Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: P-Man on July 10, 2007, 06:55:40 PM
-
I just RockBoxed my iRiver H120 and need help determining the appropriate settings for recording. On Friday I'm going to a concert and it'll probably be quite loud. What would you recommend?
Also, how long can I record for on an iRiver H120 with an empty HD and recording in wav?
-
2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours.
Test the H120! Some used ones have issues with bad sectors on the drive. Record for a decent length (like an hour) and see if it transfers....and play the file in the computer.
Use the AGC if you plan to record analog in. search AGC here or go the RB manual to learn how to use it. And it is ALWAYS LINE-IN (not MIC-IN) when using external mics. You choose MIC-IN and you will use the lo-quality mono on-board mic THINKING you used your nice outboard mics....gets the novice everytime!
-
2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours.
Doesn't Rockbox seamlessly create a new file to record longer than that?
-
2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours.
Test the H120! Some used ones have issues with bad sectors on the drive. Record for a decent length (like an hour) and see if it transfers....and play the file in the computer.
Use the AGC if you plan to record analog in. search AGC here or go the RB manual to learn how to use it. And it is ALWAYS LINE-IN (not MIC-IN) when using external mics. You choose MIC-IN and you will use the lo-quality mono on-board mic THINKING you used your nice outboard mics....gets the novice everytime!
By line-in you mean optical line-in right?
"2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours."
Explain please.
-
"2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours."
Explain please.
HD formatted in FAT32, the max file size running on any OS is 2GB.
I really suggest you check your drive before setting out or you may be in for a major let-down. A dry run with your mics for an hour or so and then a transfer to the computer so see if you can actually open the transferred file is the simplest way to test it.
Doesn't Rockbox seamlessly create a new file to record longer than that?
Yes it does, you have to set it to start a new file when it closes the 2GB file. This is done in recording settings > file split options. So in theory, a 20GB H120 will record for over 30 hours straight (in 2GB increments).
By line-in you mean optical line-in right?
it is a dual function jack, analog-in (LINE IN), or digital-in (DIGITAL). The function is determined by the setting in source under the recording settings menu. AGC (Automatic Gain Control) is not functional in DIGITAL mode. If you are running a mic>batt box>H120 set up, DO NOT RUN MIC under source!. You have been warned.
I suggest you read the manual. It is full of information, leave it near the toilet and bookmark the recording chapter if you have no time to do it.
If you want to get something a bit more condensed for recording including an updated instructions on the AGC, a regular poster - whataboutbob, has taken the time to assemble a quick reference guide:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.html
'Learn it. Know it. Live it.' - Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold) to the stoner-bud crew in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
-
"2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours."
Explain please.
HD formatted in FAT32, the max file size running on any OS is 2GB.
I really suggest you check your drive before setting out or you may be in for a major let-down. A dry run with your mics for an hour or so and then a transfer to the computer so see if you can actually open the transferred file is the simplest way to test it.
Doesn't Rockbox seamlessly create a new file to record longer than that?
Yes it does, you have to set it to start a new file when it closes the 2GB file. This is done in recording settings > file split options. So in theory, a 20GB H120 will record for over 30 hours straight (in 2GB increments).
By line-in you mean optical line-in right?
it is a dual function jack, analog-in (LINE IN), or digital-in (DIGITAL). The function is determined by the setting in source under the recording settings menu. AGC (Automatic Gain Control) is not functional in DIGITAL mode. If you are running a mic>batt box>H120 set up, DO NOT RUN MIC under source!. You have been warned.
I suggest you read the manual. It is full of information, leave it near the toilet and bookmark the recording chapter if you have no time to do it.
If you want to get something a bit more condensed for recording including an updated instructions on the AGC, a regular poster - whataboutbob, has taken the time to assemble a quick reference guide:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.html
'Learn it. Know it. Live it.' - Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold) to the stoner-bud crew in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Ok, so if I auto split, I won't lose audio?
There's 6 bands, so if I start at the beginning, it should be fine, no need to start & stop after each?
Sorry for being a n00b, but can you just tell me what I need to set please. Do I want analog or digital? AGC? How/where do I change? What db/gain/volume?
If I run and no go, then what?
Thanks,
Paul
-
There's 6 bands, so if I start at the beginning, it should be fine, no need to start & stop after each?
If your batter lasts. Stopping between bands and conserving your batteries will provide longer run-time.
