Author Topic: Best recording rig for noise/drone/psych festivals? (Microtrack v R-09) (Read 6862 times)

gambra · « **on:** June 20, 2007, 03:35:50 PM »

How do all,this is my first post here and I'm now tempted to splash out so much money cos of all the gear nerdage going on

.

Ok, I currently have Sony ECM-719 mic > Sony MZ-NH600 Hi-MD as my set up and am pretty happy with this for one off gigs and the like. It produces pretty good results for the price and i've been usingmy mic for nearly 3 years with no fuss.

However,I would like to step up my rig to be able to tape a lot of bands at a two day festival where some of the loudest bands on earth will be playing (Supersonic Festival in Birmingham, England with Sunn O)), Wolf Eyes, Mogwai, OM etc etc). Obviously I'd need a LOT of Hi-MD's to cover this festival which simply is not worth it for the one weekend and I obviously can't bring my laptop to keep transferring over and formatting cards.

So whats been tempting me are the Microtrack 24/96 and the Eridol R-09. I'll probably be taping 16/44 as it's not worth the hassle going for that extra few Hz to sacrifice so much space and I'll be using these for CD style purposes anyway. I'll most likely pick up 2 x 4gb cards to go with either deck too. (Unless other card sizes are same price?).

I most likely will not be able to afford to upgrade my mics at all before this particular festival but I may be able to persuade people to let me do a soundboard patch. Otherwise the 719 mic will have to do.

So i need to know which is better for me to get? The Microtrack (only 210 euro delivered to me from Core Sound and has all those nifty features and is definately the one I'm probably going to get) or the Edirol R-09. Unless I hear convincing arguments for the R-09 I'll be getting the Microtrack. What accessories should I get for either one? Battery power, ext amp etc.. LINKS will be majorly appreciated over just names of things.. Any help will be majorly appreciated!

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2007, 03:40:45 PM »

The R-09 has better analog circuitry and would be better suited for your use. The MT24/96 is a great digital recorder, but not analog IMO.

As far as mic upgrades for loud concerts i would recomend the HLSC's from microphone madness. They can handle very loud sources without a battery box or preamp. (www.microphonemadness.com)

HLSC->R-09

gambra · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2007, 04:25:19 PM »

Hmm. Thats some good advice. At the minute the only thing holding me back is that the Edirol is about 120 euros more expensive..

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2007, 04:31:36 PM »

The iRiver H120 would fit your needs as well, and it can be found rather cheap on ebay. It also has supierior anaolg inputs over the microtrack... You wouldn't have to worry about Compact Flash cards either and have 20GB of space. Great for festivals.

gambra · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2007, 04:49:36 PM »

Quote from: Fred W III on June 20, 2007, 04:31:36 PM

The iRiver H120 would fit your needs as well, and it can be found rather cheap on ebay. It also has supierior anaolg inputs over the microtrack... You wouldn't have to worry about Compact Flash cards either and have 20GB of space. Great for festivals.

Would I need a battery box or something like that for the Mics though?

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2007, 05:35:49 PM »

no, the iriver has a mic-in with all the voltage you need....

gambra · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2007, 06:04:43 PM »

Cool thanks a million for info. Any other models like this? I can find only one iRiver of that model on ebay and they won't ship intl. Would a JB3 be the same kinda thing?

dunebug81 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2007, 06:13:16 PM »

So you'd rather spend hundreds of dollars/pounds on a new recorder rather then a few dollars/pounds on a 10 pack himds?

gambra · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2007, 06:18:56 PM »

I want to upgrade from the Hi-MD anyway. Its incredibly annoying with its limitations.

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #9 on:** June 20, 2007, 06:40:59 PM »

The JB3 has inferior analog inputs....

gambra · « **Reply #10 on:** June 20, 2007, 06:52:56 PM »

Hmm ok so. I'll stay on the look out for an iRiver H120

Dede2002 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2007, 08:31:08 PM »

Edirol R-09 all the way.

tenesejedd · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2007, 12:38:35 AM »

Quote from: Dede2002 on June 20, 2007, 08:31:08 PM

Edirol R-09 all the way.

totally agree. The extra money will yield far better results. I have the R-1 (the R-09's older brother), and I have had fantastic results. The R-09 is even better. Plus, the R-1 (and R-09) works on AA betteries where as the 24/96 has an internal battery that would either need to be recharged over the festival or you would have to have some sort of external battery pack.

just some more food for thought

Arni99 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 21, 2007, 04:39:33 AM »

yes, R-09 =>2 x 1.5V batteries(rechargeables) make about 5.5 hours =>which is almost a complete 4GB SD-HC cards 16bit 44,1khz recording time(max. 6h23min).
put 4 x 2 batteries in your bag and 4 x 4GB-SD(HC) cards and 22-24 hours of recording for a 3 day festival are no problem

.
I would also go for the HLSC->R09 ...already taped a great show with this setup last march in vienna in a small club.

taosmay · « **Reply #14 on:** June 23, 2007, 11:43:28 PM »

sorry, but can someone be more specific as to what exactly are HLSC mic's?

Dede2002 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2007, 09:23:25 AM »

Quote from: taosmay on June 23, 2007, 11:43:28 PM

sorry, but can someone be more specific as to what exactly are HLSC mic's?

Hi,

All you need to know just one click from you:

www.microphonemadness.com

Take care,

Arni99 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 24, 2007, 10:22:33 AM »

to be even more specific!

http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmhigsencars.htm

gambra · « **Reply #17 on:** June 24, 2007, 07:56:53 PM »

Ok, I'm planning on buying the Chiurch Audio St-9000 mic and pre-amp set with the better pre amp option. That a good set up? It'll be running into my newely purchased iRiver H120

Javier Cinakowski · « **Reply #18 on:** June 24, 2007, 10:49:52 PM »

Church Audio STC-11-> Church Audio ST9100-> iRiverH120

that is a nice rig. nice choices

gambra · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2007, 09:39:57 PM »

OK, can people adivse me to what settings I should put the mic/pre-amp set up at? These bands are LOUD (look below for ideas on just how loud) so take that into consideration..

Sunn O))) amp set up photo is attached..

gambra · « **Reply #20 on:** July 10, 2007, 02:37:40 PM »

Quote from: gambra on July 03, 2007, 09:39:57 PM

OK, can people adivse me to what settings I should put the mic/pre-amp set up at? These bands are LOUD (look below for ideas on just how loud) so take that into consideration..

Sunn O))) amp set up photo is attached..

Bumping this.. Same question for the iRiver too..