Thank you guysonic for all the tests that you ran.
I am a beginner at recording and have only recorded a few shows using a Zoom H2.
I have been trying to decide between the M10 and the HR9 since the M10 came out a few months ago.
The graphs that you posted here are a little too complicated for me.
Can you please tell me (as simple as possible) which recorder is better in terms of audio quality using the following setups:
1. External mics mics>External preamp/battery box>Mic Input (Mic power turned Off)
2. External mics mics>External preamp/battery box>Line Input (Mic power turned Off)
Thank you very much in advance
M10 seems best choice over 09HR especially for using MIC input modes as M10 shows little (1 spike @~ 10K Hz) or virtually no high frequency digital noise.
Suggest battery box powered mics to ONLY use MIC input jack as M10 has overload resistant MIC input ability to +2 Dbu.
And if using external preamplifiers having active gain, use only the LINE input jack OVERLOAD RESISTANT TO OVER +24Dbu.
Those having memory card problems should remember to ALWAYS format the flash cards INSIDE THE DECK.
M10 requires special card files to properly operate and you will not get these formatting in any other device. (This mentioned in the user’s manual.)
The REC adjust knob on the unit I tested seemed resistant against accidental movement. However, most rotating mechanical knobs, at least all without detent stops, are subject to turning resistance variations. Also realize all the parts & deck made/QA’d in China factories, so very likely some knobs are much tighter than others. With use/age these knobs usually get a bit looser. Time will tell if or how fast this occurs.
TIP: Placing a small patch (edge folded) duct tape from deck’s back covering only the knob’s lower portion will capture your REC level adjustments from moving accidentally. The tape’s short folded-back section allows easy partial removal for adjustment.
TIPS: Suggest (back left edge) MIC input HIGH/LOW sensitivity, MANUAL/AUTO, and (back right edge) DPC ON/OFF slide switches be taped down as these are quite free to move with slightest force. Both the owner and me found these switches moved way too easily when deck was placed inside/removed from a pocket or handled.
The owner did place a brand of gaffer’s/duct tape over these switches, but this tape left massive amounts of clogging adhesive when removed for adjustments. I cleaned off this residue replacing with much thinner “Duck” brand of duct tape having way better chance of being removed and re-positioned without leaving clogging residue.