Sorry for being a n00b, but can you just tell me what I need to set please.
We were all newbies at some point, no need to apologize. Spoon-feeding won't help for long, and won't help if something goes wrong. Spend some time experimenting, learning what the settings do, which to use, and where to find them.
Do I want analog or digital? AGC?
Shaggy already provided these answers.
How/where do I change?
Have you read the documentation? Tried navigating the menu structure to see what's in there? You should become familiar with all the options on your recorder, whether you use them all or not. Spend some time reading the documentation and learning the menu structure - it'll pay off in the end.
If I run and no go, then what?
Then you need to figure out what went wrong - all the more reason to familiarize yourself with all of the above. Test everything out at home to make sure it works and you're less likely to encounter a "no go".
-
I really suggest you check your drive before setting out or you may be in for a major let-down. A dry run with your mics for an hour or so and then a transfer to the computer so see if you can actually open the transferred file is the simplest way to test it.
Recording for an hour would only verify if there are bad sectors on that specific chunk of HD that you're recording to.
The best thing to do with your new iRiver is to run chkdsk in DOS, and scan the entire disk (free space as well). The report it generates at the end will inform you of any bad sectors.
By the way, I just picked up another ihp-120 from seller "roadpal" on ebay. Looks brand new, no bad sectors. Highly recommended.
-
2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours.
Yes it does, you have to set it to start a new file when it closes the 2GB file.
shaggy please stop talking nonsense! T-
P-Man: Rockbox will automatically start a new file once the current file reaches 2GB, you don't have to set anything special for this. It will not drop a single sample so you can glue them back together. No limits!
You can force it to start a new file while recording by hand or automatically.
Please read the manual: http://www.rockbox.org/manual.shtml (http://www.rockbox.org/manual.shtml)
Please read the FAQ: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.html (http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.html)
have fun!
Peter
-
So how long, if recording wav at 44.1, will my battery last? I really want to record the last 3, but the others would be nice too.
Do I have to set it to auto start a new file or no? ???
I've never used chkdsk or DOS before, how do I do that?
What "volume" level should I set? If I'm using analog/AGC, I don't need to set a gain setting?
I'm looking at this screen:
(http://download.rockbox.org/manual/rockbox-h100/main_menu/images/ss-while-recording-screen-160x128x2.png)
-
So how long, if recording wav at 44.1, will my battery last? I really want to record the last 3, but the others would be nice too.
Do I have to set it to auto start a new file or no? ???
I've never used chkdsk or DOS before, how do I do that?
What "volume" level should I set? If I'm using analog/AGC, I don't need to set a gain setting?
I'm looking at this screen:
(http://download.rockbox.org/manual/rockbox-h100/main_menu/images/ss-while-recording-screen-160x128x2.png)
1. Based on that screen shot, you need to lower your AGC Safety clip below 24db so it stays within the analog stage. Avoid going over 24db as it will then jump into the digital stage and well, it aint gonna sound pretty.
2. What kind of battery box/preamp and mics do you own?
3. Can't tell you what kind of battery life you have in your unit, I get about 8-10 hrs of recording time and 16hrs of mp3 playback. You really should let the unit record continously until the battery dies and see how much it recorded, that would be a good indicator for battery life.
Read the faq's Petur provided to answer your questions, you really should make sure you understand how rockbox functions before going out. Get familiar with it.
-
read carefully ;)
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.html
-[081] Recording Settings
your recording screen tells me you are USING "digital-in" instead of "line-in"(for external mic).
change that to "line-in", so you see left AND right gain levelmeters on your screen.
-set them both to +20dB or +15dB before the concert starts and
-set "AGC-max" to +24.0dB and
-for AGC choose "AGC-safety"
the "volume" dB figure:
it´s the output signal(headphones/line-out) and has nothing to do with recording level etc. so please don´t pay attention to this setting for recording ;).
-
1. Based on that screen shot, you need to lower your AGC Safety clip below 24db so it stays within the analog stage. Avoid going over 24db as it will then jump into the digital stage and well, it aint gonna sound pretty.
so, while I'm on my mission to correct posts.... ;)
That AGC Safety Clip level is of no importance at all because AGC Safety will never increase gain anyway... So don't look at it :)
-
That AGC Safety Clip level is of no importance at all because AGC Safety will never increase gain anyway... So don't look at it :)
Petur,
I don't record analog into the iRiver, and could just find this out myself, but: If you set the Safety Clip Level @ 24db would that not make it so you couldn't accidentally set your actual gain setting above 24db?
