Topic: Should I buy a JB3 or.....

[poorlyconditioned]

i had trouble getting the jb3 levels, via analog in, anywhere near what the dat put out when i tried this same thing with dat vs jb3.

the iriver seems to be about the same as dat...

you have to admit, getting a good line level analog signal with no external pre through the jb3 is alot harder than the d100 or m1....


gemini ikey?
sounds interesting...

I agree, the NJB3 needs a full-strenght line level signal, and you're not going to get that with mics alone unless it is really loud and your mics are really "hot".

Some other devices, like MD, appear to have a good deal of gain on the line in input.  I'm not sure how much, maybe +/- 12 or even 20dB.  With hot mics (Panasonic WM61, AT853, etc) and moderate volume it is often enough to get to -12dB on the peaks, an ideal recording level.  And, you avoid the mic pre, which is great.  I don't have personal experience with the iRiver, but my guess is that it has some "line" gain, like the MD.  This appears to be built right into the ADC/encoder chip.  I just think some companies don't use/enable it.

  Richard

[cpatch]

IF you're going to go analog-in anyway, and IF you already have a portable USB hard drive (or iPod or most other MP3 players), and IF you're not going to spend more than $200, the Gemini iKey might be worth considering for $110.  Mine should be delivered today, and by the weekend I plan to have tested the battery life with NiMH's and put the A/D converter to the test.  I'll post a report here if there's any interest.

Gemini also just announced the iKey Plus at NAMM:

- Front LEDs double as VU meter
- Line/phono/mic inputs
- Headphone jack for monitoring
- $280 retail

No details on their site yet, no ship date.

Craig