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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: Popmarter on November 20, 2011, 10:01:54 AM

Title: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Popmarter on November 20, 2011, 10:01:54 AM
Just got an R-44 and connected it with the current mics I have.

AT 831 cards > JKlabs batterybox with 3 gain settings > out to Edirol R-44 Mic-in with Jacks (Phantom OFF).

I want to record my next gig with this setup. The mics are powered by the 9v in the box and, as mentioned the phantom has to stay OFF to prevent the mics being overloaded. The batterybox is set to gain 2 (from 3).

Recordmode is: Stereo x 1

Now, i tried recording some noise from the stereospeakers and I played with adding some gain (SENS) in the Edirol. Any clue on what SENS-setting I have to use for a regular indie rock show in a small hall? (+4, -2?).

I see no reason why this is not gonna work, do you? Any suggstions? I will tape off the phantom power switch to avoid accidental movement.
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: T-90 on November 20, 2011, 01:04:17 PM
That will work fine....have the inner knobs on the r44 at 12 o'clock and adjust the outer gain knobs as necessary to achive solid levels
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Fried Chicken Boy on November 20, 2011, 03:58:34 PM
That will work fine....have the inner knobs on the r44 at 12 o'clock and adjust the outer gain knobs as necessary to achive solid levels

What T-90 said.

The only thing that would make me nervous is accidentally turning on the phantom power but you're already aware of the consequences of doing that.  If you have the time, money and want a fool-proof device, I strongly recommend getting a PFA from Jon at Naiant (http://naiant.com/naiant/inlinedevices.html) (mshilarious on these boards).  It will safely step down 48v phantom to the 9v that the AT831's can use so you won't have to use the battery box or worry about accidentally frying your mics.
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Popmarter on November 21, 2011, 08:08:49 AM
That will work fine....have the inner knobs on the r44 at 12 o'clock and adjust the outer gain knobs as necessary to achive solid levels

What T-90 said.

The only thing that would make me nervous is accidentally turning on the phantom power but you're already aware of the consequences of doing that.  If you have the time, money and want a fool-proof device, I strongly recommend getting a PFA from Jon at Naiant (http://naiant.com/naiant/inlinedevices.html) (mshilarious on these boards).  It will safely step down 48v phantom to the 9v that the AT831's can use so you won't have to use the battery box or worry about accidentally frying your mics.

Thanks for pointing at that, I am aware of it but have not found the time to order yet. I will do that.
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: T-90 on November 21, 2011, 11:38:35 AM
yeah im also gonna get a set of these made soon, fewer batteries and cables is always nice  :)
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Popmarter on November 21, 2011, 02:08:57 PM
One question I forgot, the cables from the batterybox to the Edirol IN are 2 jacks with Phone plug (unbalanced).

The manual says TRS phone plug (balanced) can be use to, but I don't know the difference.  Does it matter?
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Fried Chicken Boy on November 21, 2011, 02:38:00 PM
Not sure what you mean by an 'unbalanced phone plug' and I can't tell from the picture you have above.  Do you have a photo of the connectors on the cable you're using?

To answer your question, though, I don't think you'll have an issue using an unbalanced cable to go from the battery box to the R-44.  But someone with better knowledge on the subject could chime in with more information than I can.
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: hi and lo on November 21, 2011, 02:50:15 PM
That just means it's in a stereo mini configuration (Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = Ground). Running into the R-44's TRS 1/4" inputs is rather trivial; you just need an appropriate adapter.

Did Jon build this w/o DC blocking caps? I know that the DVC-II was often built w/o them and one needs be extremely careful when plugging into a mixer/recorder that has the ability to provide p48. If this is the case, I would not recommend using the combination at all; it only takes one mishap to accidentally engage phantom power. Best to use a recorder that does not have voltage potential on the line input.
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: kirk97132 on November 21, 2011, 04:31:11 PM
To Hi and Lo....you wouldn't want to run the Mini Plug into a single 1/4" TRS jack.  Which is what it seems like you meant in your post.   But if you meant by the right adapter taking the single mini jack to two(2) 1/4" plugs then that is correct.  Running a mono(TS tip & sleeve) plug into the R-44's TRS(tip, ring & sleeve) jack is fine.  BUT, you just can't adapt a single 1/8" mini trs style plug to a single 1/4" TRS plug.  The TRS is used as a balanced connection(same as XLR) but it is NOT a stereo input like this:(Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = Ground).   
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Popmarter on November 22, 2011, 01:33:45 PM
Here, a new pictures of the two phone jacks.
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: kirk97132 on November 22, 2011, 06:06:45 PM
they will work plugged into the R-44's TRS jacks
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: rowjimmytour on November 22, 2011, 06:15:47 PM
One question I forgot, the cables from the batterybox to the Edirol IN are 2 jacks with Phone plug (unbalanced).

The manual says TRS phone plug (balanced) can be use to, but I don't know the difference.  Does it matter?
No problem w/ sound or device when I used my R4 w/ trs plugs from SDB.  ;D
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Popmarter on February 03, 2012, 03:47:29 PM
Like suggested, I got me a PFA from Naiant (Jon) last month, http://www.naiant.com/images/480_PFA_480.JPG (http://www.naiant.com/images/480_PFA_480.JPG) and recorded 2 shows already. Works brilliant, and beautiful sound. (here is one: http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=390772).

Thanks! ;D

Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Fried Chicken Boy on February 04, 2012, 11:49:52 PM
Snatched your E&TB show off Dime; sounds really nice.  Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Edirol R-44 in use with batterybox / AT831
Post by: Popmarter on February 05, 2012, 12:42:08 PM
Great, thanks! ;D