(The real reason I posted was to see if you would address Chris Church's question about gain over on the Team iRiver thread. +T in 12)
-
gloco-I own Church Audio battery box and mics.
Can I preset all of my recording settings so I just have to press record?
Should I use prerecord?
-
I don't record analog into the iRiver, and could just find this out myself, but: If you set the Safety Clip Level @ 24db would that not make it so you couldn't accidentally set your actual gain setting above 24db?
Yes, that is of course true... point taken ;)
(The real reason I posted was to see if you would address Chris Church's question about gain over on the Team iRiver thread. +T in 12)
I'm already on my way ;)
Can you point me where that is?
nevermind....
-
...How hot can you run the 120 without clipping? I have been experimenting with he analog in and it seems like it can handle a fair amoount of heat. I haven't had a chance to use it" in the field" yet.
-
gloco-I own Church Audio battery box and mics.
Can I preset all of my recording settings so I just have to press record?
Should I use prerecord?
Here's what I do:
At home before show, I set the iriver to boot to recording screen at startup.
Then set to record to wav / 44.1, line in. AGC MAX to 24 and gain setting to 20. Make sure safety-clip is set for AGC mode.
Then save configuration and reboot twice. Once to save settings and once to check I got it all right.
Then at the club start up to rec screen with gain set to 20 automatically, press record or play and enjoy.
I have run a h320 no optical capibility, so that is an extra step for you also.
-
So is prerecord useful or no?
-
Yes, pre-record is useful. Set it at 30 seconds.
-
It is my understanding that pre-record stores the information in the RAM. Once you hit record it will write the stored information to the disc. I have not used the function much, but the one time that the band quickly comes on stage and starts into a song without tuning I will wish I had. Almost a no-brainer now that I think about it ;D
-
Realistically, how many hours recording on an iRiver H120 could someone get in a day with no charge (presuming the battery is full)? I don't really want to have to wander around the venue looking for a plug ;D
-
Realistically, how many hours recording on an iRiver H120 could someone get in a day with no charge (presuming the battery is full)? I don't really want to have to wander around the venue looking for a plug ;D
Put a fresh 2200 mah battery inside and you should be able to get 10-12 hours. If your running the stock 1300 mah battery it is going to depend on the age & number of times it has been charged (think 4-6 hours).
-
Realistically, how many hours recording on an iRiver H120 could someone get in a day with no charge (presuming the battery is full)? I don't really want to have to wander around the venue looking for a plug ;D
Put a fresh 2200 mah battery inside and you should be able to get 10-12 hours. If your running the stock 1300 mah battery it is going to depend on the age & number of times it has been charged (think 4-6 hours).
Dang. The iRiver I just got was second hand but well looked after. I could prob get away without charging it the first day of the festival anyway.. Thanks for the info though. If I wanted a new battery, what'd be the best way to search for them on ebay?
-
gloco-I own Church Audio battery box and mics.
Can I preset all of my recording settings so I just have to press record?
Should I use prerecord?
Here's what I do:
At home before show, I set the iriver to boot to recording screen at startup.
Then set to record to wav / 44.1, line in. AGC MAX to 24 and gain setting to 20. Make sure safety-clip is set for AGC mode.
Then save configuration and reboot twice. Once to save settings and once to check I got it all right.
Then at the club start up to rec screen with gain set to 20 automatically, press record or play and enjoy.
I have run a h320 no optical capibility, so that is an extra step for you also.
What should Safety Clip be on? 0dB? I can't seem to get my 120 to keep the settings.
-
If I wanted a new battery, what'd be the best way to search for them on ebay?
Search for a 2200mah battery for the 1st & 2nd generation iPods. You can pick one up for around $15. Before you install it in your iRiver make sure to reverse the polarity (switch the red & black wires on the molex connector that plugs into the iRiver's motherboard). Check out the FAQ thread for more info.
-
gloco-I own Church Audio battery box and mics.
Can I preset all of my recording settings so I just have to press record?
Should I use prerecord?
Here's what I do:
At home before show, I set the iriver to boot to recording screen at startup.
Then set to record to wav / 44.1, line in. AGC MAX to 24 and gain setting to 20. Make sure safety-clip is set for AGC mode.
Then save configuration and reboot twice. Once to save settings and once to check I got it all right.
