I assumed a lot of tapers') purpose, it seems a little bulky and takes up more room in my gear bag than I had hoped.  Something just big enough to hold the M10 and keep it from getting scratched in the bag would be perfect.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mloewen on August 23, 2010, 09:17:25 PM
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ntKb8-lHW9l-Kov9Yo7TciI0AoQZhXPz1uA9la5S-CU?feat=directlink

I got these from Woot recently and the case that came with it fits my PMC-10 perfectly. Not bad headphones either.   Able Planet True Fidelity Sound Isolation Earphones with Linx Audio - SI300W or SI300B
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 23, 2010, 09:50:43 PM
I'm still using the old Servired leather case from my old MZ-R50 beast because I need the belt loop and it's even more compact than what the LPCM-10 case appears to be. It's the best thing I have at the moment for stealthing. I don't say perfect because the top leather flap only just reaches over to the velcro on the other half of the case to close it and I always have it open when I'm plugged in anyway so I can monitor the -12dB LEDs from time to time.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ts on August 24, 2010, 09:57:34 AM
Its not small.. Its compact... Its not like you need to bring tapes or batteries... It does have room for a shitload of micro-sds  It has a nice "molded" feel and  would really help from a reasonable drop.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is a nice case but I was hoping it would be large enough so I'll at least be able to fit my CA-14 mics inside.

Interesting.  I was actually a little bummed about it because it seems too big to me.  But then I acknowledged that it was created for someone to carry the M10 around in by itself, so it's probably appropriate for that purpose.  For my (and I assumed a lot of tapers') purpose, it seems a little bulky and takes up more room in my gear bag than I had hoped.  Something just big enough to hold the M10 and keep it from getting scratched in the bag would be perfect.

I use this one: http://www.thenerds.net/AVENUES_SWISS_ARMY_GEAR.SwissGear_WA_7871_02F00_Camera_Case_Neoprene_Black.WA787102F00.html?affid=27

Got it at Best Buy. ;)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mloewen on August 24, 2010, 10:40:27 AM
I actually have numerous cases I use with my PCM -10 depending on the situation. Most of I got at local Dollar Tree. I have one that fits the recorder and Ca-14s in a seperate part. It worked great getting into Rush last week . I showed the back of the recorder and said "cell phone" and in another pouch on my belt I had my Church 9100 and showed the back bottom and said camera. Now if I hadnt screwed up the recording it would have been perfect
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Belexes on August 24, 2010, 11:06:10 AM
^ You showed security your gear  :o
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: udovdh on August 24, 2010, 12:33:45 PM
^ You showed security your gear  :o
Yes, that's balls!
Hiding stuff in plain sight.

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 24, 2010, 01:18:24 PM
Yes, that's balls!
Hiding stuff in plain sight.

Heheh. At least it's believable with a PCM-M10. Imagine my surprise with my PCM-D50 when security did the magic wand scan and didn't even question the massive brick I was holding in my left hand along with my mics wrapped around it! I was going to use the excuse that it was a massive old walkman I had from work but seriously, nobody even bat an eyelid and that's happened three times now.

I feel much safer with the PCM-M10 now and can definitely just call it my MP3 player for the train ride home. :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Belexes on August 24, 2010, 01:42:26 PM
Nobody knows what I have nor will they ever see it. Stealth is an art.  :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gmm6797 on August 24, 2010, 05:45:53 PM
from experience, most security just wants a copy... unless its the band's security
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on August 24, 2010, 10:27:45 PM
I use one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-4-3-Inch-Navi-Sleeve-Black/dp/B002TLSOG0

Fits the M10 perfectly. 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jmerin on August 25, 2010, 02:26:08 AM
hey all,
i just got the m10. it looks great so tiny. Anyways I was wondering if there is a way to set the file size limit on the files. thanks.
looking forward to running this

thanks

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: crbatt on August 25, 2010, 11:59:28 AM
^  Welcome and +T for spending a week reading before you post.  It does my heart good to know there's another Team Old Farts candidate stretching out here.  ;D

Thanks for the welcome!

I'm on week 3 here and still trying to read as much as I can. I'm also looking at buying some mics. The recordings I've made with the built-in's are decent, but listening to samples on here.... it sounds like there's a lot a good set of mics can do.

I'm looking at Church CA-10's, or CA-11's on his site. Do I definitely want the cardioids (11's) rather than the omni 10's for recording live music? And specifically for use with the M10 does anyone have experience using just plug-in power or do I definitely need a preamp? From a few other threads I found, it sounds like that's risky (at least for the CA-11's. Maybe different for the CA-10's?) I've read the 'where do i begin' threads but left a little confused as to how it may/may not applies specifically to my hardware. It would be great if the M10 provided enough juice so I didn't need a preamp.

I appreciate everyone's time and help.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: agoston.berko on August 25, 2010, 12:38:02 PM
Hi Folks !

I'm looking for an external mic for my Sanyo HD2000A camcorder.
It has an external microphone input (unbalanced) and a shoe mount.
Any recommendation ?

My first pick was the Zoom H1, but after I read great reviews about the Sony PCM-M10, I changed my mind to go that route.
 
     Thank you.  ;)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Tedley on August 25, 2010, 03:55:55 PM
crbatt: You should avoid the Church-Audio website and eBay store for his mics. He offers members here a much better deal and mics that are not on his site. See the retail section for his Taperssection offerings. While the CA-11's are quite good, you can get an up-grade in quality for a little more with CA-14 mics. They come in cardiod and omni patterns. With very loud sources you may only need a battery box, available from Church-Audio to power them. For quieter sources you will find the preamp necessary. There is a set of CA-14's (card and omni) as well as a CA preamp for $250 shipped,in the yardsale. For a beginning rig, you can't do better without spending a lot more. There are mics available that can be powered directly by the M-10, but I think you will find the CA gear the best for both quality of sound and price for what you get. I started out with this set up. You could just get a set of card's but with the package deal you can also get the omni's, which youwill eventually find useful.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on August 25, 2010, 06:37:00 PM
^ You showed security your gear  :o
that is totally the Jedi mind trick that you need to use sometimes
perfectly played!
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on August 26, 2010, 01:14:42 AM
For a case I use a Lowepro Ridge 30.

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Ridge-Camera-Case-Black/dp/B000BH1GFK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1282799199&sr=1-1

It's a kind of marsupial pouch. The main space is just slightly bigger than the PCM-M10. The zippered flap shown in the picture is perfect for the flat PCM-M10 remote. And under that flap there's a little pocket that just happens to hold the battery box.

Nothing like a camera pouch to make security think the PCM-M10 is a harmless point-and-shoot.



I use one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-4-3-Inch-Navi-Sleeve-Black/dp/B002TLSOG0

Fits the M10 perfectly.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on August 26, 2010, 02:48:53 AM
so I am thinking of down sizing to a M-10 and it appears that noone is worried about the A-D converter in the M-10, and that most like to use a preamp in front of it.
I am thinking LittleBox > M-10
which would still be smaller and lighter than my Fostex FR2 LE

anyone have insight on the Sony  A-D converter

thanx
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ozpeter on August 26, 2010, 05:30:08 AM
We discussed selectable splits and internal circuitry of the M10 on page 12 of this thread - going around and around a bit now!  :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: johnw on August 26, 2010, 05:40:20 AM
so I am thinking of down sizing to a M-10 and it appears that noone is worried about the A-D converter in the M-10, and that most like to use a preamp in front of it.
I am thinking LittleBox > M-10
which would still be smaller and lighter than my Fostex FR2 LE

anyone have insight on the Sony  A-D converter

thanx
--Ian

look down the forum page a few threads and you will see my thread comparing the AD to that of the 722. The AD of the 722 is very well regarded. Take a listen to the files and see how you think the M10 compares.

EDIT: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138489.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138489.0)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: udovdh on August 26, 2010, 09:46:10 AM
anyone have insight on the Sony  A-D converter

It's said to be the CS42L52_F1.
http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS42L52_F1.pdf
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gormenghast on August 26, 2010, 10:51:05 AM
Great info in this thread.

I found a case that fits the M10 like it was made for it.  Lowepro Volta 20.  A small pocket inside for additional cards and that's it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=630164&is=REG&si=rev#anchorToReadReviews (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=630164&is=REG&si=rev#anchorToReadReviews)

(http://webpages.charter.net/wjlapier/Volta20M10Open.jpg)

(http://webpages.charter.net/wjlapier/Volta20M10Oclosed.jpg)

The concern some might have is the zipper.  There is enough elasticity in the zipper that you can pull away while zipping up the case and if you zip all the way around there is a small amount of webbing that will protect the M10 from zipper rub  :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on August 27, 2010, 03:18:41 AM
anyone have insight on the Sony  A-D converter

It's said to be the CS42L52_F1.
http://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS42L52_F1.pdf

whoa thanx that's a very technical 82 page PDF
most of it over my head
thanx
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on August 27, 2010, 03:25:34 AM
so I am thinking of down sizing to a M-10 and it appears that noone is worried about the A-D converter in the M-10, and that most like to use a preamp in front of it.
I am thinking LittleBox > M-10
which would still be smaller and lighter than my Fostex FR2 LE

anyone have insight on the Sony  A-D converter

thanx
--Ian

look down the forum page a few threads and you will see my thread comparing the AD to that of the 722. The AD of the 722 is very well regarded. Take a listen to the files and see how you think the M10 compares.

EDIT: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138489.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138489.0)

thanx
interesting
it's fairly hard (with my current - temporary speaker set up) to hear the difference - except for the lower db's on B
but it's cool to hear they are so close
thanx
for the comp
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 27, 2010, 12:35:15 PM
I found a case that fits the M10 like it was made for it.  Lowepro Volta 20.  A small pocket inside for additional cards and that's it.

Nice case but not for operating the unit whilst attached to your belt in a stealth recording scenario. The sort of case I need is basically the same as my old Servired MZ-R50 case but appropriately sized. That is, instead of a zipper with the unit sitting loosely with the zipper open as it seems to with your case, the unit sits snug in the pouch which grabs 3/4 of the unit and has a flap which folds over the top and locks down with velcro. That way, I can have the flap open to plug in the mics and not have to worry about the unit falling out of the pouch if someone were to ever bump me.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on August 27, 2010, 12:42:38 PM
Got my case in the mail yesterday. Nice case, certainly better than nothing. I'd be pissed if I paid $30 for it though.

I think I might be able to squeeze my CA-1's in there, but that's about it (other than the M10).
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on August 27, 2010, 12:57:44 PM
crbatt:  I'm going to swim against the stream here (risking a thread hijack) and say don't jump too quickly into CA mics.  Other alternatives are out there short of the $500'ish range DPA 406x route.

Personally, I might look at some of the AT adapted mics available at Sound Professionals like the SP-CMC-8 (http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-8)  A bit more money than CA-11's perhaps but they're smaller and have switchable caps if you like to expand.  SP has a taper discount too, something that the new folks who are pointing to CA don't know or have forgotten.  SP has been a solid company IMO with few complaints. 

As far as his mic preamps go, I think there are few better alternatives for the money and form factor for plug-in mics.   The Naiant littlebox (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=128321.0) can be customized for nearly any mic you have and is maybe not too big for your consideration.  I'd say the littlebox price might be in your ball park and performance has been turning a lot of heads here. 

Littlebox (or Tinybox if small size is important) may be a better deal than the ST-9100 for the money but both are great preamps. Tinybox or Littlebox would be better if you are going to do a lot of acoustic recordings and may need more than 20 dB of gain.

