I have a question about calibrating a Shure FP and a D70.
A while ago I bought an used FP24 and a D70, but I have to admit that I use normally a M10 to stealth with my Tinybox and the Mk41 or the AKG CK's I have.
I was able to test at home the AKG CK 62 ULS/ PFA using the +48 phantom power of the D70 and it worked fine, next weekend I plan to tape open, therefore I would like to find out how to calibrate the FP 24 with the D70.
I recall that I read here the M10 unity gain is at -20db(have a print out how to it)
Using firmware 1.13 ....how should I set the gain, low, mid, ..... the location doesn't allow SPL over a 100dB.
Or should I upgrade the firmware to 1.14?
Pls bear with me, since the menus of these Tascam recorders are a nightmare for me....
Thanks in advance
The menu is really confusing, you're definitely right about that.
First, I'm curious as to why you're connecting your FP24 to your 70D. Unless you need very high gain with very low noise, it's much easier to just use the built-in preamps of the 70D. I own both, but never use them together. The 70D flies solo at all times.
At any rate, to get a good level between the FP24 and 70D, the firmware difference between 1.13 and 1.14 shouldn't matter.
1. Decide how you want connect the two units. You definitely MUST use the TAPE OUT (mini jack) on the FP24. Do NOT use the XLR line outs: they are way too hot.
On the 70D side, you could use the EXT IN 1/2 (mini jack) or CH 1 & 2 combo jacks with 1/4" or XLR connectors.
2. Whatever input you are going to, select that input source in BASIC > INPUT.
3. Set INPUT > INPUT GAIN to LINE. (I think Bean is correct that the setting in BASIC > GAIN (Low / Mid / High / High+) doesn't matter once you select LINE, but you could set that to LOW just to be safe.)
4. Activate the SLATE switch on the FP24. You should get signal on the channels of the 70D you are connected to.
5. Set the gain pots on the 70D so that both channels are reading -20 dB. Be careful to match the channels. Set one exactly to -20, then go just past it with the second channel, and lower slowly until the level reads -20 again.
6. Turn off the slate tone. From here, do not touch the gain knobs on the 70D. Set your mic levels using the gain knobs on the FP24 only.