Then at the club start up to rec screen with gain set to 20 automatically, press record or play and enjoy.
I have run a h320 no optical capibility, so that is an extra step for you also.
What should Safety Clip be on? 0dB? I can't seem to get my 120 to keep the settings.
Did you start the player twice? Some settings don't seem to take until restarted again....
-
Search for a 2200mah battery for the 1st & 2nd generation iPods. You can pick one up for around $15. Before you install it in your iRiver make sure to reverse the polarity (switch the red & black wires on the molex connector that plugs into the iRiver's motherboard). Check out the FAQ thread for more info.
A small warning regarding those cheap ipod batteries: I recently had my h340 almost killed by one. It had inflated and was leaking fluid.
It may have been just my bad luck of course...
If possible, find one that explicitly mentions iriver h1x0/h3x0 or just cross your fingers.
-
Did you start the player twice? Some settings don't seem to take until restarted again....
saving + restarting 2x doesn't seem to do it for my iHP120 though..i can't get my recording settings saved.
how to...?
thank's
kuuan
edit: got my settings saved now!
I wonder though...
to 'save' the settings - before restarting - usually one simply must push the middle 'go up' resp. 'turn off' button, yes?
If I remember right I did that when my savings, after 2x rebooot, turned out not to be saved, and the settings did get saved when I first, before reboot, once pushed the A/B button....?
-
1) to get settings accepted, you must press navi on the setting, using only 'left' will back out again without changing (just thought I should mention it)
2) unless you're running an older build, settings get written to disk the moment the disk spins up, a disk spinup is forced on shutdown if settings are pending. There used to be a bug in there, so use the most recent build you find....
3) if you're unsure, you can view/edit the config file: .rockbox/config.cfg all the settings have names that can be understood easily. You can make .cfg files that only contain settings you want changed and save those files in some place. Running them will load those changes (this is a nice way to quick-switch between setups)
if you're still having issues, let me know....
-
thank's a lot Petur for your reply!
1) to get settings accepted, you must press navi on the setting, using only 'left' will back out again without changing (just thought I should mention it)
thank's for mentioning, I had pressed the navi button ( that is, if the Navi button is the centre button of my cursor..I use the H120, not H3xx as you do ) But I just tried again, if I simply turn it off ( after choosing settings + 1x navi button ) rebooting once or twice the settings will not be saved. If, after setting + pushing Navi button I once also push the A/B button and reboot then the settings are saved!
2) unless you're running an older build, settings get written to disk the moment the disk spins up, a disk spinup is forced on shutdown if settings are pending. There used to be a bug in there, so use the most recent build you find....
the version info appears on startup for such a short time, but I believe I made it out to be: 07/01/02 - 0747
BTW, how to view the version other then during start up?
3) if you're unsure, you can view/edit the config file: .rockbox/config.cfg all the settings have names that can be understood easily. You can make .cfg files that only contain settings you want changed and save those files in some place. Running them will load those changes (this is a nice way to quick-switch between setups))
So I can save various custom settings and then fast access them? - This is VERY good indeed. In my version I found 'write .cfg file' at the 'manage settings' ( not inside .rockbox ), succeeded in putting a name for my file but could not get it saved...so..after writing a name, how to save it? ( sorry, but I never have learned to navigate the more advanced options of rockbox yet..)
if you're still having issues, let me know....
thank you very much for the offer Petur, I just did....
best regards ( and T+ )
kuuan
-
have got it now:
At 'manage settings>write .cfg files', push the 'play' button to save the current settings as a .cfg file which then can be seen under 'manage settings>browse .cfg files' as config01.cfg file
Connectd the player to the PC and rename the file to your liking, set other presets with their respective names in the same fashion.
To load the saved settings choose your set at 'mange settings>browse .cfg files pushing the enter/navi button.
BTW, do you know if there is a way to rename the files right on the H120 without having to connect to the PC?
( Petur I just edited this post while your answer arrived, I hope you don't mind )
thank's
kuuan
-
heh, I actually do this rarely on the device itself. The cfg files are really simple text files, do I copy and edit on the PC ;)
on my h340:
- rec = backspace
- arrows = move around on keyboard
- navi = put character
- play = accept
when writing, is should briefly show a splash that the settings were written.