I disagree with the SP recommendation over the CA-14's if price is important to you. Again, both SP's and Church deliver quality gear but Church Audio gives you far more bang for the buck and sound every bit as good as the SP stuff if not better. SP's switchable caps are great, but if all you need are cards & omnis, just get both the CA-14 cards and omni's and you're all set.

I second Tedley's recommendation to pick up the CA 14 card/omni & ST-9100 package in the yard sale. You can't do better for twice the cash.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on August 27, 2010, 01:02:04 PM
ok so i finally got around to running my own line in test on the levels...
i made a white noise file in audacity and ran it to my svu1
the svu1 was showing me -3db
i unhooked the svu1 and replaced it with the m10
in order to get the m10 to show me -3db i had to set it on 6.5
for every number i went down the db went down 2 to 3

so i know its been said that as low as 3 was "normal" with no gain or attenuation but i was much higher then that

also how long do you have to let the m10 sit before you need to reset the clock? it seems lieke everytime i turn it on the clock is not set correctly
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: udovdh on August 27, 2010, 01:12:40 PM
Got my case in the mail yesterday. Nice case, certainly better than nothing. I'd be pissed if I paid $30 for it though.
Is there a way to get this thing outside of the USA without insane shipping charges?

Ah! Found it. But the pouch itself is less cheap...  Oh well.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on August 27, 2010, 02:16:49 PM
so i know its been said that as low as 3 was "normal" with no gain or attenuation but i was much higher then that

I might have missed it, but I never heard of anyone saying that. Guysonic did his famous tests on the M10 and said the unity gain setting was about 6 which is pretty close to the results you got.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on August 27, 2010, 05:44:00 PM
...instead of a zipper with the unit sitting loosely with the zipper open as it seems to with your case, the unit sits snug in the pouch which grabs 3/4 of the unit and has a flap which folds over the top and locks down with velcro. That way, I can have the flap open to plug in the mics and not have to worry about the unit falling out of the pouch if someone were to ever bump me.

In the Lowepro Ridge 30, with the unit facing the belt loop, I can zip up and over the mic jack while going line-in, so it's not going anywhere vertically. It's also not going anywhere horizontally because there's webbing where the pouch opens--as high as the level control knob on one side, up to the micro-SD hatch on the other.   It's not quite a flap over the top, but it's definitely secure. I use it on my belt all the time.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on August 27, 2010, 05:50:46 PM
so i know its been said that as low as 3 was "normal" with no gain or attenuation but i was much higher then that

I might have missed it, but I never heard of anyone saying that. Guysonic did his famous tests on the M10 and said the unity gain setting was about 6 which is pretty close to the results you got.
maybe i misread it too but thats good to know that guysonic and i got the same result
it prob really is 6 over 6.5 because the svu1 is hard to get 100% perfect since there is no -1, -2, -4, -5
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Doctor Slump on August 27, 2010, 06:48:26 PM
I used my PCM-M10 with the internal mics to record a string quartet last week. After a bit of EQ'ing (lowered mid-bass, boosted mid-treble), it sounded quite good. I've also been using it to record voice-overs for video, and am happy with the results. I place it about 6-8 inches from the person's mouth.

On the subject of cases, I'm using the Case Logic TBC-312, which is perfect. It fits the PCM-M10, and the small outer pocket holds the windscreen.

http://www.caselogic.com/pocket_video_camcorder_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=133877
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 27, 2010, 09:22:52 PM
also how long do you have to let the m10 sit before you need to reset the clock? it seems lieke everytime i turn it on the clock is not set correctly

thanks for doing the  testing.

I would double check to make sure you're setting the time right. I have not had any issue with the time not setting correctly or staying set. Does it return to midnight on new recordings after you turn it back on? Earlier in the thread there was talk about the internal battery and guysonic among others said its good enough for ten years.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on August 27, 2010, 09:28:27 PM
also how long do you have to let the m10 sit before you need to reset the clock? it seems lieke everytime i turn it on the clock is not set correctly

thanks for doing the  testing.

I would double check to make sure you're setting the time right. I have not had any issue with the time not setting correctly or staying set. Does it return to midnight on new recordings after you turn it back on? Earlier in the thread there was talk about the internal battery and guysonic among others said its good enough for ten years.
it sets correctly
then is fine for a while
then i don't turn it on for a couple of weeks and its back to midnight asking to be set as soon as i tunr it on just like it did the first time i ever turned it on
date it asks for too
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: silverhick on August 28, 2010, 03:26:54 PM
Feeling kind of dumb but how do you set the AM/PM? Every time I confirm the minute setting it exits out before I get to it.


also how long do you have to let the m10 sit before you need to reset the clock? it seems lieke everytime i turn it on the clock is not set correctly

thanks for doing the  testing.

I would double check to make sure you're setting the time right. I have not had any issue with the time not setting correctly or staying set. Does it return to midnight on new recordings after you turn it back on? Earlier in the thread there was talk about the internal battery and guysonic among others said its good enough for ten years.
it sets correctly
then is fine for a while
then i don't turn it on for a couple of weeks and its back to midnight asking to be set as soon as i tunr it on just like it did the first time i ever turned it on
date it asks for too
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: hi and lo on August 28, 2010, 03:50:52 PM
I'm sure this has been covered endlessly in the 3 threads covering the m10 but...

I cannot get the m10 to recognize my brand new Sandisk 8gb micro sd. Pretty sure it's class 2 but I don't see why that would matter as it should still be plenty fast for even the highest bit rate and sampling rate.

WTF? I am a Sandisk diehard but this is just crap. What sd card will work with the m10?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on August 28, 2010, 05:39:20 PM
Your card should work. I have the same card and sometimes I had to insert it 3-4 times before it was finally recognized. I seldom take it out of the M10 anymore for that reason. I just use the M10 as the card reader. Seems to work fine once it gets recognized.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: rastasean on August 28, 2010, 06:23:27 PM
another reason it may not work is because it is in upside down, the metal prongs actually go in facing up.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: spyder9 on August 28, 2010, 08:07:13 PM
so i know its been said that as low as 3 was "normal" with no gain or attenuation but i was much higher then that

I might have missed it, but I never heard of anyone saying that. Guysonic did his famous tests on the M10 and said the unity gain setting was about 6 which is pretty close to the results you got.

I compared the unity gain of the M10 to the Edirol R09HR recently.  The HR set at 40 and the M10 set at 5.  M10's files were about 1 db louder than R09HR.  Did Guysonic measure the HR' sunity gain?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on August 28, 2010, 08:13:56 PM
Did Guysonic measure the HR's unity gain?

I'm not aware that he did, but Chris Church once posted this:
"Unity gain on the R-09 HR is a setting -38 with a -10 db input with a 5k
output impedance from the source. So setting #38 for most sources via the
line input will produce a wav file of the same amplitude of the input signal
as seen at the line input".
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: crbatt on August 28, 2010, 09:04:40 PM
Thank you very much U~Ca^ and fmaderjr for the replies and recommendations. I'll use them to research a little further. I really appreciate your time!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 28, 2010, 10:55:27 PM
I cannot get the m10 to recognize my brand new Sandisk 8gb micro sd. Pretty sure it's class 2 but I don't see why that would matter as it should still be plenty fast for even the highest bit rate and sampling rate.

WTF? I am a Sandisk diehard but this is just crap. What sd card will work with the m10?

I use a 16GB Sandisk Mobile Ultra which is recognised every time without fail. Either you got a dud card or the unit is just being really picky.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on August 29, 2010, 09:18:54 AM
so i know its been said that as low as 3 was "normal" with no gain or attenuation but i was much higher then that

I might have missed it, but I never heard of anyone saying that. Guysonic did his famous tests on the M10 and said the unity gain setting was about 6 which is pretty close to the results you got.

I compared the unity gain of the M10 to the Edirol R09HR recently.  The HR set at 40 and the M10 set at 5.  M10's files were about 1 db louder than R09HR.  Did Guysonic measure the HR' sunity gain?
i knew i read people getting different results
some as low as 3 or 4 if i recall
for me i got 6.5 if i was on 4 i would have dropped down 4 to 6db

silver - you have to change the hrs from whatever it is on now to go around the clock
ie if it says 3:30:am you need to change the 3 past 12 and back to 3, it will change the am to pm automatically
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: morst on August 29, 2010, 04:01:20 PM
another reason it may not work is because it is in upside down, the metal prongs actually go in facing up.
Yep, there's a diagram on the back cover showing exactly which way to insert the MicroSD or M2 cards.

Got my case in the mail yesterday. Nice case, certainly better than nothing. I'd be pissed if I paid $30 for it though.
Is the the "freebate" case? How long ago did you send off for it? They say 8-12 weeks, I'm wondering when to "expect" mine. Thanks.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on August 29, 2010, 06:46:23 PM
Mine took a couple of months to arrive.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on August 30, 2010, 12:14:18 PM
ok so i finally got around to running my own line in test on the levels...
i made a white noise file in audacity and ran it to my svu1
the svu1 was showing me -3db
i unhooked the svu1 and replaced it with the m10
in order to get the m10 to show me -3db i had to set it on 6.5
for every number i went down the db went down 2 to 3

Doesn't this assume that 0 dB on both the SVU-1 and the M10 are with respect to the same reference point?  I am not so sure that's a good assumption.  Beechtek says that 0 dB on the meter is -10 dBu (http://www.beachtek.com/pdf/SVU-1instructions.pdf (http://www.beachtek.com/pdf/SVU-1instructions.pdf)), but I haven't seen a similar number for the M10.  I seem to recall reading somewhere here that the M10 can take a pretty hot line-in signal (somewhere north of 20 dBu?); if that's true, it would suggest that -3 dB on the M10 is hotter than -3 dB on the SVU-1...Or am I completely missing something here?

so i know its been said that as low as 3 was "normal" with no gain or attenuation but i was much higher then that

I might have missed it, but I never heard of anyone saying that.

johnw posted it in another thread:  http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138489.msg1795110#msg1795110 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=138489.msg1795110#msg1795110)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on August 30, 2010, 03:06:29 PM
i have no clue aaron
anyone else???

EDIT - aaron is onto somethign with my test
this time i put the white noise file on a cd and played it on the stereo
the m10 was set at 4 for unity
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on August 30, 2010, 10:34:58 PM
Just got the M10 and this is by far the most extensive discussion on the thing, so I have a couple of questions:

1. Why can't I browse my folders while playing back music?
2. Is there any way to set the recording folder, so I can record to "2" instead of "1", for example, or is the next one only used when the first one is full with 99 tracks?
3. regarding cross-memory recording, is there any way to show all the files (both internal and external) while browsing? When internal memory is exceeded, what happens? Is the track split? Would you still have to change the view in the menu to see the excess files?

A couple of other things I've noticed disappoint me, coming from a MZ-R50 minidisc:
1. t-mark adds an entirely useless pseudo-marker instead of actually splitting the track. A real split requires extensive and tedious menu-digging which discourages one from using the feature altogether.
2. tracks can't be renamed on the fly.

On the other hand, the battery life is monstrous, sound quality is fantastic, huge amounts of memory and being able to plug into a computer is glorious. It's quite sad that sony still hasn't managed to release a player that matches their best minidiscs (because let's face it, if anyone is going to do it it's sony).
I'm seriously considering returning it and waiting for the next generation, especially since the firmware can't be upgraded.
Anyone want to talk me out of it?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on August 30, 2010, 11:02:59 PM
Just got the M10 and this is by far the most extensive discussion on the thing, so I have a couple of questions:

1. Why can't I browse my folders while playing back music?
2. Is there any way to set the recording folder, so I can record to "2" instead of "1", for example, or is the next one only used when the first one is full with 99 tracks?
3. regarding cross-memory recording, is there any way to show all the files (both internal and external) while browsing? When internal memory is exceeded, what happens? Is the track split? Would you still have to change the view in the menu to see the excess files?

