Topic: CSBs + JB3 Question

[Uncle Funk]

I've taped a few local bands with the following set ups:

Coresound Binaurals > Battery Box > JB3 (44.1khz)

and my old mics

Sony ECM-717 > Battery Box > JB3 (44.1khz)

Both of these were line in recordings.

Having transferred these I've noticed a background hiss on both sources.

Does anybody have any idea where this is coming from?

In both instances, transfer was via USB.

If anybody could shed any light on what's going wrong here it would be
great.
 
Thanks,
Stuart

[mattb]

So the setting is definitely on line and not mic? That's my first suspect. The mic in on the JB3 is notoriously noisy.

The second most likely thing is you are using a lot of gain on the JB3. It is suspected that the JB3 gain is just digital scaling of a weak analog signal which would amplify whatever noise is present.

If that's the case, keep the JB3 at 0 gain (or very small gain) and then bring the levels up later on your computer. Better yet, use a pre or pre/ad to bypass all of that circuitry on the JB3.

[Uncle Funk]

Gain is set to zero.

From the menu I'm going:

'Line in recording' > 'Line in recording' > 'WAV 44.1khz' > Hit record.

Does that answer your questions?  Thanks for the input!

[Uncle Funk]

Update:

• I've tried both mics taping what's coming out of my stereo at varying volumes on both the JB3 and minidisc.
• There is no background noise on the minidisc recordings at all.  I've pushed it as far as the levels will go and no hiss whatsoever.
• All the transferred JB3 files have background hiss once I've normalised to raise the levels.
• Listening to the files on the JB3 itself I can't make out the hiss, BUT the levels are so low that it might not be noticeable.
• I transferred a 44.1 khz wav file of a studio track I had on the JB3 to the computer.  No hiss present even after nomalising.

I'm at a loss here.  Any input would be gratefully received.

Stu

[MATTZS]

Do you have a solid connection with your input wire? The JB3 needs some alteration to get a solid fit, look HERE
Also some good info on this THREAD

Hope this helps
Matt

[Uncle Funk]

Do you have a solid connection with your input wire? The JB3 needs some alteration to get a solid fit.

Yep, very solid connection.  

Can anyone recommend a good pre for stealth taping?  That's the only way I can see to get around this...

[Nick Graham]

Good to see you 'round these parts Stu...how are the CSBs treating you so far?

I'd recommend the MP2...a (IMHO) great pre for both stealth and open taping. I may be selling mine very soon, but even if I don't there's usually ones for sale here in the Yard Sale section and over on the Oade Board. Usually go for around $350 - $400. There's also the Denecke AD20, which is a combo pre/AD, and also has an optical out that will work great with the JB3.

Hope that helps...

[Karl]

Yes, the line-in on the JB3 doesn't have the cleanest sound.  Both of the mics that you are using have a little lower sensitivity, so your signal-to-noise ratio is going to be a little more obnoxious.  That being said, the s/n ratio on the jb3 isn't that bad for a consumer grade unit, but the type of noise is more noticeable (ie, it's not a steady hiss, it has all kinds of crackles, pops, and hums).

If you are taping a loud show, then you can get away with not having a pre.  Something acoustic, and you probably won't be happy.

[dklein]

The issue is that the CSBs have very low output and the JB3 doesn't have appropriate gain in the preamp.  Your choices are:

• higher output (sensitivity) mics
• a little preamp
• use your md if you want to use the CSBs

check more info HERE