It should really be saved in /.rockbox - I just tried myself here.... You can then edit the file on pc and only keep the relevant lines, the names should be fairly obvious, but I can always look up and list them here if required
-
thank's petur, I kind'a got it figured out now ( had edited my last post describing my failure to reporting the success while you wrote your answer )
had refered to the manual for further help, found under: 'advanced topics 10.3.2: Specifications for .cfg files', see: http://download.rockbox.org/manual/rockbox-h100/rockbox-buildch10.html#x13-20700010
thank you so much,
kuuan
-
BTW, do you know if there is a way to rename the files right on the H120 without having to connect to the PC?
got that figued out now:
in 'write .cfg file' push the rec. button, that deletes letters of the file name starting at the end of it where the cursor is at ( I did not figure out yet how to simply return the cursor to the left to change the filename without loosing the already written .cfg )
then 'write' your file name of choice ending in .cfg
push the play button to save
access you preset configurations in 'browse .cfg files'
cheers,
kuuan
-
Something I've wondered about. The old .cfg files used to be really long and covered many settings. The .cfg file for the lastest REP version of Rockbox for iHP-1xx are very short. Why is that? Would there be a problem write the longer .cfg files, now?
-
I'd have to check to be 100% sure but I think the current code only writes the settings that are different from default...
-
I'd have to check to be 100% sure but I think the current code only writes the settings that are different from default...
Ah... that's probably it. +T, petur!
-
So is it PCM Wav I want?
-
So is it PCM Wav I want?
Yes
-
2GB file limit in FAT32 formatted discs, and at WAV at 44.1 it will be a bit more than 3 hours.
Yes it does, you have to set it to start a new file when it closes the 2GB file.
shaggy please stop talking nonsense! T-
Ouch, that smarts....a negative T from Petur!
With all due respect, Petur, I would stop talkin' non-sense if I were speaking nonsense but it says right here in the rockbox archive:
The file size limit for recording in Rockbox will be 2 GB per file. (This is a limitation imposed by the FAT32 file system.)
With the start new file feature engaged, it will do continuous 2GB files one right after another, so I am not sure about the 'nonsense' I was spouting.
No hard feelings, eh? I feel a little sensitive as I have made a few RB developers mad with some comments on the RB forums and misticriver forums. I certainly appreciate all that you and others have done to provide a wonderful 16bit bucket and all in one solution for the taping community.
SO, +T to YA!
-
With all due respect, Petur, I would stop talkin' non-sense if I were speaking nonsense but it says right here in the rockbox archive:
The file size limit for recording in Rockbox will be 2 GB per file. (This is a limitation imposed by the FAT32 file system.)
With the start new file feature engaged, it will do continuous 2GB files one right after another, so I am not sure about the 'nonsense' I was spouting.
The line in italics is correct, there is a file size limit of 2GB (but file size limit != recording size limit)
Where did you find the line after that (With the start new file feature engaged...)? Because that is what I was refering to as nonsense: there's no such 'feature' to start a new file, it is always done automatically....
Anyway, I shall give you your ticket back ;)
-
Well, I just said ouch because I can rub people (with my cluelessness) the wrong way....I just didn't expect it to be you! So, it will start a new file no matter what? I thought there was some setting that needed to be engaged for a new file to be started once the file limit was reached?
Seriously Petur, you have no idea how big of a rockbox fan I am. It has saved me from taking the plunge into all-in-one box land and spending a fortune on that rather than on mic capsules!
-
Yes, it will always start a new file automatically no matter what except if the disk is full of course
There are settings to change this behaviour:
- triggering: you can have rockbox start/stop recording based on a certain input level
- filesplit options: you can have rockbox start a new file based on filesize or time
but in the end, if it reaches 2GB it starts a new file anyway...
-
Ok, so the volume doesn't matter? (mine's currently at -25db)
My AGC Safety says 4db even though I set it for 24db...?
-
As long as this rockbox segment is fired up again, when i am searching around rockbox, i am having a little difficulty locating the REP for the H3XX, maybe i am overlooking it but any help would be great.
-
Ok, so the volume doesn't matter? (mine's currently at -25db)
My AGC Safety says 4db even though I set it for 24db...?
Volume doesn't affect the recording at all, only gain does.
You will notice that the gain displayed (max. gain?) by the AGC Safety line will fluctuate depending on what you set your gain to. I thought that there was a way to set it to a fixed value, but with the recent testing I've been doing I noticed that it just fluctuates, dependent on the gain setting your using at the time. I'm trying to better understand this function at the moment as well.