A couple of other things I've noticed disappoint me, coming from a MZ-R50 minidisc:
1. t-mark adds an entirely useless pseudo-marker instead of actually splitting the track. A real split requires extensive and tedious menu-digging which discourages one from using the feature altogether.
2. tracks can't be renamed on the fly.

On the other hand, the battery life is monstrous, sound quality is fantastic, huge amounts of memory and being able to plug into a computer is glorious. It's quite sad that sony still hasn't managed to release a player that matches their best minidiscs (because let's face it, if anyone is going to do it it's sony).
I'm seriously considering returning it and waiting for the next generation, especially since the firmware can't be upgraded.
Anyone want to talk me out of it?
If you add track marks they show up in some programs.  I think Adobe Audition shows them.  Maybe other software as well.  The question of marks vs. splitting I think is a matter of preference -- some people might want marks and not splits.  I agree, there should be a separate button for splits, though.


  Richard

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on August 30, 2010, 11:05:48 PM
Thanks, Richard. I found the track splitting really useful for discarding dead time at the start and end of tracks. Then again, I suppose onboard editing HAD to be more elegant with the R50 because there was no way of connecting it to a computer...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 30, 2010, 11:06:22 PM
Just got the M10 and this is by far the most extensive discussion on the thing, so I have a couple of questions:

1. Why can't I browse my folders while playing back music?

Firmware limitation I suppose. Perhaps it was considered an unnecessary feature?

Quote
2. Is there any way to set the recording folder, so I can record to "2" instead of "1", for example, or is the next one only used when the first one is full with 99 tracks?

Of course you can. While the unit is stopped, hit the folder button, choose which folder you want to record into and away you go.

Quote
3. regarding cross-memory recording, is there any way to show all the files (both internal and external) while browsing?

Not really. The best overview you'll get of that nature is when it's plugged into your PC and you're browsing the volumes.

Quote
When internal memory is exceeded, what happens? Is the track split?

If you mean going from internal to external memory, of course it is. Same applies if it's vice versa.

Quote
Would you still have to change the view in the menu to see the excess files?

If you mean the view from internal to external memory (or vice versa), yes.

Quote
A couple of other things I've noticed disappoint me, coming from a MZ-R50 minidisc:
1. t-mark adds an entirely useless pseudo-marker instead of actually splitting the track. A real split requires extensive and tedious menu-digging which discourages one from using the feature altogether.

Having started with an MZ-R50 back in 1998 and moving on to an MZ-NH1 in 2004 (followed by an MZ-RH1 in 2007), I know what you mean but this is a more professional device compared to the MD units (even though they've been used by many a professional in various industries). As such, it is assumed that you will be editing the recordings using equally professional software which supports the markers and from which you can create your physical tracks if writing to CD or splitting out to separate files.

Quote
2. tracks can't be renamed on the fly.

Never really cared for it since I'm mainly stealth recording. I'm happy to rename after all is said and done with the recording.

Quote
On the other hand, the battery life is monstrous, sound quality is fantastic, huge amounts of memory and being able to plug into a computer is glorious.

Correct.

Quote
It's quite sad that sony still hasn't managed to release a player that matches their best minidiscs (because let's face it, if anyone is going to do it it's sony).

Being the proud owner of their best Minidisc units, I really don't see what it is that makes you hold them in higher regard than the PCM-M10 or even the PCM-D50 (I have both). The fact of the matter is, Minidisc is limited to recording 44.1kHz at 16 bit. As much as it had its professional applications, it was never a true professional recorder given its limited technical capability. That's not to say that Minidisc was crap. In fact, I still don't use anything other than my MDX-C8900 head unit in my car! I have produced some spectacular recordings with all my Minidisc units but the PCM-M10/D50 just takes it far beyond that and best of all, when travelling overseas, I don't have to worry about stocking up on Minidiscs, particularly with it now being a dead format. Yes, I was saddened when Sony announced they were going to kill off the format - though it would've been nice if they retained ATRAC in their car audio department as it is by far the most superior compression algorithm. That said, despite having lost the ideal replacement for cassettes and being an excellent (and more rugged) alternative to CDs, Sony did well to replace them with flash-based recorders which not only fit the bill but exceeded it with higher sampling and bit resolutions.

Quote
I'm seriously considering returning it and waiting for the next generation, especially since the firmware can't be upgraded.
Anyone want to talk me out of it?

No. Only you know what's right for you. You don't need anyone to talk you out of anything. You just need to determine if it's really going to do what you expect it to or not. If you're not getting the functionality you need from it, then it's clearly not suitable for you. There's no right or wrong to this. I just have a different view to you because it does precisely what I need it to and that makes it the perfect unit for me. That doesn't mean I know better than you or otherwise. It just means that my needs are different to yours, that's all.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on August 30, 2010, 11:20:45 PM
Brilliant response Artstar, thanks. I'm well aware that the PCM series is technically and sonically lightyears ahead of MD, but being an ex-R50 user you surely understand my affection towards that unit. It was a triumph of usability, simplicity and ergonomics. Interacting with it had become an extremely personal experience for me, probably due in part to the fact that it's what first drove me to start composing. I was sad to see it go because the object itself was an inspiration to me.

The additional benefits of the digital realm come at the expense of simplicity, but despite that I'm convinced this is the way ahead.
I'm quite sure I'll get used to it and find ways to work around my gripes. As silly as it may sound, I only hope that over time I can develop as strong a bond with the M10 as I had with my R50.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on August 31, 2010, 01:51:26 PM
I only hope that over time I can develop as strong a bond with the M10 as I had with my R50.

Take it from a recovering minidisc user: You will. And sooner than you think.  Don't worry, your MZ-R50 is happy for you to go on with your life and find a new companion.

The PCM-M10 comes with Audio Studio 9LE sound editing software, which can probably do your splitting for you. Though I end up doing all mine on the unit, despite the half-dozen clicks to get there.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jeffee on August 31, 2010, 06:53:37 PM
D-50 = dedicated split button    :)

-Jeff
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 31, 2010, 09:17:53 PM
D-50 = dedicated split button    :)

You're right! I just took another look at the unit having thought it was a T.Mark button but it's in fact a Divide button. Well there you go then. If you're not stealthing (which I managed to do with the PCM-D50 anyway), then the more expensive PCM-D50 is the way to go. :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on August 31, 2010, 09:22:11 PM
D-50 = dedicated split button    :)

You're right! I just took another look at the unit having thought it was a T.Mark button but it's in fact a Divide button. Well there you go then. If you're not stealthing (which I managed to do with the PCM-D50 anyway), then the more expensive PCM-D50 is the way to go. :)
For some reason, I have both recorders!


  Richard

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on August 31, 2010, 10:26:46 PM
For some reason, I have both recorders!

You mean you don't know why? I have both because I needed something at the time of my MZ-RH1's death and bought the PCM-D50 in Japan back in June 2008. Then along came the PCM-M10 and it was the ideal size so I bought it while I was working in Vancouver in December 2009.

What's your excuse? :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Belexes on September 01, 2010, 09:14:53 AM
I have both as well. D50 came out before the M10.  Always good to have a backup and I seem to favor the A/D flavor of the D50 a little more, but it's a bulky unit with the extended external mics.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 01, 2010, 01:54:52 PM
anyone using the Rechargeable high voltage 1.6V 2500mWh AA nickel-zinc in the M-10 ?

thread here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=118840.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=118840.0)

at amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/PowerGenix-ZR-PGX1HRAA-4B-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B0029NZVZ0/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added (http://www.amazon.com/PowerGenix-ZR-PGX1HRAA-4B-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B0029NZVZ0/ref=reg_hu-wl_item-added)

other manufacturer links here
http://www.powergenix.com/applications.php (http://www.powergenix.com/applications.php) http://www.powergenix.com/techhistory.php (http://www.powergenix.com/techhistory.php)

seems like a great alternative to other types of batteries and cheap ta boot

--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 01, 2010, 04:21:19 PM
seems like a great alternative to other types of batteries and cheap ta boot

What advantage do they have over the NiMH batteries that would justify experimenting with them and risking reliability?    NiMH are common, cheap, have extremely long runtimes in this app, generally predictable end of life characteristics, etc.

I have read that nickel-zinc batteries are more suited to high rate of discharge applications. What we do tends to be slow discharge.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 01, 2010, 04:30:56 PM
so what's the real-world battery life of the M10 on a standard pair of 2500mAh NiMH AAs?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gmm6797 on September 01, 2010, 09:09:53 PM
so what's the real-world battery life of the M10 on a standard pair of 2500mAh NiMH AAs?

recording at 24/96 I filled a 16gb (7h 40m) card before the batteries died... but that was at home, not in the field
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on September 01, 2010, 09:37:59 PM
so what's the real-world battery life of the M10 on a standard pair of 2500mAh NiMH AAs?

recording at 24/96 I filled a 16gb (7h 40m) card before the batteries died... but that was at home, not in the field
i'm on 8 hrs on the aa that came in the box and the meter hasn't dropped one bit
if the reports are true then we should get over 20hrs easy
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 02, 2010, 01:33:00 AM
seems like a great alternative to other types of batteries and cheap ta boot

What advantage do they have over the NiMH batteries that would justify experimenting with them and risking reliability?    NiMH are common, cheap, have extremely long runtimes in this app, generally predictable end of life characteristics, etc.

I have read that nickel-zinc batteries are more suited to high rate of discharge applications. What we do tends to be slow discharge.
well My thoughts were that they start at a high voltage 1.6v rather than the 1.25v of most rechargeable's  which is less than straight-up Alkaline at 1.5v _ I just figured they would have  a longer run-time
if no one is using them that's fine
If and when I get a M-10 I'll probably get some  NI-Zn and see how they roll.
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on September 02, 2010, 01:58:53 AM
seems like a great alternative to other types of batteries and cheap ta boot

What advantage do they have over the NiMH batteries that would justify experimenting with them and risking reliability?    NiMH are common, cheap, have extremely long runtimes in this app, generally predictable end of life characteristics, etc.

I have read that nickel-zinc batteries are more suited to high rate of discharge applications. What we do tends to be slow discharge.
well My thoughts were that they start at a high voltage 1.6v rather than the 1.25v of most rechargeable's  which is less than straight-up Alkaline at 1.5v _ I just figured they would have  a longer run-time
if no one is using them that's fine
If and when I get a M-10 I'll probably get some  NI-Zn and see how they roll.
--Ian
I would NOT recommend the NiZn unless you have a need for that extra voltage (flashlights, or other things that don't have voltage convertors in them might be likely candidates).  Both the Edirol and Sony flash recorders seem to be able to get enough out of the NiMH batteries (by voltage step-up inside), so why risk damaging them?


Now go ahead and buy a Sony rig and a pair of Countryman B3's.  You will not be disappointed...

  Richard

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: George on September 02, 2010, 08:25:55 AM
^ You showed security your gear  :o

I had to do the same thing once for a Iron Maiden concert at that shitty venue, Hammerstein Ballroom.  The security guy kept bugging me to empty my jacket pocket out, so I busted out my dat (pcm-m1) and passed it off as a walkman...he let me pass because everyone standing behind me started bitching.  Yeah, they had us standing outside in 20 F to pat us down....
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 02, 2010, 01:47:30 PM
seems like a great alternative to other types of batteries and cheap ta boot

What advantage do they have over the NiMH batteries that would justify experimenting with them and risking reliability?    NiMH are common, cheap, have extremely long runtimes in this app, generally predictable end of life characteristics, etc.

