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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: ificould on April 04, 2009, 02:13:10 PM

Title: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 04, 2009, 02:13:10 PM
Hi.
I wish buy Microtrack II to recorder U2's live concert (in Stadium).  8)
What do I need?
1. About microphones, I think I buy SP-CMC-8. Is it ok?
2. Is it important MicroTrack 10db Mic Pad 10 db Mic Attenuator?
3. About accessories, what do I need for a EXCELLENT recording?
Best regards
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 04, 2009, 03:46:41 PM
you don't need the -10 pad
grab the mics and a battery box to go with them
record away
many others here like the church audio gear and his preamp with his mics or the sp ones will be better then a battery box

thats not to say you will get great recordings (lots of other mics could be better like dpa, location and other things go into a great recording) but it will def get you started

many others here like the church audio gear and his preamp with his mics or the sp ones will be better then a battery box
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 04, 2009, 04:14:07 PM
Ok, thank you.
What is "a battery box"? (sorry for my question)
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: mr qpl on April 04, 2009, 06:06:20 PM
Simply speaking, battery box supplies power to the mics, necessary to prevent "brickwall" of loud shows (generally over 90 db would require bb, so U2 would need one for sure)

to get "excellent" stadium recording using simple gear is pretty doubtful, of course depends on what you mean by "excellent".
It will help to get a better recording if you get closer to the speakers, but of course, must be set up to handle loudness.....

Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 05, 2009, 03:55:37 AM
For example, what battery box do I need?
Is this a battery box?
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSB-10
Sorry for my question, I don't understand, you are very kindly, please help me what I must buy.
Recorder + michrophones + ?
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 05, 2009, 09:41:14 AM
that is a battery box
here is another one they have, which i use and know works http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSB-1
the one you linked is 12v this one i linked is 9v, not sure if it makes a difference or not
also the one you linked runs on a 12v battery (not sure how easy they are to find in stores - never looked), the one i linked runs on a standard 9v battery which can be found anywhere so in a pinch you may be better off
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 05, 2009, 03:38:56 PM
Oh, thank you!
I wish recorder 9 shows. About battery box, can I record concerts without changing the battery? How long does the battery last? It says "Power module has 30-50 hour battery life, depending on microphones used", is it right?
Willndmb are very kindly, I thank you for the help  :D
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 05, 2009, 05:15:19 PM
i never got anywhere near the time they said on a battery
let me state that a different way - i got the amount of time they projected, but the overall power drops and thus doesn't give you good power and caused me to learn the hard way on some recordings
i have done 3 shows (approx 8.5hrs) on one battery without issue but wouldn't go over that
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: jimcooke on April 06, 2009, 03:16:01 AM
I use a MicroTrack II, have had it for nearly 6 months. I have not had any problems with the battery running flat. You should be ok for any normal length show. What's normal, I know. I have recorded the support and main act with no ill effect. If necessary you can get battery back up. I have an Energizer Energytogo back up. I bought it to take to ATP, for the weekend, but forgot to pack it, I managed nevertheless. It's to power mobile phones, make sure you get one with the right connector for the MicroTrack. The mini USB underneath.

If you're recording shows and you haven't done it before, I strongly recommend going out and getting some practise. Same applys to new recording gear, you've got to get to know it before the main event.

I was interested to see a recommendation of reformatting your CF cards after use, to avoid the controls becoming frozen. Something I will start doing after such an incident last week.

Good luck with your purchase(s)
jimcooke.

Using:- 2 x Sony ECM 50 mics> Microtrack II>8GB SanDisk Ultra II CF ( I usually use Core Sound Mics but there in getting fixed)
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 06, 2009, 09:49:54 AM
Thank you willndmb and jimcooke!  :D
Thank you for your help!
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 06, 2009, 11:35:33 AM
i think jim is talking about the battery in the MT, i was talking about the battery in the battery box
fwiw i 100% of the time had to run a external power supply (4 AA box) for the MT1 to make it 3hrs
but again the battery box i have can go about 8hr or so on one 9v
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: mr qpl on April 06, 2009, 11:47:22 AM
I found that if you unplug the mics from the battery box, it lasts 6 + months (maybe 15 to 20 shows?) this is 9v bbox, either coresound or sound pros. I like the  sound pro sp3 box, it;s cheap and efficient.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 07, 2009, 07:25:18 AM
About external power (Microtrack II), what do you recommend? I need 3 hours.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 07, 2009, 09:13:47 AM
i use a $5 4AA box with usb plug
many others use something like this http://www.amazon.com/iphone-ipod-lithium-External-battery/dp/B000YOXTHI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous&qid=1239109911&sr=8-9
you just need one that allows you to change the plug aqs i am 99% sure all usb outputs 5v - which you need
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: jimcooke on April 07, 2009, 09:42:50 AM
i think jim is talking about the battery in the MT, i was talking about the battery in the battery box
fwiw i 100% of the time had to run a external power supply (4 AA box) for the MT1 to make it 3hrs
but again the battery box i have can go about 8hr or so on one 9v
Sorry I got the wrong end of the stick.
I change the battery in the battery box once a year, haven't had a problem there. Just unplug connections when not using, as mentioned.
Jimcooke
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 07, 2009, 09:49:44 AM
i use a $5 4AA box with usb plug
many others use something like this http://www.amazon.com/iphone-ipod-lithium-External-battery/dp/B000YOXTHI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous&qid=1239109911&sr=8-9
you just need one that allows you to change the plug aqs i am 99% sure all usb outputs 5v - which you need