All of the negative comments about tapers using AGC on recorders go out the window with AGC Safety. All it is going to do is keep you from clipping if you set your initial gain too aggressively. It would have been nice if my old pcm-m1 had the AGC Safety feature instead of the useless AGC that it came with (useless for live recording, that is).
-
Well, I just said ouch because I can rub people (with my cluelessness) the wrong way....I just didn't expect it to be you! So, it will start a new file no matter what? I thought there was some setting that needed to be engaged for a new file to be started once the file limit was reached?
Seriously Petur, you have no idea how big of a rockbox fan I am. It has saved me from taking the plunge into all-in-one box land and spending a fortune on that rather than on mic capsules!
Shaggy-
I've been guilty of the same thing on probably more than one occassion (trying to shed a little light to someone asking about a feature of the Rockboxed iRiver and mispeaking on the issue). I can understand how frustrating it must be for the developers when they see misinformation, but I also believe that Petur knows the appreciation and passion that many of us share for the Rockboxed iRiver. +T's all around ;D
-
;D
don't rub it to hard the other way too ;)
Maybe I've been a bit too hard this week, it's been kinda busy :)
But you guys converted me to a taper and I'm loving it - recording every gig I go to...
more tickets? ;)
-
On the AGC issue:
Arni99's post on this thread: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,85618.msg1140063.html#new (http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,85618.msg1140063.html#new) clears things up.
I just need to see if the 'AGC Max setting' is only a function of the REP, or is in the standard build. I don't remember having the option of setting the max gain setting on the standard build I was using the other night, but I may be wrong.
-
It's on the standard build aswell, I have 25.april.2007 build in one unit and it has it.
-
P-Man: I'm pretty sure all of the questions you have asked thus far are addressed in the FAQ. Honestly, as several others have already suggested in this thread, please read it: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73139.0.htm
By continuing to ask questions that are already addressed in the FAQ, you are implying that your time is in fact more valuable than ours.
-
Sorry dude. I did read that actually. I didn't understand it all so I asked for clarification and help. Relax.
I taped my show last night and the volume on the recording is low. Is there a way to make it louder next time? I set left and right gain to 20db.
-
Sorry dude. I did read that actually. I didn't understand it all so I asked for clarification and help. Relax.
I taped my show last night and the volume on the recording is low. Is there a way to make it louder next time? I set left and right gain to 20db.
Is this a trick question ???
-
No, I was just wondering if there was a way to make it louder while recording. Do I just have to do post editing?
-
You can make the recording louder, by rising the gain to a value over 20db.
-
... but setting gain above 20dB will also introduce more noise.
So if you find yourself with low volume recordings at +20dB, you should consider getting more sensitive mics and/otr a mic-amp
-
Would setting gain at 15 be better, then amplify after?
-
no you can still use the iriver gain, but after 24dB it will use the decimator to increase gain (digital gain).
However, this is not that bad since the decimator uses the 24bit signal from the ADC, and the actual recording is 16bit, so in theory this is better than post-processing.
The issue at hand is that the signal becomes noisy because of all these amplifications, which is why I made the above suggestions.
So if you're not going for better mics or a mic-amp, increase gain on the iriver....
-
I own Church Audio mics and battery box. I need more than this?
-
I own Church Audio mics and battery box. I need more than this?
Do any of us need any of the gear we have? ;)
What you have is fine for recording live music. Whether or not you are satisfied with the end result is all up to your own ears.
-
I own Church Audio mics and battery box. I need more than this?
Well if your recording volume is still too low, an extra amplifier could help.... I myself have an ST-9100 from Chris.
It really all depends on what you are trying to record. I had the opposite problems (too loud) and had to buy another pair of mics that was less sensitive.
-
With the batter box alone you should be able to handle some loud situations using the CA mics. A battery box does not amplify the signal coming into the mics. That's why if you try to record anything soft with no preamp the levels will be very low. If you are going to record anything acoustic you will need a good preamp. I'll brag on the SP preamp I have only because I've used it and know how well it works, but I do want a CA preamp eventually.
-
amplify or normalize your "silent" recording in post.
of course +20dB gain result in a louder recording than +15dB, but i guess AGC-safety will decrease levels anyway (to avoid clipping) unless you are taping some acoustical stuff.
using church cards or similar low-sens modded mics might NOT result in decreased levels by AGC-safety as no clipping might occur.