I have read that nickel-zinc batteries are more suited to high rate of discharge applications. What we do tends to be slow discharge.
well My thoughts were that they start at a high voltage 1.6v rather than the 1.25v of most rechargeable's  which is less than straight-up Alkaline at 1.5v _ I just figured they would have  a longer run-time
if no one is using them that's fine
If and when I get a M-10 I'll probably get some  NI-Zn and see how they roll.
--Ian
I would NOT recommend the NiZn unless you have a need for that extra voltage (flashlights, or other things that don't have voltage convertors in them might be likely candidates).  Both the Edirol and Sony flash recorders seem to be able to get enough out of the NiMH batteries (by voltage step-up inside), so why risk damaging them?


Now go ahead and buy a Sony rig and a pair of Countryman B3's.  You will not be disappointed...

  Richard
thanx Richard
I want a M-10 /Littlebox combo but first I'll need to sell some gear.... but September is a busy family month visiting with our 1 month old little guy, I won't have time to get out gear and take pics to post to put in the YS.
but soon I hope I may get the chance - likely not before October
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 03, 2010, 04:35:33 AM
After nearly a week with it I'm starting to get a feel for the M10. I've realised that the old minidiscs of yore HAD to provide superb onboard editing functionality because that was all you had. I miss easy track splitting and renaming, but as you can connect it to computer it's really no longer necessary. The focus is on collecting sound as quickly and efficiently as possible, something which the M10 does exceedingly well. Clumsy menus aside, when it comes to the crunch (recording NOW) the interface is intuitive and reliable. This device works so well in the field that, despite my nitpicking, I can't possibly send it back.

Oh, and soundforge is a dream.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 03, 2010, 05:30:42 AM
Forgot to mention: my biggest concern at the moment is the flimsy hold/power button. The spring that makes it bounce back after deactivating hold is very weak, so it's happened to me a couple of times that the unit has switched off when I needed to record quickly. Very annoying.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is the power/hold switch supposed to be this flimsy or have I got a lemon?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mloewen on September 03, 2010, 10:57:46 AM
I accidentely washed and dryed my  Sandisk 18 gig micro sd card and it seems to be working fine, it actually sounds a little cleaner. (maybe just my releif I didnt destroy it)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: audBall on September 03, 2010, 05:17:31 PM
 :P

http://www.digitalrev.com/en/digitalrev-test-sd-cards-underwater-challenge-5549-article.html
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on September 03, 2010, 06:00:14 PM
Forgot to mention: my biggest concern at the moment is the flimsy hold/power button. The spring that makes it bounce back after deactivating hold is very weak, so it's happened to me a couple of times that the unit has switched off when I needed to record quickly. Very annoying.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is the power/hold switch supposed to be this flimsy or have I got a lemon?

Yours might be defective. On mine that spring is...springy, and you have to seriously hold it down, 3-5 seconds, to shut off. It shouldn't happen inadvertently unless, I guess, it's in a really tight pants pocket.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 03, 2010, 11:35:42 PM
Glad to hear that, earmonger. It happens sometimes when I disable hold and drag it to the bottom, then let go... it sometimes get stuck at the "off" position, thus switching it off.

I'll email sony.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 04, 2010, 10:33:11 PM
Take it back to your retailer and compare it to another unit there. I'm pretty sure you've got a bad switch because mine is also quite springy and needs a little friendly coercion to switch on/off.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Jhurlbs81 on September 05, 2010, 09:17:14 AM
what's the group wisdom on good cards to use with this deck?  I just ordered one and will need to grab a card for it.  Probably just an 8GB..

thanks
jesse
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: jmerin on September 05, 2010, 09:26:43 AM
what's the group wisdom on good cards to use with this deck?  I just ordered one and will need to grab a card for it.  Probably just an 8GB..

thanks
jesse

the 4 gb interna will get you 4 hours at 24/48.

the 8 gb will do the trick, i say newegg.com has teh best deals

congrats!~
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 05, 2010, 11:58:11 AM
what's the group wisdom on good cards to use with this deck?  I just ordered one and will need to grab a card for it.  Probably just an 8GB..

Sandisk have never let me down. I've got the Sandisk Mobile Ultra 16GB card in mine. Hasn't skipped a beat.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 05, 2010, 05:32:18 PM
on the note of cards what class are you all using Class4 Class 6 - or higher?

I have used Transcend cards with much luck on a variety of units (recorders/cameras) just not the M-10
anyone favor  or care to report onTranscend?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 05, 2010, 05:48:52 PM
card class will only affect how fast the files transfer to you computer, because the kind of throughput the M10 needs for recording doesn't even max a class 2 card.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: bucsab12 on September 05, 2010, 06:54:51 PM
I am using this 4 GB, class 6 card from Transcend:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013DXVYK/ref=oss_product

It has been working great since I've bought it. I am only sorry I haven't bought the 8 GB one.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mattmiller on September 05, 2010, 10:26:28 PM
the 8 gb will do the trick, i say newegg.com has teh best deals

I've found that Amazon is often cheaper than Newegg.  Newegg's search function is far superior, and I trust the reviews more.  Conversely, Amazon's search function is horrible.  So I always use Newegg to find the product I want, and then copy and paste the product number into Amazon and often save money that way.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: OFOTD on September 07, 2010, 12:56:41 PM
the 8 gb will do the trick, i say newegg.com has teh best deals

I've found that Amazon is often cheaper than Newegg.  Newegg's search function is far superior, and I trust the reviews more.  Conversely, Amazon's search function is horrible.  So I always use Newegg to find the product I want, and then copy and paste the product number into Amazon and often save money that way.

The only problem with that thinking about Amazon is how many products are sold on Amazon but not actually by Amazon.   Lots and lots of reliable and unreliable sellers on Amazon.   Two friends purchased what turned out to be counterfeit CF cards from different sellers on Amazon and both got the big 'f' you from Amazon customer support since it turned out both were from people using Amazon as a store front and the sale was not actually by Amazon.

The best thing in my opinion about Newegg is without doubt their reliability.   From the reviews section to inventory counts to shipping to RMA's  they always deliver.   As with any product they may not be the absolute cheapest but they are damn close and the difference is worth the piece of mind.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: mattmiller on September 07, 2010, 08:03:21 PM
the 8 gb will do the trick, i say newegg.com has teh best deals

I've found that Amazon is often cheaper than Newegg.  Newegg's search function is far superior, and I trust the reviews more.  Conversely, Amazon's search function is horrible.  So I always use Newegg to find the product I want, and then copy and paste the product number into Amazon and often save money that way.

The only problem with that thinking about Amazon is how many products are sold on Amazon but not actually by Amazon.   Lots and lots of reliable and unreliable sellers on Amazon.   Two friends purchased what turned out to be counterfeit CF cards from different sellers on Amazon and both got the big 'f' you from Amazon customer support since it turned out both were from people using Amazon as a store front and the sale was not actually by Amazon.

I occasionally purchase from well-reviewed Marketplace vendors.  But I was referring to items actually for sale by Amazon -- they're often cheaper, and shipping is always free over $25.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 10, 2010, 01:30:49 AM
Anyone using these ever have issues - crackles or bad conections with the 1/8 line in?
I ask cause I used to run a sony WM d6C and I swear that dam 1/8 jack cause tons of issues and swore I'd never get one agin- then I did it and got a TCD-D7 DAT same occasionl issues... I gues at least this has no (micro) moving parts like the previous pint sized decks did...

any input on how to avoid strain or unplugging the 1/8 in  --- I know I'd make some right angle mini plug cables but other ideas?

thanx
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 10, 2010, 01:55:42 AM
Never had a single issue with any 1/8" phono plugs. The majority of crackles and whatnot stem from dirty contacts. In which case, a little isopropyl alcohol or even methylated spirits on a lint free cloth rubbed onto the contacts before every use is the best method of avoiding these issues. Naturally, reducing mechanical strain is advisable too and a right angled plug is very good for its low profile making it less susceptible to undue mechanical stresses thanks to some fool bumping something into your rig. The other benefit that may arise from using a right angled plug is how the cable then travels from that point (ie. avoiding any pulling around bends causing kinks)

I use right angled plugs on my rig for that express reason though having said that, I got away with a straight plug on my 12 year old CSB omni's for almost 11 years before the wire in one of the mics fractured internally which had a lot to do with how I'd string the cable on myself irrespective of how careful I was. I've since changed it to a right angled plug and I'm sure I'll get the same longevity at the very least.

That still doesn't absolve you from the one most critical thing ... cleanliness. Clean your plug with every use as described earlier and you'll enjoy at least one good decade of trouble-free recording as I have.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 10, 2010, 03:34:38 AM
^^^ yes cleanliness- I always clean plugs connectors and pots (volume pots) but over the years i have had thee 1/8 plugs come unplugged - and or lose one channel briefly - leading to "mic farts" or pops that are unfavorable...
thanx for the positive report...
I like locking plugs for the previous stated reasons - either XLR or min XLR - heck even standard rca's don't twist  when moved around - keeping the postive connection
I have been recording live music for over 24 years... and have had successes and failures
--Ian
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 10, 2010, 01:14:47 PM
Hot glue it in.

Now that's a great idea!   >:D
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: illconditioned on September 10, 2010, 01:20:40 PM
What I do is put a right-angle plug in the unit, then about 6" of wire to a female minijack.


I made one of these from a hardwired right angle plug (from a set of AT829 mics), just cut it and added a jack.


You could probably get Chris Church to make you a cable like this.


Oh yeah, you could glue-tape that thing to the Sony case if you like :)


  Richard
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 10, 2010, 01:45:10 PM
Just be sure and use a really tiny RA plug, that does not have a stiffly reinforced tail that will torque on the jack...  You could either use a pre-molded one, or custom make one.

In the future, breaking the hot glue shouldn't be too difficult.

I have a sound pros bat box that I ordered with a female pigtail rather than a female jack.  I did it that way because I wanted it to be smaller in the pocket, especially when using straight plugs.    But... the gotcha is.. The female pigtail doesn't rigidly hold the jack.  It makes decent contact, but you can rock it and compromise the connection.  So that in itself is not a "belt and suspenders" solution.  Though I never had issues with it.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: ArchivalAudio on September 10, 2010, 02:52:19 PM
What I do is put a right-angle plug in the unit, then about 6" of wire to a female minijack.


I made one of these from a hardwired right angle plug (from a set of AT829 mics), just cut it and added a jack.


You could probably get Chris Church to make you a cable like this.


Oh yeah, you could glue-tape that thing to the Sony case if you like :)


  Richard

thanx
I think I could easily make one of these but I'd then put a mini XLR on the end of the cable to ensure a locking connection. As the small 1/8 plugs twist and in my experience that is where connection issues occur.
Hot glue can be removed -but I'd hate to glue it  to a brand new unit... I can easily make a custom right angle plug.

--Ian

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 15, 2010, 11:44:11 PM
1.) Running at 24/44.1 how many record hours can I expect to get?
2.) As far as setting levels, what helpful tips are there?  I am used to setting DAT levels, to peak at "0".  I understand you can boost levels post production, but where should I set (Pre set?) them?
3.) Any other general helpful tips for a newbee with the M-10 on a maiden voyage?

