Topic: replacing gear for radio interviews - need advice

[kf]

My biggest concern is the quality of the pres... both in range and noise.  Interviewing quiet people forces me to raise the pre level to where it introduces some hiss... even with our condenser headset mic (Shure WH30).  If the person is really quiet, I have to crank the pre all the way up.  I use some software to dehiss the recording as necessary, but I'd really like to start with good clean signal.  That's the goal for our next rig.  So, how does the Fostex or others stack up considering our needs?  I'm curious.  Are your journalist friends using the audio for broadcast?

Still wondering:
When using a line level out of the MM-1, will all the top flash recorders provide the same results?  (I'm assuming the recorder pres are bypassed here)
Are there liabilities in using recorder pres along with the MM-1?

Thanks

[Unitmonster]

My biggest concern is the quality of the pres... both in range and noise.  Interviewing quiet people forces me to raise the pre level to where it introduces some hiss... even with our condenser headset mic (Shure WH30).  If the person is really quiet, I have to crank the pre all the way up.  I use some software to dehiss the recording as necessary, but I'd really like to start with good clean signal.  That's the goal for our next rig.  So, how does the Fostex or others stack up considering our needs?  I'm curious.  Are your journalist friends using the audio for broadcast?

Still wondering:
When using a line level out of the MM-1, will all the top flash recorders provide the same results?  (I'm assuming the recorder pres are bypassed here)
Are there liabilities in using recorder pres along with the MM-1?

Thanks

Yes, they're using the recordings for broadcast.  I'm inclined to think you'll be ok but here is a website with detailed info on noise for all major field recorders (including sound samples).  http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

I recall reading that the FR2-LE is only margainally noisier than the SD722 (at a fraction of the cost). It also has the advantage of trim pots which will help with the range I'd think. Also worth re-iterating that they can be modded by Busman here on this board (I have the Transparent mod unit he does) to further improve the sound, though I honestly don't think it'd be needed.

As to the pairing of recorder pres with the MM-1 I'm afraid I can't help you there, but I'm sure that someone more familiar with the MM1 could chime in. 

Edit to add:  There is a sample comparison of the FR2-LE and an Edirol R-44 recording dead air at max volume here:  http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,106932.msg1432992.html#msg1432992    would give you some idea of the noise for the unit.

[digifish_music]

Thanks for the info.  On this particular recorder (R-09HR), how much of a liability is there using the stereo mini connection into the recorder?  I'm used to XLR connections and like the solid connectivity of them.  Does the mini connector fit tightly in the jack?  How do you safeguard your connections while recording?

Got a couple more technical questions:

When using a line level out of the MM-1, will all the top flash recorders provide the same results?  (I'm assuming the recorder pres are bypassed here)
Are there liabilities in using recorder pres along with the MM-1?

Thanks

These style connectors are used as headphone jacks etc on 100,000,000's of consumer devices, they will only come out if you give them a severe tug. Edirol seems to have put special attention into the durability of the R09HR mini-connectors (see here).

The only real liability is the durability of a 3/8" mini-jack (and connector) vs an XLR. It's going to be a slightly fiddly solution, but there will be no audible difference between that and an XLR (IMO), since there will only be 12" of cable connecting the pre to the recorder. 

It seems to me that once you get a suitable bag and connector cable you should not be in any danger of the recorder disconnecting from the preamp during a session. I assume you will be seated and recording your talent in a fixed (and prepared) location.

If you go line-in then yes, you have bypassed the mic-preamps.

I have been running about in the field with an R09+MixPre for a bout 18 months now, in less than ideal situations with no problems. When on the move I strap the recorder to the top of the MixPre (rubber bands as I can't bring myself to stick velcro to my nice pretty hardware) and hold them in one hand OR put it all in a bag, depending on the situation.



BTW: Sony use a Mini-Jack with their adapter for the D50, so they are not the end of the world



While mini-jacks are not the preferred solution for a robust ruggedized field-recording rig, you are on a budget and want the quietest mic-pre you can afford. The MM-1 + flash-recorder solution will give you one of the quietest mic-pres money can buy (at any price). It's a tough decision, but one I gladly make. The trade-off is durability & convenience. But all that is required is some preparation, careful selection of cables (get a right-angled mini-jack connector on the R09HR end), and the right bag.

I read with interest the Fostex solution, this sounds like a good idea given your concerns about mini-jacks. BTW: The S/N on your mic is not all that great given your worries about mic-pres.

digifish

[digifish_music]

1. I assume you are most worried about noise/hiss then yes absolutely. Better yet, if the flash-recorder has a good line-in option. I use a MixPre with a R09HR for quietude recording and it's superb (IMO). The MM-1 is (as you would know) a single channel version of the MixPre. BTW: the MM-1 only has XLR out so you will probably need an XLR to mini-jack adapter cable as all the flash-recorders I mention below don't have XLR input.

digifish

Which mics are these? Your AT3031s?

I was using baffled 3032's. I prefer baffled omnis to cards for ambience recording. As you can see any old baffle will do

digifish

[kf]

I understand what you're saying about the mic.  I want the mic to be the link in the chain.  Am I thinking straight on that?  BTW, do you have any suggestions on a better headset mic?  We can't live without a headset mic in our application, but if we can find a better one - with better s/n, that would be great.

Thanks!