Topic: XLR adapter for Sony D50

[jlykos]

However, seems like the mix-pre is a good machine. What combination would you recommend using it in then, to keep weight down but able to use for many hours? Is there any setup that can come close to the D-50 + XLR-1 in terms of weight and battery life, retaining at least the same (or better) sound quality?

This is illogical thinking given your parameters.  Yes, there are several options that you have in terms of sound quality.  The MixPre / MP-2 both sound very good and have a small form factor.  You can look at an Aerco MP-2, which is slightly more expensive, but is more flexible than the XLR-1.  You can try running a different company's phantom power supply into the D50.  There are other, more expensive options like the Sonosax SX-M2 and the E.A.A. PSP-2 that are small in size, sound fantastic, but cost quite a bit more than the XLR-1.

The issue here is that nobody on this board has actually used the XLR-1 so none of us know what "the same (or better) sound quality" would be.  We can just make educated guesses, nothing else.  The second issue is the battery life.  The D50 has been reported to record for 25 hours on 4 AA batteries.  I have no idea how valid that is; even Sony's own literature shows a significantly shorter recording time.  But the larger question is, in what context will you actually have to record for 25 hours straight?  Most people here would use rechargeable batteries, making the cost of batteries a moot point.

I would urge you to sit back, do some research on the competing products using the search function, and then come back with specific questions regarding your application.  I would fall into the camp of people recommending that you get a MixPre / MP-2, but that is just my thinking.  They pop up used here all the time in the "Yard Sale" forum for around $400.

[xpander]

Here are two full service companies with great reputations that sell the MixPre for $665
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/271736.html
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MixPre/

Time to take a flight to USA!

Thanks for the links Flintstone. I quess I already knew about the big differences on prices, but this is bordering on outrageous. Well, it's been some time since I left USA, no new trips planned too soon though.

Digifish, thanks for your suggestions. I'm in no hurry with this, maybe something will pop up at reasonable price later on also. Some help across the pond could be nice too, when the time is right. But I think at this moment the question of being trustworthy is more on me, I'm the newbie here.

Justin, I think what Jlykos told about sitting back and doing some research might be good....although it seems that you surely have done some already. For me the D50 was pretty easy solution, since it does most everything I want it to, as is. I've done analog and digital track transfers on the move, used it as a quick demoing machine and idea memo, done occasional sound fx recordings and used it even as a portable player/practice help. For all that it has worked wonderfully, it feels solid and is small enough to be carried around easily while still being packed with features. It's just that this thing got me hooked and thinking about expanding my recording abilities even further. Yea, I know, this is not the place to save money...or how did it go?

Anyways, I knew that there are options for expansion if needed. I started with D50 to get a solid quality base for my initial needs and that has worked great.

If I would've needed the balanced inputs, XLR connections or "better" preamps right away, I would've probably chosen something else. As a matter of fact, Fostex FR2LE was high on my list, as well as some Sound Devices gear, Edirol (MixPre + R-09HR) etc. Fostex just didn't have all I needed right away, and we know about the SD prices here. 

Well, not that I know much about these...but just been there, pondering. What am I saying, still do....

[Justinasia]

Hi xpander
Yes, the Fostex has been high on my list too. But just seems not portable enough. I am interested about the suggestion of getting  the mixpre and a lighter recorder. The ls-10 looks good and seems to have not bad battery life. Perhaps the mixpre + ls-10 could be a good setup? The ls-10 being very portable on its own but having the two together for more demanding situations. Would be cheaper and more portable than with the D50. I know the PCM-D50 has a better pre, but for the other parts inside it (I think this means how does the line in compare?), how would the sound quality compare between:

mixpre>PCM-D50
and
mixpre>ls-10  ?

Continually appreciating the advice of all you guys and your valuable experience.
Justin

[headroom]

There i s a strong  indication that my Rolls Phantombox has killed twice my PCM D 50 . With the ART its not gona happen.... Get luck now its ok but will use them only in 12 Volt mode again not in 48 V for my AT 30XX. 4 Safety reasons. The lytics in the PCM 50  are only 16 Volt types. Later I plan to use Transformer coupled Phantom because of the spikes in 48 Volt can toast the Mic Stage in the 50. In 50 Symmetric to Asymmetric Mode  you lose a lot of Gain, because u use only half! One of the Symmetric wires is shorted to the ground. With the Trafo its not possible to loose gain and you can step up 3-6 db with the right type. The Micstage in the 50 is excellent under Levels of 5.5 virtually no noise. A good Micamp is also quiet in moderate levels. Fully cranked up the differences will by much less, even with Top High End stuff. Sorry 4 my english, my native language is swiss german...

[Justinasia]

Hi Headroom
Thanks. If I understand you right, you are saying the Rolls is not good with the D50, right?

[headroom]

There i s a strong  indication that my Rolls Phantombox has killed twice my PCM D 50
YES