1) Approximately 4 hours with the internal 4GB memory. About 3 hours if you record 48kHz/24bit (my preference). Buy a 16GB micro SD like I did and you'll have plenty of recording space, even if you wanted to go nuts with the resolution! I'm actually going experimental because of this and making a live recording at the full 96kHz/24bit resolution this weekend. The results should be interesting.
2) Which is all well and good if you know your sources are running at fixed levels and will not exceed their existing peak outputs. However, in a live environment, it's best to record more conservatively. I prefer to record with levels peaking at -12dBFS. This means I have 12dB of headroom in case a loud burst should appear. That way, I can tame the loud burst as necessary and still maintain a clean signal because it wasn't recorded with any distortion. The rule is: You can always dial in more gain but you can't dial out distortion.
3) Switch limiters and filters off, record at conservative levels and leave the rest to your post-production processing. Don't forget to enjoy the show in the meantime! :)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: morst on September 16, 2010, 04:13:27 AM
I've been running the M10 with the limiter ON, and I'm not sure it's not great. My buddy assured me that the sony limiter is worth using, and we checked the M10 manual. On page 81, it says "The limiter circuit of the PCM recorder does not compensate for clipping when audio over 12 dB is input. In this case, sound may be distorted.

So we figure that we essentially get 12dB additional gain before clip when we use the limiter. That's pretty faching cool! Of course I prefer not to clip, but I also like recordings with hot levels. The limiter is pretty much a win-win for me. If anyone has any stories or experiences to share regarding the limiter, I'd love to learn more.

3) Switch limiters and filters off
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 16, 2010, 05:33:28 AM
I think the logic behind not using the limiter is that there's no guarantee that the final audio won't be distorted in some way by the limiter, even if it does work well most of the time. It's much safer to record with conservative levels. That said, I'm keeping the limiter on because it WILL save your ass if you screw up and set the levels too high.

I'm guessing your preference for recording hot is because you grew up with analogue equipment, but it makes absolutely no sense with digital. All you're achieving by recording too hot is a clipped signal.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 16, 2010, 06:11:06 AM
On page 81, it says "The limiter circuit of the PCM recorder does not compensate for clipping when audio over 12 dB is input. In this case, sound may be distorted.

So we figure that we essentially get 12dB additional gain before clip when we use the limiter.

That's incorrect. You do not get 12dB additional gain.

What you do get, however, is 12dB less dynamic range in your recording because you've just put in a massive brickwall which can potentially make your recording sound like Metallica's "Death Magnetic" album. The "pumping" effect the audio then gets as a consequence will make it sound just as bad as experiencing distortion but in a different way. This is precisely why you record conservatively so that you don't risk having a master recording that you can't fix because you messed it up with excessive dynamic compression and/or distortion. That's why by recording with your peaks at -12dBFS, you have bought yourself 12dB of headroom which should be plenty if the sound guy makes a horrible mistake (and they often do, the dopes!).

As Geissler said, you probably prefer hot recordings due to your exposure to analogue gear but digital is not as forgiving as analogue. At any rate, if it works for you then all the power to you but I strongly recommend against it.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 16, 2010, 11:25:02 AM
I leave the limiter on as a safety valve, but try to set levels conservatively enough so that it does not engage. Seems to be the best of both world to me.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Cheesecadet on September 16, 2010, 02:26:02 PM
I leave the limiter on as a safety valve, but try to set levels conservatively enough so that it does not engage. Seems to be the best of both world to me.

I do the same as a safety measure only
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Bootleg Detroit on September 16, 2010, 04:26:39 PM
1.) Running at 24/44.1 how many record hours can I expect to get?
2.) As far as setting levels, what helpful tips are there?  I am used to setting DAT levels, to peak at "0".  I understand you can boost levels post production, but where should I set (Pre set?) them?
3.) Any other general helpful tips for a newbee with the M-10 on a maiden voyage?

1) Approximately 4 hours with the internal 4GB memory. About 3 hours if you record 48kHz/24bit (my preference). Buy a 16GB micro SD like I did and you'll have plenty of recording space, even if you wanted to go nuts with the resolution! I'm actually going experimental because of this and making a live recording at the full 96kHz/24bit resolution this weekend. The results should be interesting.
2) Which is all well and good if you know your sources are running at fixed levels and will not exceed their existing peak outputs. However, in a live environment, it's best to record more conservatively. I prefer to record with levels peaking at -12dBFS. This means I have 12dB of headroom in case a loud burst should appear. That way, I can tame the loud burst as necessary and still maintain a clean signal because it wasn't recorded with any distortion. The rule is: You can always dial in more gain but you can't dial out distortion.
3) Switch limiters and filters off, record at conservative levels and leave the rest to your post-production processing. Don't forget to enjoy the show in the meantime! :)

Got it, CONSERVATIVE on the levels.  That's a big switch for me, as I was used to running HOT analog levels and DAT too for that matter, trying to peak at zero. 

Does anyone have experience running the M-10 with DSM's?  I'm assuming LINE in and sensitivity to LOW??

For a Prine show, 13th row ctr. Any guesstimates where I might initially and or PRE set levels at?  What number on the dial??

Thanks in advance!

Alan

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 16, 2010, 04:48:08 PM
Does anyone have experience running the M-10 with DSM's?  I'm assuming LINE in and sensitivity to LOW??

According to guysonic, the M10's plug in power perfectly powers his DSM mics. If yours have a 1/8 plug, just go mic in without using his battery box. He generally recommends using the M10's low sensitivity setting for all mic in situations and no matter what mics you are using (although high sensitivity seems to be fine for ambient recordings).

By the way, if you go line in, the Low/High sensitivity switch has no effect.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on September 17, 2010, 07:30:15 AM
I'm guessing your preference for recording hot is because you grew up with analogue equipment, but it makes absolutely no sense with digital. All you're achieving by recording too hot is a clipped signal.

It can make sense sometimes.  If you are recording something with a very broad range of dynamics, you run the risk of screwing up the quietest parts if you're not sending enough juice to the recorder in an effort to keep your peaks low...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Geissler on September 17, 2010, 07:44:47 AM
That's true enough. Not sure how true it is that 24bit allows you to boost quiet signals much more cleanly. I usually aim to peak at around -6.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 17, 2010, 07:51:44 AM
It's quite true given the amount of dynamic range that buys you over 16 bit. That said, it all hinges on whatever has the highest noise floor, whether it's your recorder's ADC bit resolution or any analogue component leading up to it (including the mics themselves). Then again, if you're going to be recording something so widely varied like that, then your aim of -6dBFS peak levels is indeed reasonable and I would expect excellent results from that. My preference for -12dBFS is largely attributed to the fact that I record loud rock and jazz gigs which can have the odd startling burst of volume. If I were to attend something like a symphony orchestra, then by all means I'd increase my nominal peak to -6dBFS, as well, knowing that the volumes won't be as punishing and the premium venue will have nothing less than a premium sound guy at the mixing desk.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on September 17, 2010, 08:22:30 AM
^^^ Not exactly what I meant.  I actually had a specific experience in mind, where I had the recorder at unity (or thereabouts) and was reducing the pre-amp gain to keep the levels on the recorder at -12 dBFS (something I had read here).  The quietest parts (essentially Dave King rubbing a wood-tipped stick on a cymbal) was completely silent at points.  (I think) I reduced the voltage coming out of the pre below the recorder input's minimum...

No doubt 24 bit is great, and allows more conservative levels settings, but after that experience I have been trying to peak between -6 and -3 dB rather than -12 dB...
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 17, 2010, 08:38:56 AM
That's fair enough. I should've been more mindful to reiterate that the performance you're recording should dictate how conservative you need to be and I was stuck in a rock performance mindset. That's my bad.

So my recommendation for rock/heavy jazz: -12dBFS; funk/light jazz: -6dBFS. That should still be sufficient for something as low level as you described to still be recorded and if anything, salvageable through a little added expansion in the bottom end of the dynamic compression curve. If you really want to push it, then you could aim for -3dBFS and use the limiter but I don't like the idea of having a master recording that is harder to salvage than what it would have been if it were recorded a little more conservatively.

If in your case you reduced it below the recorder's minimum input voltage, then no degree of bit resolution would've saved you there but then again, I've recorded some light jazz gigs peaking at -12dBFS with no problems picking up the light side tapping of cymbals which were more like pin drops and that was on my old Sony MZ-R50 beast back in the day. It may have been that the mics simply weren't sensitive enough to that kind of SPL? At the end of the day, it's a matter of determining which is the weakest link in your chain, do some test recordings at home long before recording out in the field and that way, you should be well prepared for it. Practice makes perfect.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 17, 2010, 01:58:40 PM
^^^ Not exactly what I meant.  I actually had a specific experience in mind, where I had the recorder at unity (or thereabouts) and was reducing the pre-amp gain to keep the levels on the recorder at -12 dBFS (something I had read here).  The quietest parts (essentially Dave King rubbing a wood-tipped stick on a cymbal) was completely silent at points.  (I think) I reduced the voltage coming out of the pre below the recorder input's minimum...

No doubt 24 bit is great, and allows more conservative levels settings, but after that experience I have been trying to peak between -6 and -3 dB rather than -12 dB...

I think I agree with you. Recording jazz combos close-in at 24/44.1 I'm setting levels at around -6dB, maybe -8dB, 'average'. By that, I mean 80% or more of the time the meter indicates around -6dB.
Then when, say, a snare hit 'peaks' it will get very close to 0dB, even hit 0 momentarily (it's inaudible as I believe the meter reads high). So my average levels are as 'hot' as possible (yes, old analog guy here, too).
The few times I've reduced input levels to -12dB in order to leave more headroom, the dynamics on playback were considerably lacking. At a -6dB 'average' reading the little Sony really knocks me out. Of course that is with my particular use, YMMV.
cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 17, 2010, 02:31:48 PM
The few times I've reduced input levels to -12dB in order to leave more headroom, the dynamics on playback were considerably lacking. At a -6dB 'average' reading the little Sony really knocks me out. Of course that is with my particular use, YMMV.

This may be true if you want to be able to listen to the unedited files using the M10 as a player. It should not be the case if you edit the files and boost the levels before doing any critical listening. I certainly have no problem with the dynamics of my recordings after editing, even if I needed to boost the recordings 12 or (rarely) even 20 dB.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 17, 2010, 02:41:04 PM
The few times I've reduced input levels to -12dB in order to leave more headroom, the dynamics on playback were considerably lacking. At a -6dB 'average' reading the little Sony really knocks me out. Of course that is with my particular use, YMMV.

This may be true if you want to be able to listen to the unedited files using the M10 as a player. It should not be the case if you edit the files and boost the levels before doing any critical listening. I certainly have no problem with the dynamics of my recordings after editing, even if I needed to boost the recordings 12 or (rarely) even 20 dB.

As long as you don't sense any fidelity loss after editing and normalizing, boosting levels. I couldn't be quite sure, however, and my ears always prefer the straight recording to be as close as possible the the desired end result. I do go through software, but don't 100% trust it(!) Again, I'm an old analog guy, and still think of getting the 'sound to tape'.
cheers!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 17, 2010, 04:46:16 PM
Well, whatever works for you and makes you happy with your recordings is the way to go. Especially since you've apparently learned how to peak pretty close to 0 without distorting. I don't think I'd be able to do that, so aiming for -12 dB gives me peace of mind.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on September 18, 2010, 12:12:33 AM
What I do is put a right-angle plug in the unit, then about 6" of wire to a female minijack.

I made one of these from a hardwired right angle plug (from a set of AT829 mics), just cut it and added a jack.
You could probably get Chris Church to make you a cable like this.
Oh yeah, you could glue-tape that thing to the Sony case if you like :)
Richard

thanx
I think I could easily make one of these but I'd then put a mini XLR on the end of the cable to ensure a locking connection. As the small 1/8 plugs twist and in my experience that is where connection issues occur.
Hot glue can be removed -but I'd hate to glue it  to a brand new unit... I can easily make a custom right angle plug.

