Topic: Record setup advices for Tascam DR-07 + SONY ECM-719

[Duconlajoie]

Hello Everybody,

Next week I'll use for the first time my Tascam DR-07. Before I used a MD. I will record a Heavy Metal show & will be as usual at 10/15 m to the barrier, right in the middle and mic at the collarbone.
I am reading threads here and elsewhere but often it's too technical for me, I haven't any technical skills. As the show is coming very soon I haven't much time to find all answers by myself and make tests so your help will be greatly appreciated.

I'll set the gain to low and power to ON as I don't use battery in the mic.

What about :
- 16bit 44.1kHz or 24bit 48kHz ? The second seems to be the better choice but some people had difficulties to "downsizing". I prefer to have the best sound and don't care if after it will ask me a lot of time or work to resample it.

- Low cut : should I use it? if yes which one 40, 80 or 120 Hz? I understand theoretically what it does but in practise don't see what it does.

- Level control : AUTO (loud and quiet sounds have the same level) or LMT (limit automatically the input gain to prevent distortion) and set the input level by the side wheel ?
Before with the MD I tried auto level but it didn't satisfy me. So I used manuel level record setting even if it's difficult to set. The mic level with the Sony mic is lower than the Tascam built-in mic.
I guess I should use the LMT setting and try to find the good input level. I read here, i think, that the highest sound should be at -12 dB. Am I right?

Any advices, on these points or others, are welcome. Thanks in advance to light my lantern.
Dudule

[zguy]

Hey - you can record at 24-bit/44.1 kHz. That way you don't have to downsample and you won't notice the 4 kHz difference. Low cut should be at 40 Hz. 120 Hz is way too high. Set your levels manually, you don't need the limiter - just keep peaks at -12 dB like you said. There's no need to set your levels higher because a metal show won't have any quiet moments. The volume will be fairly constant throughout. Have fun!

[pontiacb]

I use the Tascam DR-07 occasionally (I used it last night) and from memory the low cut only works for mic in, not line in, but guess from what  you say you will be going mic in so the low cut could be used.  With your mic, which I've also used in the past, I wouldn't think you'd need to worry about a low cut filter as there is not that much low frequency response in my experience from that Sony mic, but using 40Hz would do no harm.  Certainly dont use auto levels - manual is fine and you can afford to set your levels slightly conservatively low if you record 24 bit as suggested above .  Only problem I've found with the recorder in dark rooms is being able to read the screen when the light has gone off and check my levels, so be good to check your levels are about right during the support and get the level wheel in about the right place.  I'd always record at the best rate and downsample etc after - it really isnt an issue, just like everything first time takes a bit of working out.

Its a good recorder and hope you get some decent results - I  have also been pleasantly surprised at the quality of recordings with the internal mics.

[cd2go]

With your mic, which I've also used in the past, I wouldn't think you'd need to worry about a low cut filter as there is not that much low frequency response in my experience from that Sony mic

I would second this, BIG time. The frequency response on this mic is from 100 Hz - 15,000 kHz, so I would not touch any low cut, even with a metal show.

Its a good recorder and hope you get some decent results - I  have also been pleasantly surprised at the quality of recordings with the internal mics.

I have the DR-07 MKII and have also been really pleased with the internals, as well as the amazing battery life.

Good luck!

[Duconlajoie]

Ok guys, thanks for your help, I forget the low cut filter, put a tape on the wheel, make test on opening band, will survey on beginning of the show for level before put device on hold, think choose 24b 44.1khz for first try althouth I didn't notice any trouble hearing my tests on all different settings, will tell you some feedbacks
Thanks

[cd2go]

Just make sure to have the mic switch on "music", and if you are not using the battery on the mic, have it set to off and be sure to use the mic input on the recorder and turn on "plug-in power" on the deck.

[fmaderjr]

Its a good recorder and hope you get some decent results - I  have also been pleasantly surprised at the quality of recordings with the internal mics.

If your results are unsatisfactory it will probably be due to the mic's limitations. Even if you're satisfied with the results, I'd recommend saving up for something like CA-14 cardioid mics + battery box (or preamp) as soon as you can. You'll be amazed at the difference.