Topic: Zoom H1 Mic Info

[celtic]

I just bought a Zoom h1 recorder and was wondering what would be a good external tie clip mic/s to go with it?
Would these mics be a good start http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280513213608 and would I need the Battery box?

[webvan]

Bit of a bump, yes, but in the same boat, so ;-)

I noticed the OP went with some CA-14 mics+battery so I guess he didn't find that setup satisfactory...

Still these mics look interesting, as in "cheap" and "stereo", they even have a version with the mics in ear pods, pretty smart ;-) Question is whether these can be powered by a H1, I see it can power some lav's so why not? I've asked the seller.

[acidjack]

Bit of a bump, yes, but in the same boat, so ;-)

I noticed the OP went with some CA-14 mics+battery so I guess he didn't find that setup satisfactory...

Still these mics look interesting, as in "cheap" and "stereo", they even have a version with the mics in ear pods, pretty smart ;-) Question is whether these can be powered by a H1, I see it can power some lav's so why not? I've asked the seller.

Generally, no, none of the standard decks people use for taping provide sufficient plug in power to a microphone to be used for concert recording.  You would need a 9V battery box, or face the risk of distortion caused, in part, by underpowering of the mics.

I have never seen this brand, but all cheap lavalier mics are pretty much based on the same Panasonic WM-61A capsule.  The differences between them are largely a matter of quality control (the Panasonic caps vary quite widely in response) and quality of workmanship generally.  If you don't want to spend a lot of money and are in Europe, you might look at Microphone Madness: http://microphonemadness.com/categories/mini_binaural_stereo.html    Not much more money, and certainly a name we see more around here than these mysterious mics off eBay. 

[webvan]

Thanks that's very helpful as well as the link, however that site seems to be based in the USA and shipping probably from there? They do whip worldwide though so that 's probably why you mentioned them?

I'm a bit unconvinced by the H1 for concerts anyway since it's not very discreet with its mics sticking out...the Sony PCM-M10 seems a lot better in that respect. I haven't seen any comparisons using the onboard mics though, which I suppose could come in handy if you're recording a little school concert.

[acidjack]

Thanks that's very helpful as well as the link, however that site seems to be based in the USA and shipping probably from there? They do whip worldwide though so that 's probably why you mentioned them?

I'm a bit unconvinced by the H1 for concerts anyway since it's not very discreet with its mics sticking out...the Sony PCM-M10 seems a lot better in that respect. I haven't seen any comparisons using the onboard mics though, which I suppose could come in handy if you're recording a little school concert.

Hm, yes, I felt like Microphone Madness was Europe based, but perhaps not. 

Soundman is definitely Europe-based, though: http://www.soundman.de/en  They have some great mics like the OKM-II-R

I would not use the Zoom, PCM-M10 or any other recorder's built-in mics as a standalone unless I was desperate.  Sometimes they can do "alright" but generally, the quality of onboard mics, not to mention one's ability to place them properly, is quite poor.  For instance, recording with a Zoom or something sticking out of a shirt pocket is a losing proposition.

[webvan]

Yes that doesn't sound like a winning proposition for sure!

So I checked out that German site but they don't seem to sell directly, I'll look up their products on thomann.de who are known to carry a ton of gear!

The eBay seller got back and said that his mics would work fine with the H1 but that "plug in power" may need to be activated...a setting the H1 doesn't have so it seems he doesn't know his stuff all that well :-( I'll ask how much voltage they need exactly.

[Ziggz]

Soundman sell direct via eBay http://stores.ebay.com/Soundman-Microphones

[webvan]

Thanks, they are there indeed. Their iPhone adapter/binaural earphones look interesting but it seems you can't power the iPhone with an external battery anymore when it's plugged in...

Maybe an iPhone with a good mic and advanced software like "Fire 2" is a good option too as you can keep your phone at most (not all !) concerts. Might look a bit strange if you're wearing earbuds though ;-)

[acidjack]

Thanks, they are there indeed. Their iPhone adapter/binaural earphones look interesting but it seems you can't power the iPhone with an external battery anymore when it's plugged in...

Maybe an iPhone with a good mic and advanced software like "Fire 2" is a good option too as you can keep your phone at most (not all !) concerts. Might look a bit strange if you're wearing earbuds though ;-)

It's been bandied about here many a time, and I think the conclusion is still that an iPhone is not a plausible option for recording live shows properly at this time. 

[webvan]

I'll defer to the pros but I have a "Blue Mikey v2" on order so I'll check it out for myself and report back ;-)

Taped my first concert tonight (Brad) with the H1 and its built-in mics (still haven't decided which mics to get...) and it's a bit underwhelming after a quick listen. I had it on auto-level (yes I know...) and "Lo Cut" on and it was terribly loud but the results sound rather decent I think, at least compared to some stuff I download on Dime, levels are a bit low actually. I had it in my backpack at my feet with the two mics sticking out, not ideal of course but there's really no other way to use it with the built-in mics at concert where you're standing. Anyway it's great to have an audio memory of a great show. Will give it another listen with my headphones this time ;-)

As for the mics for the H1, I'll have to pass on the mics in earphones as I realized I'd need my Ety HiFi EarPlugs. Although I suppose that with a clip you could put them on your shirt/collar.

[webvan]

Here are a couple of samples :
- http://we.tl/cnehV7UAkb - Jumping Jack Flash during the encore, doesn't sound too bad given how loud it was!
- http://we.tl/4aNH7c54dP - Suffering : Shawn Smith solo section on the keys and vox - sounds pretty good I think