--Ian
Posts suggesting keeping connectors clean should be followed as good advice.  See my tips page for details for doing this at
www.sonicstudios.com/tips.htm#maintain
 (http://www.sonicstudios.com/tips.htm#maintain)
Posts suggesting making your own right-angle plugs should also be considered.   Here at Sonic Studios I custom mold all such plugs directly to the equipment cord using custom hard gold-over-nickel metal inserts.  Same as used in the jack extension product pictured below:
(http://www.sonicstudios.com/r-09jack.jpg)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 18, 2010, 12:31:19 AM
Well, whatever works for you and makes you happy with your recordings is the way to go. Especially since you've apparently learned how to peak pretty close to 0 without distorting. I don't think I'd be able to do that, so aiming for -12 dB gives me peace of mind.

In this particular situation it seems to work out pretty well, but you do have a point - there can 'unexpected occurences' (snare hits, usually, in this case).

PS - I take it you're not talking about -12dB 'peaks', but -12dB 'average' levels?

cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: kleiner Rainer on September 18, 2010, 04:50:20 AM
guysonic,

are you serious about your "jack extension cable"? From an EMC point of view, this is catastropic. If I can see exposed wires through the clear plastic you use, electromagnetic disturbances can see them also. Since nearly everybody now carries a cellphone, this is a real problem!

I am not kidding. I do EMC assessment and tests at work, and I have experience with recordings done in strong electromagnetic fields. Since I record steam trains, I have to live with 15kV/ 16 2/3 Hz catenaries only a few meters from my recording gear. You can bet that the combination of millivolt levels of audio and 15kV AC will expose any shielding problems seconds after switching on your gear!

The solutions I found by trial and error (I don't have a 15 kV catenary in my lab...) are those:

- avoid cheap plastic connectors and ready-made cables, especially the low-cost ones with 3.5mm connectors. The best ist just good enough. I use Neutrik: NTP3RC-B is a 90 degree, all-metal 3.5mm stereo connector with thick gold plating, a die cast housing and a strain relief that deserves this name. The price is right, I pay 3.80 Euro at www.reichelt.de . If you are short of cash, use NEUTRIK NYS231BG (Euro 1.20). Still all-metal and gold plated, but not right angle and not as solid.
The biggest problem is getting good, reliable 3.5mm jacks. Sadly, Neutrik does not make them.

- use the cable with the thickest braided shield you can get. In unbalanced connections, hum and noise enters the recorder via voltage drop along the microphone cable. See here: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/AES-RFI-SF08.pdf , especially Page 76 ff.

- When building adapter boxes, avoid plastic. Use die-cast boxes (Hammond, Eddystone, Bopla).

- check shield resistance from end to end of your cable. Strive for a resistance that is as low as possible.

- keep your connectors clean. Care for them.

This should result in good, undisturbed recordings without hum or noise.

Greetings,

Rainer


Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 18, 2010, 07:32:16 AM
I take it you're not talking about -12dB 'peaks', but -12dB 'average' levels?
cheers
Dave

I mean I aim for the most frequent the peaks hitting around -12 dB and occasional ones maybe hitting -6 or a bit higher. I never even think if average levels (unless you consider average levels to be where the most frequent peaks are hitting).
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 18, 2010, 11:43:27 AM
I take it you're not talking about -12dB 'peaks', but -12dB 'average' levels?
cheers
Dave

I mean I aim for the most frequent the peaks hitting around -12 dB and occasional ones maybe hitting -6 or a bit higher. I never even think if average levels (unless you consider average levels to be where the most frequent peaks are hitting).

I'm a bit confused as to your use of the term 'peaks'. What would you say your meter shows 'most (say, 80%) of the time' during a performance? I think of that as the 'average' level (i.e what VU meters used to indicate).

Terminology aside (Average/RMS/Peak levels, blah blah), we're in agreement that 0dBFS should be avoided (though I swear I've had times when a loud snare whack reached that level and I never heard any objectionable artifacts result from it. Which makes me think maybe my meters are exagerrating.)

(edit) I see that the SMPTE standard reference level for 24-bit audio is -20dBFS. Maybe I can afford to bring my levels down a bit!

8>)
Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 18, 2010, 03:16:25 PM
Since I record steam trains, I have to live with 15kV/ 16 2/3 Hz catenaries only a few meters from my recording gear. You can bet that the combination of millivolt levels of audio and 15kV AC will expose any shielding problems seconds after switching on your gear!

That is definitely a difficult case, and a great situation to optimize shielding!
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 18, 2010, 10:13:36 PM
And in such a case, replacing the existing connector on the mics with a Neutrik right angle plug (as I did after my old CSB mics developed a little break about an inch away from the old straight plug) is wiser as you are throwing less connections within the chain, less points where problems can develop and you're not paying USD$25 for it, which I consider to be an unreasonable amount for what doesn't appear to be a quality cable to me. Sorry Guy, that's just my view.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 19, 2010, 02:55:23 PM
And in such a case, replacing the existing connector on the mics with a Neutrik right angle plug (as I did after my old CSB mics developed a little break about an inch away from the old straight plug) is wiser as you are throwing less connections within the chain, less points where problems can develop and you're not paying USD$25 for it, which I consider to be an unreasonable amount for what doesn't appear to be a quality cable to me. Sorry Guy, that's just my view.

Apples and oranges.  That neutrik connector has a reallllllyy long tail on it, and with that a tendency to leverage a great deal of strain on the jack.  In some cases RA plugs can be more straining than straight plugs.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 19, 2010, 04:33:03 PM
If you truly believe all of what you just said, then you need to reassess the way you handle your equipment. I see no reason why any undue stress should be placed on the connector with a connector that has a lower profile (ie. a right angled plug) unless you are pressing it up against something that would not occur naturally.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 19, 2010, 05:36:31 PM
If you truly believe all of what you just said, then you need to reassess the way you handle your equipment. I see no reason why any undue stress should be placed on the connector with a connector that has a lower profile (ie. a right angled plug) unless you are pressing it up against something that would not occur naturally.

Well, exactly what you describe does occur 'naturally', just casually holding the M-10! As freelunch says, a RA connector with a relatively long and/or rigid strain relief 'tail', when inadvertently pressed on, will act as a lever and put significant mechanical stress on the plug and jack.

Unless the cable/strain-relief is sitting hard on the deck surface (perhaps taped there, with a rubber block underneath to support it), or else the RA plug and it's strain relief is short and the cable very supple, such as the ones I've made (also available for $25, including shipping... just kidding Guy!) 8>)

So I see what Guy is trying to achieve with the short RA plug, but I agree with Artstar's second point about the additional socket - one mickey-mouse jack is bad enough. (I've often thought of hard-wiring an input cable through the jack-hole to the PCB many times, but so far haven't bothered.)

Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Artstar on September 19, 2010, 06:24:28 PM
So what you're saying is that you're gripping the unit from the top with your hand over the connector? That's what I meant by reassessing the way the unit is being handled. Furthermore, the tail on that particular Neutrik connector doesn't even come close to the left or right edges of the unit and I should know since I use such plugs with my M10. I do apologise if I come across as condescending (as I gathered in hindsight) but I honestly don't agree with the strain argument that was put forward. Let's face it, nothing is impervious to stress or strain but if you're mindful of what you're doing, where you're standing or leaning against, then you will have no problem. As such, anything which does end up placing undue strain will not be because you didn't stand the right way or anything. It will be because you leaned or bumped against something which is typically out of the ordinary, perhaps even a flying roundhouse kick to the guts if you had it on your belt like I do. Heheh.

But seriously though, for 12 years with a straight plug and 2 years with a right angled plug without any issues, I must be doing something right when handling my gear and even in a slightly pushy crowd.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 19, 2010, 07:30:27 PM
So what you're saying is that you're gripping the unit from the top with your hand over the connector? That's what I meant by reassessing the way the unit is being handled. Furthermore, the tail on that particular Neutrik connector doesn't even come close to the left or right edges of the unit and I should know since I use such plugs with my M10. I do apologise if I come across as condescending (as I gathered in hindsight) but I honestly don't agree with the strain argument that was put forward. Let's face it, nothing is impervious to stress or strain but if you're mindful of what you're doing, where you're standing or leaning against, then you will have no problem. As such, anything which does end up placing undue strain will not be because you didn't stand the right way or anything. It will be because you leaned or bumped against something which is typically out of the ordinary, perhaps even a flying roundhouse kick to the guts if you had it on your belt like I do. Heheh.

But seriously though, for 12 years with a straight plug and 2 years with a right angled plug without any issues, I must be doing something right when handling my gear and even in a slightly pushy crowd.


If your connector of choice doesn't cause a problem for you, that's great.

I happen to not like any bigger a connector or stiffer cable than necessary on such a small jack, so I made up a compact RA plug fitted with a very supple cable (Mogami balanced lapel mic cable), which puts absolutely zero strain on the jack. Pulling on the cable doesn't even rotate the plug, let alone strain the plug or contacts, so I don't have to worry about shoving it into a pocket, grabbing the unit whichever way, etc.
cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: guysonic on September 21, 2010, 09:47:22 AM
guysonic,

are you serious about your "jack extension cable"? From an EMC point of view, this is catastropic. If I can see exposed wires through the clear plastic you use, electromagnetic disturbances can see them also. Since nearly everybody now carries a cellphone, this is a real problem!

I am not kidding. I do EMC assessment and tests at work, and I have experience with recordings done in strong electromagnetic fields. Since I record steam trains, I have to live with 15kV/ 16 2/3 Hz catenaries only a few meters from my recording gear. You can bet that the combination of millivolt levels of audio and 15kV AC will expose any shielding problems seconds after switching on your gear!

The solutions I found by trial and error (I don't have a 15 kV catenary in my lab...) are those:

- avoid cheap plastic connectors and ready-made cables, especially the low-cost ones with 3.5mm connectors. The best ist just good enough. I use Neutrik: NTP3RC-B is a 90 degree, all-metal 3.5mm stereo connector with thick gold plating, a die cast housing and a strain relief that deserves this name. The price is right, I pay 3.80 Euro at www.reichelt.de . If you are short of cash, use NEUTRIK NYS231BG (Euro 1.20). Still all-metal and gold plated, but not right angle and not as solid.
The biggest problem is getting good, reliable 3.5mm jacks. Sadly, Neutrik does not make them.

- use the cable with the thickest braided shield you can get. In unbalanced connections, hum and noise enters the recorder via voltage drop along the microphone cable. See here: http://audiosystemsgroup.com/AES-RFI-SF08.pdf , especially Page 76 ff.

- When building adapter boxes, avoid plastic. Use die-cast boxes (Hammond, Eddystone, Bopla).

- check shield resistance from end to end of your cable. Strive for a resistance that is as low as possible.

- keep your connectors clean. Care for them.

This should result in good, undisturbed recordings without hum or noise.

Greetings,

Rainer
Plastic molding has not been a problem in 25 years of using this type of construction with low impedance very low level microphone signals. 

Operated mics with this type of plug within several feet of over 1 million volt Tesla coils with no audible electrical noise issues. 

Problem with Neutrik right-angle plug is the long heavy strain relief puts way too much leverage stress on jacks making it just as damaging as straight plugs.  So not suggested as any kind of solution for keeping jacks in good shape with common field use.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 21, 2010, 02:04:23 PM
I'm with Guy on this one. Adding overbuilt shield/shell and strain relief monstrosities onto the inadequate 1/8" mickey mouse plug solves nothing - it's just blind 'engineering' with no regard to result. The problem here is not even cable strain relief, but elimination of strain altogether on the tiny plug and socket - which IMO is best done by using the smallest profile plug body and the most flexible cable possible.

