Topic: Best Mic for String Quartet (PCM-M10)

[Knight_Rupert]

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase a small portable recorder to record my string quartet's rehersals. I've narrowed it down to either the Sony PCM-M10 or the PCM-D50. Is there an external microphone that I could connect to the M10 that would make it sound better than the D50 using it's internal mics? There is about a $200 price difference between the M10 and D50 so that's what my budget for the microphone would be.

Thanks!

Link to other topic I started about this:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=140718.msg1818629#msg1818629

[achalsey]

Church Audio CA-14 omnis with the 9100 pre amp could probably fit the bill ($220 US).  If you're in a recording space there should be ample places to place the mics where they can pick up great sound.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=136212.0

[rastasean]

Get the m10 and spend the difference between it and the d50 on a good pair of mics.

[Knight_Rupert]

Church Audio CA-14 omnis with the 9100 pre amp could probably fit the bill ($220 US).  If you're in a recording space there should be ample places to place the mics where they can pick up great sound.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=136212.0

Thank you! This is the sort of info I was looking for. A couple quick questions:

1. If I get the CA-14 omnis and 9100 preamp for the M10 will it sound better than the D50 using the internal mics for recording a string quartet?

2. How does one go about positioning these little mics? I'm thinking AB stereo in front of the quartet, but what do I mount them on?

3. Will the 9100 preamp provide enough gain for recording a string quartet?

Thanks!!

[acidjack]

1. Yes.  The D50 mics are OK, but I think for what you are doing, the CA14>pre>m10 is much better.

2. if you have omnis, it's pretty easy.. .they are so nice and small, you can mount them on anything.  Maybe use a chair placed in front of you, with the mics clipped as far apart as you can space them onto the back of the chair?  Or you can use something simple like a ruler or other wooden object taped to the back of the chair to extend the distance between mics.

3. Yes, it should.  Chris Church should be able to produce a pre that is appropriate for your needs if you let him know that in advance.