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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: marsev on August 21, 2009, 03:14:44 PM

Title: using a BB and plug-in power jack?
Post by: marsev on August 21, 2009, 03:14:44 PM
Sorry if my questions are laughable at times...

I am getting a Battery Box (never used one before) and some CA-11's.

I won't have enough time to test this setup before I tape THE show it's intended for.

I don't want any surprises.

I have never used my line-in jack...on a Sony Minidisc MZ-R50.

Could there be any overload or problem using plug-in power jack plus the BB?

I am half-blind in my procedures. All I know is my player has an automatic limiter that keeps sounds from clipping.
I have never adjusted anything on it. I just plug in and go.

Title: Re: using a BB and plug-in power jack?
Post by: acidjack on August 21, 2009, 03:21:33 PM
Sorry if my questions are laughable at times...

I am getting a Battery Box (never used one before) and some CA-11's.

I won't have enough time to test this setup before I tape THE show it's intended for.

I don't want any surprises.

I have never used my line-in jack...on a Sony Minidisc MZ-R50.

Could there be any overload or problem using plug-in power jack plus the BB?

I am half-blind in my procedures. All I know is my player has an automatic limiter that keeps sounds from clipping.
I have never adjusted anything on it. I just plug in and go.



DO NOT use the limiter, or your recording will be ruined.

I believe MD decks (some) have different plug-in power than the old DATs did or the Edirol R-09 has.. but the safe thing to do, and what everyone will tell you, is use the line-in.

Is this a rock (or at least, amplified) concert?  If it is a quiet, non-amplified type thing sometimes you can or even should use the plug in power. 

But generally, again, the rule is, line-in.  AND DO NOT USE THE LIMITER.  Those aren't really made for recording music - more useful for voice. 
Title: Re: using a BB and plug-in power jack?
Post by: dorrcoq on August 21, 2009, 03:31:14 PM
I won't have enough time to test this setup

I don't want any surprises.

Good luck with that. ;D  At least crank up your home stereo and try it out.
Title: Re: using a BB and plug-in power jack?
Post by: marsev on August 21, 2009, 08:48:12 PM
Yes, loud rock music. In small/medium sized clubs.

When I say it has a limiter, I just mean I never get clipping and I do NOT make any adjustments.
My MD model apparantly has a built-in feature that keeps things from clipping.
It may not pass professional inspection, but in my use/experience I have made some great recordings
(for the setup I have).

I know I should use line-in! I'm just wondering if plug-in power + a BB will overload anything.
I guess line-in REQUIRES power?....since I tried using it today (for voice) and nothing recorded.

Yes, I will at least test on my home stereo, but my stereo power couldn't match the sound pressure of a live show.

I might go to a car stereo booombooom shop next door and ask those hoodlums if I can make some experimental recordings....
Title: Re: using a BB and plug-in power jack?
Post by: acidjack on August 22, 2009, 01:55:33 AM
Yes, loud rock music. In small/medium sized clubs.

When I say it has a limiter, I just mean I never get clipping and I do NOT make any adjustments.
My MD model apparantly has a built-in feature that keeps things from clipping.
It may not pass professional inspection, but in my use/experience I have made some great recordings
(for the setup I have).

I know I should use line-in! I'm just wondering if plug-in power + a BB will overload anything.
I guess line-in REQUIRES power?....since I tried using it today (for voice) and nothing recorded.

Yes, I will at least test on my home stereo, but my stereo power couldn't match the sound pressure of a live show.

I might go to a car stereo booombooom shop next door and ask those hoodlums if I can make some experimental recordings....

The battery box with the mics should provide sufficient power to run through the line in jack.  If it won't, then go mic-in.

Any "limiter" feature built into a deck should be able to be turned off.  You want to be sure you do that.  MD units are fine for recording - just be sure you go line in like you would with anything else.
Title: Re: using a BB and plug-in power jack?
Post by: fmaderjr on August 22, 2009, 03:17:25 PM
Sony Mini-Discs don't have limiters. They have a defeatable auto level control. Always turn this off. Otherwise you will have no dynamic range in your recording among other problems.