In the case of someone habitually recording around ultra high-powered electromagnetic fields... is the Sony unit itself (plastic case etc) appropriately shielded anyway? A serious setup might be inside an anti-EMF mesh enclosure, and better not rely on 1/8" consumer-grade mini/mickey mouse plugs, either.

/ just my two brain cell's worth  ;D
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 21, 2010, 02:47:59 PM
In the case of someone habitually recording around ultra high-powered electromagnetic fields... is the Sony unit itself (plastic case etc) appropriately shielded anyway? A serious setup might be inside an anti-EMF mesh enclosure, and better not rely on 1/8" consumer-grade mini/mickey mouse plugs, either.

I had the same concerns about the case shielding.   The internal shielding is often partial.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: groovon on September 22, 2010, 12:42:04 AM
In the case of someone habitually recording around ultra high-powered electromagnetic fields... is the Sony unit itself (plastic case etc) appropriately shielded anyway? A serious setup might be inside an anti-EMF mesh enclosure, and better not rely on 1/8" consumer-grade mini/mickey mouse plugs, either.

I had the same concerns about the case shielding.   The internal shielding is often partial.

Hi FL - In my last paragraph I was actually responding to kleiner Rainer's earlier post, where he brought up an extreme example of EMF interference. I don't have any concerns about that at all under my usual recording conditions, though I guess others might.
cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: buffalofloyd on September 24, 2010, 10:53:27 AM
I'm not sure this is the best place to ask this question but here it goes anyway. I just ordered this recorder along with CA-CAFS and a CA-UGLY. I have a Roger Waters concert on the 8th of october. Unfortunately I won't be able to test this new equipment before the show. Can anyone recommend some settings for me to use? Ill be recording 24/48 and i assume from what i have read that ill need to use the line in input. The venue is in an arena seating approximately 18k. Thanks in advance.

Jim
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Idle Wind on September 24, 2010, 11:29:08 AM
For an example of the M10's internal mics, check this Stanton Moore show
I recorded Tuesday.

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=538879

I originally thought I would get a patch from one of the big rigs, but didn't bother.  I ended up right at the stage, dfc right before the second set.  The M10 was in my pocket so I said, hey, why not......

turned the thing on, set the meters once, put it on the stage between Stanton and Will Bernard.  it came out remarkably well for internal mics..  it was really close to the stage monitors, which had been used for Anders Osborne in the first set, but were now pumping out a lot of bass from Wil Blades' B3 - still, it's not muddy or saturated.  In retrospect, I might have tried the low-pass filter, but I think it's fine as it is.

enjoy.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: buffalofloyd on September 26, 2010, 11:18:47 AM
hmm... does nobody have any suggestions for me and the setup ill have?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: gmm6797 on September 26, 2010, 11:48:42 AM
hmm... does nobody have any suggestions for me and the setup ill have?

read all three threads on the Sony and other threads on here related to your mics
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 26, 2010, 12:05:19 PM
hmm... does nobody have any suggestions for me and the setup ill have?

read all three threads on the Sony and other threads on here related to your mics

I think a fairly safe way to go about it is to set the the UGLY at 75%-90% of full gain (Chris Church says that's safe even at loud shows) and start with the M10 at around 5/10 (there is some dispute about whether unity gain is 4 or 6).

You won't easily be able to change levels on the UGLY during the show, so watch your meters when the show starts and make any necessary adjustments with the M10). You should probably aim for the meters the to be peaking between -6 and -12 to allow for unexpected increases in the volume of the concert. You can add gain later when you are processes the recording on your computer.

 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: willndmb on September 26, 2010, 12:06:05 PM
I'm not sure this is the best place to ask this question but here it goes anyway. I just ordered this recorder along with CA-CAFS and a CA-UGLY. I have a Roger Waters concert on the 8th of october. Unfortunately I won't be able to test this new equipment before the show. Can anyone recommend some settings for me to use? Ill be recording 24/48 and i assume from what i have read that ill need to use the line in input. The venue is in an arena seating approximately 18k. Thanks in advance.

Jim
Mics > ugly > m10
The mic send hi/low doesn't matter since you are going LINE IN
The record level manual
DPC - off
LCF - off
Limiter - off
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 26, 2010, 12:10:47 PM
Limiter - off

You don't want the limiter to have to kick in, but I like to leave it on as a safety valve and set my levels conservatively enough to insure that it's not likely to kick in.

I think that's a win-win situation, but its a matter of personal preference. If your levels do temporarily go over 0 dB briefly, the limiter can make it sound better.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: buffalofloyd on September 26, 2010, 01:28:00 PM
Thank you thank you thank you, this is the kind of input I was hoping for. Thanks very much for the advice! I hope these mics make better recordings than my Core Sound Cardoids.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on September 26, 2010, 04:08:55 PM
I think a fairly safe way to go about it is to set the the UGLY at 75%-90% of full gain (Chris Church says that's safe even at loud shows) and start with the M10 at around 5/10 (there is some dispute about whether unity gain is 4 or 6).

Personally, I would start somewhere in the 3.5 to 4 range.  That has seemed to work well for me with a 9100 (same as an Ugly, I think?) and low-sensitivity mics for loud rock...That's with the pre ~80 or 85%..
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 26, 2010, 05:05:22 PM
Personally, I would start somewhere in the 3.5 to 4 range.  That has seemed to work well for me with a 9100 (same as an Ugly, I think?) and low-sensitivity mics for loud rock...That's with the pre ~80 or 85%..

I would go with this advice since he has practical experience doing it this way. I generally don't set my Church preamp as high as Chris recommends, so I was taking a guess as the appropriate M10 setting when you do set it at 85-90%.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: buffalofloyd on September 27, 2010, 03:12:05 AM
Thanks for the responses thus far. They are much appreciated. Normally I would have some time to test out my system but I will be relatively tied up until the show. So, any head start I can get is helpful and appreciated :-)
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 27, 2010, 05:14:19 AM
The most important thing is the UGLY setting (85-90%) since it's a huge amount of trouble to change it during the show. Set the M10 around 4 going in as aaronji recommends and be ready to change it if necessary.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Neilyboy on September 28, 2010, 10:25:58 AM
I just joined the club.. missed the 199 deal but snagged it from amazon for..

Delivery estimate: October 7, 2010 - October 13, 2010
Shipping estimate for these items: October 4, 2010 - October 5, 2010
   1    "Sony PCMM10 Portable Digital Recorder (Black)"
$213.54

Can not wait to tinker with it
neil
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: buffalofloyd on September 28, 2010, 12:44:30 PM
I just got mine in the mail yesterday and I have to say I'm pretty impressed so far. The unit seems nice and sturdy to me and very compact! The integrated 4gigs is awesome. I have a MT and a 4gig microdrive so if I having the built in memory is the nuts. Having removable batteries is awesome cause my MT battery sucked terribly. I used to be able to get over 2 hrs @ 16/44.1 and now the battery gets half of that so I had to constantly use an external which added bulkiness to the setup which also sucked. I can't wait to take this unit and make a recording. The track marks and dividing seems a lil convoluted but ill do all that on my computer for the most part. Overall I think I made a good purchase. Now I just need my mics!
Title: PCM-M10 0dB level
Post by: kleiner Rainer on September 28, 2010, 03:01:22 PM
Hi all,

since there is still discussion which rec level setting gives 0dB of amplification from line in to line out, I pulled out my old Radio RIM PG 100 (a battery powered 1khz sine generator with attenuator and AC millivoltmeter). Calibration was checked against a Hameg HM8012 4 1/2 digit True RMS DMM.


Here are my findings:

0dB from line in to line out (1Ohm source resistance, 100k load resistance, Limiter and low cut off): Rec level at 6.2 (estimated).

While I was at it, I checked some levels at that setting:

-12dB on the level meter: approximately 245mV
-6dB on the level meter: approximately 490mV
0dB (FS)  on the level meter: approximately 940mV.

Due to the nature of the on screen VU meter, there is an unavoidable inaccuracy when setting/reproducing levels.

Since I own an EU (CE certified) version, your values for 0dB may vary. Sony is known to have changed output levels to comply with local regulations (headphone levels for example).

Hope that helps.

Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: NOLAfishwater on September 28, 2010, 03:07:59 PM
if you are plugging a pair of Church Audio mics directly into the mic input with no battery box, would you turn plug in power on? I noticed I was getting levels without having to turn on the plug in power.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 28, 2010, 03:33:25 PM
if you are plugging a pair of Church Audio mics directly into the mic input with no battery box, would you turn plug in power on? I noticed I was getting levels without having to turn on the plug in power.
 

Plug in power on. Mine shows no levels with CA-11's PIP off as expected.

I thought your internal mics might be creating the levels, but they seem to be cut off when there is something plugged into the mic in or line in.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: NOLAfishwater on September 28, 2010, 03:36:11 PM
thanks.
Title: Re: PCM-M10 0dB level
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 28, 2010, 03:36:49 PM
Due to the nature of the on screen VU meter, there is an unavoidable inaccuracy when setting/reproducing levels.

A great feature of the 7xx recorders is that the display shows how many dB you are adding.  So there is no mystery.  If only all recorders did that...  Though many pre-amps do, like the v3.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: kleiner Rainer on September 28, 2010, 04:08:45 PM
Hi all,

I feel compelled to answer some of the remarks concerning my post about proper wiring, connectors and EMC.

Guysonic, if you encountered no EMC or hum problems during the last 25 years, you are lucky. You can dismiss my application as an extreme, but EMC problems are like a leaking roof: you only recognize it when it starts to rain. How many cellphones did you see 25 or even 15 years ago? Rest assured, the 100% AM modulated cellphone signals (GSM) that are transmitted within a few meters of high sensitivity recording systems will get to your attention if anything is wrong with your wiring. Our recording gang has the rule to switch off all cellphones before recording (we sure want no ringing phone in an ambient recording, not to talk about possible RF noises...).

BTW: If you recorded the sound of the sparks of the tesla coil, you would have a hard time to discern the electrical noise from the acoustical noise...

Groovon, my choice of connector is not "overengineered". I simply do not want a crappy connector that generates dropouts at the slightest movement. My recordings have to be right the first try, because most of them can not be repeated. I simply have a different approach on that issue. And the only connectors that hold up well to my kind of (ab)use are made by Neutrik (maybe Switchcraft would work also).
BTW what is wrong with the concept "handle with care"? My trusty WM-D6C survived over 20 years of outdoor recording under harsh conditions in spite of "micky mouse connectors" with several meters of well shielded mic cable attached. I simply handled it like a precision instrument (which it certainly is).

The Sony PCM-M10 is well shielded - I operated a GSM cellphone and a 5W VHF/UHF handheld transceiver within arms length of it, and it did not show any unexpected reaction, otherwise it would have gone back to the dealer. Plastic cases can be shielded with a sprayed-on copper or nickel film - this is done with laptops since many years. And a good multilayer circuit board sure helps - sometimes you even don't need shielding to achieve CE compliance if the layouter knows his job. The only problems I had with it was caused by a crappy cable - it had gold plated connectors but a substandard shield - something you can't find out without destroying the cable.

Now for the record: I do not want to sell anything to you. I just share my hard earned experience gained in 40 years of electronics, 24 years of them as a professional in the electronics design and EMC fields. You can take my advice or leave it. Its up to you.


Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: PCM-M10 0dB level
Post by: kleiner Rainer on September 28, 2010, 04:31:04 PM
Due to the nature of the on screen VU meter, there is an unavoidable inaccuracy when setting/reproducing levels.

A great feature of the 7xx recorders is that the display shows how many dB you are adding.  So there is no mystery.  If only all recorders did that...  Though many pre-amps do, like the v3.

Maybe I was not clear enough - I am not a native speaker. The inaccuracy I talked about is caused by the granularity of the display - if you increase the input voltage, the segment "x" is switched on at say 100mV, the segment "x+1" at 120mv. If you reduce the level, segment "X+1" should switch off at 120mV. But since it would flicker at the treshold, most manufacturers use hysteresis to avoid flicker, in our example the segment switches off at say 115mV. So there is an uncertainty about the actual level of 5mv at the threshold. The classic moving coil VU meter with a pointer for example has a parallax error unless it has a mirror scale.

I just wanted to include this info as a reminder of possible measurement errors.


Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: PCM-M10 0dB level
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on September 28, 2010, 05:48:09 PM
Maybe I was not clear enough - I am not a native speaker. The inaccuracy I talked about is caused by the granularity of the display - if you increase the input voltage, the segment "x" is switched on at say 100mV, the segment "x+1" at 120mv.

You were quite clear.. I muddled things by responding about the amount of added gain, and not the metering.

On the subject of the metering, in some situations it would be similarly nice to have the option of numeric dBFS listed along with the meter.  Ideally as avg rms, and peak, or volts.   I'm not sure if any of these devices as the compute power to do that.
Title: Re: PCM-M10 0dB level
Post by: kleiner Rainer on September 29, 2010, 04:26:31 PM
Maybe I was not clear enough - I am not a native speaker. The inaccuracy I talked about is caused by the granularity of the display - if you increase the input voltage, the segment "x" is switched on at say 100mV, the segment "x+1" at 120mv.

You were quite clear.. I muddled things by responding about the amount of added gain, and not the metering.

On the subject of the metering, in some situations it would be similarly nice to have the option of numeric dBFS listed along with the meter.  Ideally as avg rms, and peak, or volts.   I'm not sure if any of these devices as the compute power to do that.

The M10 shows the headroom left as a small extra number (for example "-4dB") to the right of the VU bargraph during both record and play, with a peak hold time of about 1 sec.

Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: sctp on September 29, 2010, 06:01:54 PM
I just got a PCM-M10 after reading all the great info here, thanks everyone.

I do post processing in Audacity so am unconcerned with recording issues correctable in post.  I care about getting the best raw SNR from the unit.  Based on my readings of this board, I've collected my best stab at how each feature may impact SNR (where N = ambient background noise I'm trying to isolate my sound from).  Would appreciate any help correcting this list:

1. Manual Gain - Adjusts analog preamp so effective at maximizing SNR
2. Automatic Gain - Also adjusts analog preamp so effective at maximizing SNR??
3. Microphone Sensitivity - Hurts SNR if in High Mode, use Low Mode and high gain instead whenever possible
4. Limiter - Digital Limiter instead of analog, so no impact on SNR, cuts noise along with signal, equivalent to compression in post processing
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 29, 2010, 06:40:20 PM
2. Automatic Gain - Also adjusts analog preamp so effective at maximizing SNR??

Never use it recording music with any recorder. It squashes the dynamic range. Everyone on this board will tell you to always use manual level.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: duch on September 29, 2010, 07:01:23 PM
I just got an M10 to get rid of a file-destroying MicroTrack. Looks like a nice little toy !
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: sctp on September 29, 2010, 09:01:27 PM
2. Automatic Gain - Also adjusts analog preamp so effective at maximizing SNR??

Never use it recording music with any recorder. It squashes the dynamic range. Everyone on this board will tell you to always use manual level.

I'm recording voices.  Two people speaking.  Lavaliere is on one of them.   Any recording advantage to using automatic gain versus correction in post in this case given dynamic range probably not an issue and one level will definitely be higher than the other?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 29, 2010, 09:20:45 PM
I'm recording voices.  Two people speaking.  Lavaliere is on one of them.   Any recording advantage to using automatic gain versus correction in post in this case given dynamic range probably not an issue and one level will definitely be higher than the other?

There might be in some cases, but I suspect it could still cause problems like amplifying background noise when nobody is speaking for a few seconds.

Someone else may know-I never record voices.

Try to test it both ways yourself if you have time.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: CTjazzfanatic on September 30, 2010, 09:17:47 AM
I also posted this in the team Church Audio thread a couple of days ago. I looking for an little external feedback. I have been recording for about six months now and am still trying to perfect my methods. If anyone has time to ldownload and isten to the file in the link and let me know what you think I would be appreciative. It is one track from a recording I made Friday night at a jazz performance in a small club in NYC.

http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html)

CA-14 (omnis) -> CA-9100 -> PCM-M10 (24 bit/44.1kHz)

converted to 16bit with Audacity.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 30, 2010, 09:52:03 AM
I wanted to check it out, but rapidshare is not working for me unless I pay to join.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: CTjazzfanatic on September 30, 2010, 11:51:59 AM
I wanted to check it out, but rapidshare is not working for me unless I pay to join.

Sorry. I did not know that. I thought rapidshare had an option for free users - just that the download would be slower. If that is no longer the case I will look into an alternative means of posting the track.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on September 30, 2010, 12:05:46 PM
It does have an alternative for free users but it didn't work for me previously.

Just tried again & it seemed to be working but firefox froze after 20% download. Now its a 10 minute wait to try again.

I'm done with rapidshare, but the little I was able to download sounded pretty good to me.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: CTjazzfanatic on September 30, 2010, 12:45:56 PM
It does have an alternative for free users but it didn't work for me previously.

Just tried again & it seemed to be working but firefox froze after 20% download. Now its a 10 minute wait to try again.

I'm done with rapidshare, but the little I was able to download sounded pretty good to me.

I appreciate the effort and the feedback.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Chris 91 on September 30, 2010, 05:26:30 PM
I also posted this in the team Church Audio thread a couple of days ago. I looking for an little external feedback. I have been recording for about six months now and am still trying to perfect my methods. If anyone has time to ldownload and isten to the file in the link and let me know what you think I would be appreciative. It is one track from a recording I made Friday night at a jazz performance in a small club in NYC.

http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html)

CA-14 (omnis) -> CA-9100 -> PCM-M10 (24 bit/44.1kHz)

converted to 16bit with Audacity.

Thanks.

Sounds really good, how far were you from the stage?
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Ozpeter on September 30, 2010, 06:13:12 PM
Quote
I'm recording voices.  Two people speaking.  Lavaliere is on one of them.   Any recording advantage to using automatic gain versus correction in post in this case given dynamic range probably not an issue and one level will definitely be higher than the other?
t's probably best to sort it out afterwards.   

http://www.conversationsnetwork.org/levelator - "The Levelator" - may be interest if you are not familiar with it.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: CTjazzfanatic on October 01, 2010, 12:03:41 AM
I also posted this in the team Church Audio thread a couple of days ago. I looking for an little external feedback. I have been recording for about six months now and am still trying to perfect my methods. If anyone has time to ldownload and isten to the file in the link and let me know what you think I would be appreciative. It is one track from a recording I made Friday night at a jazz performance in a small club in NYC.

http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html)

CA-14 (omnis) -> CA-9100 -> PCM-M10 (24 bit/44.1kHz)

converted to 16bit with Audacity.

Thanks.

Sounds really good, how far were you from the stage?

About 10 feet
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: Chris 91 on October 01, 2010, 12:52:56 AM
I also posted this in the team Church Audio thread a couple of days ago. I looking for an little external feedback. I have been recording for about six months now and am still trying to perfect my methods. If anyone has time to ldownload and isten to the file in the link and let me know what you think I would be appreciative. It is one track from a recording I made Friday night at a jazz performance in a small club in NYC.

http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html (http://rapidshare.com/files/421617713/MTurner2010-09-24track01.flac.html)

CA-14 (omnis) -> CA-9100 -> PCM-M10 (24 bit/44.1kHz)

converted to 16bit with Audacity.

Thanks.

Sounds really good, how far were you from the stage?

About 10 feet

Yea man, came out damn near perfect. I just recorded a show with the internals a few hours ago. Didn't turn out so great, learned a few things though.

- Don't leave the M10 in your shirt pocket (using internals), it will muffle the sound (learned this in the car, before the show)
- Under manual rec, don't go under 1.4 (maybe 1.2) or so unless you want a super quiet recording. Didn't think it could handle a loud show... kinda didn't.
- The M10's internals cant handle super loud bass (it will distort), turn on the LCF (may still distort) or move away from the speakers.
- The limiter may have been useful if it keeps the bass under control (Didn't test this, I kept it off)
- Adjusting the rec level will lead to some scraping sounds, don't adjust it more than you need to.
- Not really good for loud rock shows, period. (Unless you find a really good spot to record from, possibly away from speakers more than a few feet)

I really gotta save up for some externals :(

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: earmonger on October 01, 2010, 01:51:03 AM
I hate to say it, but it sounds like the limitations of the recording were the mics. The clarity and sense of depth are great, and so is the sense of the presence of the instruments, the breath and the impact. All that's missing is bass, like the weight of the bass drum. It sounds like the mics are rolling off that bottom octave of bass, and that makes the recording sound just a little bit...stuffy-nosed. But only a little bit. And the musicianship is superb. 
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: fmaderjr on October 01, 2010, 07:27:51 AM
I just recorded a show with the internals a few hours ago. Didn't turn out so great, learned a few things though.

- Under manual rec, don't go under 1.4 (maybe 1.2) or so unless you want a super quiet recording. Didn't think it could handle a loud show... kinda didn't.
That of course depends on the loudness of the source, but if you have to turn the record level below 1 to keep the meters under 0 dB you are likely to get a distorted recording anyway (even when using externals).

- The M10's internals cant handle super loud bass (it will distort), turn on the LCF (may still distort) or move away from the speakers.
They will handle shows that are quite loud though. I believe 120 or maybe 125 dB.

- Adjusting the rec level will lead to some scraping sounds, don't adjust it more than you need to.
Wait for applause to change levels, if possible, so any added noise can be easily edited out. I think the scraping sound is the internal mics recording your fingers on the wheel. I don't hear it when I use externals.

- Not really good for loud rock shows, period. (Unless you find a really good spot to record from, possibly away from speakers more than a few feet)
No stock internals that I know of are. The R-09 with the Chris Church Micsketeer mod sounds great for super loud shows.

I really gotta save up for some externals :(
Look into the Church gear-best bang for the buck and sound like they cost a lot more than they do.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: CTjazzfanatic on October 01, 2010, 11:13:58 AM
I hate to say it, but it sounds like the limitations of the recording were the mics. The clarity and sense of depth are great, and so is the sense of the presence of the instruments, the breath and the impact. All that's missing is bass, like the weight of the bass drum. It sounds like the mics are rolling off that bottom octave of bass, and that makes the recording sound just a little bit...stuffy-nosed. But only a little bit. And the musicianship is superb.

I appreciate your thoughts. You obviously have a much more critial ear than me - I say that as a compliment.

I should have mentioned before that the ensemble is the Mark Turner quartet with trumpeter Avishai Cohen, bassist Joe Martin and drummer Marcus Gilmore.
Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: OFOTD on October 01, 2010, 11:47:40 AM
Looks like we've hit the end of this thread.

Part 4 of the continued Sony PCM-M10 thread is here:  http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=139638.0

Title: Re: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 3)
Post by: aaronji on October 01, 2010, 04:25:45 PM
Looks like we've hit the end of this thread.

Locking it up...