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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: pafnuzzi on May 03, 2010, 04:57:57 PM

Title: plug in power
Post by: pafnuzzi on May 03, 2010, 04:57:57 PM
Hello

Can anyone give a summary of all recorders ( I think there aren´t a lot of them 2 ore 3 maybe) that offer more than 3 Volt plug in power on mic in. Point is I want to avoid this bboxes in the future. I only know about the marantz pmd 620 that offers 5 Volt.

At the moment I have the pcm m10 and I´m very satisfied with except the voltage point. Does any off the new recorders that recently came out offer more plug in power???

Thanks for answers

pafnuzzi
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: Will_S on May 03, 2010, 05:14:18 PM
My iRiver H120 put out 3.8V.
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: guysonic on May 03, 2010, 08:54:39 PM
The other way to view desire for most compact 2-piece outfit is from a system perspective of mic model + deck model working together to allow a two piece package.
 
While some mics do work at lower <4 volt deck supplied mic power, performance is limited if mic really needs >5 volts powering to avoid distortions.  But most decks delivering 5 volts or higher mic power are either large, and/or have powering limitations of not running long or reliably on internal batteries needing external battery solutions, so do not work for most recordists as desired 2-piece outfit.

Since starting the mic business in 1986 using cassette portables, it soon became apparent with the advent of more power hungry DAT recorders that a 'system' of deck+mic knowledge from the sellers perspective is needed for mic customers to be fully satisfied with the performance and ease of use of the total recording system.  Even so, most mic manufacturers to NOT consider what mic buyers need to have for making a 'working' recording package.  And this is one of the main differences in how I do business at Sonic Studios offering specific mic+deck system advice for having everything work together as required for a customer's specific interests.

Having said this, consider one of the only low profile mic+deck recording outfits working without compromises of mic performance, or need for external mic or deck powering.

These systems are fully displayed using different models of deck with my DSM mics in my retail section thread at: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=83254.0;all

(http://www.sonicstudios.com/m10combo_small.jpg)

Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: fmaderjr on May 05, 2010, 06:35:49 AM
Both Microtrack models and the Marantz PMD 620 put out about 4.6 volts PIP.

I measured my Edirol R-09HR and Sony PCM-M10 at about 3.03 volts and (shockingly) my old Sharp MT-877 MiniDisc at 4.15. No wonder my mic in recordings with the Sharp generally sounded good (unless the sound pressure level was too high for my unmodded AT 853's).

I measured my Edirol R-09 at 2.5 volts and Sony MZ-RH1 at only 2.25 volts.
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: pafnuzzi on May 05, 2010, 06:50:34 AM
How is the quality of the internal preamp on the microtrack regarding self noise compared to 09hr or pcm m10?
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: sunjan on May 05, 2010, 07:17:56 AM
How is the quality of the internal preamp on the microtrack regarding self noise compared to 09hr or pcm m10?

Going mic-in on an MTII?! AFAIK, they have a less-than-stellar reputation. The 1/8" mic input is reasonable, but certainly not as good as the other recorders mentioned:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=106690.msg1436276#msg1436276
Use the search to compare with guysonic's other graphs.

In my book, I wouldn't compromise and go for a second-rate recorder based on the highest voltage.
Get one of these for $30 and you're rid of the problem!
(http://taperssection.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=119448.0;attach=92686;image)
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: pafnuzzi on May 05, 2010, 08:22:35 AM
Take a look at my signature ;D

I had a MM mint box that did not work and destructed a recording. I have the soundpro 12 Volt bbox which I´m going to send now for repair the second time within one year and also this box destructed an important recording. Ugly box is the best because so solid and easy setup. (Beside I take care on my gear like on my baby!!!) 

The point is you can believe me now or not but especially in recording classical music you hear a little difference between plug in power on pcm m10 or 9 volt box (anyway what 9 Volt box) but  when recording with the 12 Volt box you really hear a difference in the sound quality. The highs are clearer and the lower frequencies are rounder with 12 Volt powering the whole sound is directer. But surely I don´t want to use a box that did not work now for the second time...(while not using it a lot) do not trust it anymore :-\

So that´s the question plug in power - easy setup and secure but not the maximum you can get of your mics or 12 volt box and fear if it works today or not beside the frustration at home when listening to cracks...

A pity that chris church is not offering 12 Volt boxes. Would be a nice deal - Ugly 12 Volt power box ;D Only a thought....

Thanks for answering

pafnuzzi
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: willndmb on May 05, 2010, 08:43:11 AM
How is the quality of the internal preamp on the microtrack regarding self noise compared to 09hr or pcm m10?
i have gone analog in on the mt and found it to be fine, but i record mostly louder shows - if you are recording soft stuff then the noise might be more of an issue
i also have my mt for sale in the yard if you are interested - comes with battery pack, tmic, memory
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: rastasean on May 05, 2010, 04:53:42 PM
Both Microtrack models and the Marantz PMD 620 put out about 4.6 volts PIP.

I measured my Edirol R-09HR and Sony PCM-M10 at about 3.03 volts and (shockingly) my old Sharp MT-877 MiniDisc at 4.15. No wonder my mic in recordings with the Sharp generally sounded good (unless the sound pressure level was too high for my unmodded AT 853's).

I measured my Edirol R-09 at 2.5 volts and Sony MZ-RH1 at only 2.25 volts.

how did you do the measurements?
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: fmaderjr on May 12, 2010, 10:56:15 AM
Both Microtrack models and the Marantz PMD 620 put out about 4.6 volts PIP.

I measured my Edirol R-09HR and Sony PCM-M10 at about 3.03 volts and (shockingly) my old Sharp MT-877 MiniDisc at 4.15. No wonder my mic in recordings with the Sharp generally sounded good (unless the sound pressure level was too high for my unmodded AT 853's).

I measured my Edirol R-09 at 2.5 volts and Sony MZ-RH1 at only 2.25 volts.

how did you do the measurements?

Put a 1/8 to 1/8 cable in the mic in jack. Set a multi-meter to test voltage. Put recorder in record-pause. Touched one of the leads to the tip of the 1/8 cable coming out of the recorder and the other to the barrel (the part between the 2 black bands).
Title: Re: plug in power
Post by: guysonic on May 12, 2010, 11:10:42 AM
Of course, measuring an open plug's voltage only gives unloaded (no mic attached) maximum available for mic powering.

Internal deck series current limiting resistor will lower this open circuit voltage depending on mic current that varies with mic being used.