Please, can you link me "$5 4AA box with usb plug"?
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: taperwheeler on April 08, 2009, 12:54:12 PM
On a side note, if you're going to run the sp-cmc-8's you may think about using hyper capsules in a stadium.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 08, 2009, 01:50:57 PM
i use a $5 4AA box with usb plug
many others use something like this http://www.amazon.com/iphone-ipod-lithium-External-battery/dp/B000YOXTHI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous&qid=1239109911&sr=8-9
you just need one that allows you to change the plug aqs i am 99% sure all usb outputs 5v - which you need

Please, can you link me "$5 4AA box with usb plug"?
like this basically
http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-AA-Battery-case-Box-charger-for-IPOD-MP3-smartphone_W0QQitemZ290308540793QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item290308540793&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 08, 2009, 05:15:48 PM
On a side note, if you're going to run the sp-cmc-8's you may think about using hyper capsules in a stadium.

What are "hyper capsules"?

About battery box, I need Bass Roll-off option?

Willndmb, thank you for your kindness.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: nameloc01 on April 08, 2009, 07:01:50 PM
The first thing you need is a very,very,very good seat.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 08, 2009, 08:00:22 PM
On a side note, if you're going to run the sp-cmc-8's you may think about using hyper capsules in a stadium.

What are "hyper capsules"?

About battery box, I need Bass Roll-off option?

Willndmb, thank you for your kindness.
hypers are a different pickup pattern from cards
cards are what comes standard with the bodies

bass roll - no not really (pm sent with more detail)
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 09, 2009, 02:21:48 AM
The first thing you need is a very,very,very good seat.

For example? Near to stage? Left or right?
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: sunjan on April 09, 2009, 06:46:17 AM
What are "hyper capsules"?

About battery box, I need Bass Roll-off option?

There is a lot of good info in the FAQ:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/board,46.0.html
Take the time to read these threads, you get answers to all your questions - and more!
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: nameloc01 on April 09, 2009, 02:54:58 PM
You either want to try getting a nice ambient recording..which ideally would put you on the floor in a position triangulated from both stacks....or attempt a very in-your-face recording with low ambience and crowd noise..which would be obtained from being in front of one of the stacks. Very few bands actually run a true stereo signal from the PAs (this would cause horrible sound for everyone on both sides) so it wouldn't really matter which stacked you were to hump.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: ificould on April 12, 2009, 06:19:10 AM
Question:
I want recorder 9 shows, I want recharge my internal power two times in two days and three times in 5 days.

1. Coud power damaged?
2. If I want use a external power, must internal battery be fully loaded?
3. At the end, do you think I must buy a Tascam DR-07 to resolve this problem? I'm not good in recoder gear, so I want understand if Microtrack is better than the Tascam DR-07 or they are equal.

Sorry if I make so many questions, please help me because the tour stars soon and I want to be ready.
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: willndmb on April 12, 2009, 07:27:49 AM
you can charge it anytime you need to, i don't see how it could damage the battery
i mean if you had to charge it no matter what recorder you have, you need to charge it

NO but the closer it is to full the better because the external will not only be powering the recorder but trying to charge it since both are done off the same jack

??
the mt has a bad rap imo due to them releasing it early and not checking out the bugs - i have never had 1 problem with mine while others hate it
Title: Re: What I need for Microtrack II to recorder in Stadium
Post by: dallman on April 12, 2009, 04:51:47 PM

Question:
I want recorder 9 shows, I want recharge my internal power two times in two days and three times in 5 days.

1. Coud power damaged? NO
2. If I want use a external power, must internal battery be fully loaded? NO, I don't pay attention to the power level of my MT and it usually is full after the show dues to the external battery
3. At the end, do you think I must buy a Tascam DR-07 to resolve this problem? I'm not good in recoder gear, so I want understand if Microtrack is better than the Tascam DR-07 or they are equal. It comes down to personal preference. The MT is very versatile, but the DR-07 may be easier to use. Any deck takes time to get comfortable with and really use to it's fullest.

Sorry if I make so many questions, please help me because the tour stars soon and I want to be ready. Good Luck!