Topic: Newbie Help Please - Sony PCM-M10

[badger57]

So after 40 years attending shows I finally decided to dip my toes in the water of taping.
I originally looked at the Tascam DR100 Mk2 but decided I didn't want to try to conceal a housebrick about my person, plus the cost of it here in the UK is A LOT (the cheapest I could find is about $440). After reading (and reading and reading and reading) through the site I've plumped for a Sony PCM-M10 recorder. With what's left of my budget I will be getting some mics and an amp from Chris Church, but there's a wait time on delivery.

So to my question.

The first show I intend taping is Robert Plant and his new band, The Sensational Space Shifters, Tuesday 8th May. It's a very intimate show, only 400 tickets, and I will be forced to use the internal mics in the unit. I know it's kind of an open ended question but can anyone help with what I should set the record levels at to get it as good as possible? I understand I will probably have to adjust the settings as the show goes on but I'm looking at a reasonable starting point. I won't have a lot of time to practice as the Sony won't get to me until Wednesday 2nd May at the earliest which is why I'm asking for help.

Here's hoping you're not all sitting at home laughing at me (too much)

Brian

[earmonger]

Do what you can, hope for the best, enjoy the show, laugh if it doesn't work out.

See if you can get the PCM-M10 mics into open air. Put a tissue in your shirt pocket to raise up the recorder, whatever. The higher in the air, the better.

Make sure you are switched to Manual level, not Auto.

Make sure the Limiter is on in Menu/Detail Menu.

Menu/REC MODE at 48/24.

REC LEVEL (the knob) at 3 to start.

If you can look at the level lights, you want it to be blinking now and then with green. Maybe there's an opening act and you can turn the REC LEVEL to do that.

[acidjack]

Welcome! I think earmonger's got you covered.... I'm not sure 24/48 will show much improvement in fidelity with the internal mics, but at least it might give you some headroom if your levels are too low.

Mostly, just have fun and enjoy the show!

[badger57]

Thanks so much guys, I really appreciate your help. I'll do what I can and see how it works out.

Just one thing though.........

Do what you can, hope for the best, enjoy the show, laugh if it doesn't work out

Mostly, just have fun and enjoy the show!

How did you both know how much I get peed off when things don't go right for me? 

[stepeanut]

How did you both know how much I get peed off when things don't go right for me? 

It's a taper thing.  We almost all screwed up our first recording.  I know I did.  You've just got to suck it up and try again.  That said, I hope you pull a cracker.

[Redrock]

Also make sure your levels are not above -12 during the loudest sections of the show.

[F.O.Bean]

Also make sure your levels are not above -12 during the loudest sections of the show.