Topic: RUNNING BLIND!

[guysonic]

This following emailed question brings up specific suggestions for R-09 deck, but also appropriate for other 24 bit capable decks used in low profile situations where setting REC/levels and locking down the deck in active recording mode BEFORE entering the venue is desired.

"Hi there.
I have a question. I am used to using a Sony MD recorder. I use the auto record settings...but I am on the fence about buying the Edirol. I guess I am confused as to recording levels. I have a bass-roll off box so that is fine...but do the levels have to be adjusted during a concert? If so how do you determine what is too much or what is too less? Again I am used to the Sony so this whole thing is new to me.

Thanks,"


GUYSONIC REPLY:

As with every deck, manual level adjust produces the best results short of overload. 

I have not used R-09 AUTO feature, and maybe correctly remember it samples the loudest signal and then down-adjusts the record level if needed, then stays put until something still louder yet requires down adjust.  No up level adjustment until you stop recording I think. 

Best to leave AUTO off and learn to set manual level in 24 bit mode.  Every mic/deck combination will have slightly different settings appropriate for your type of venue.  So you need to practice a few times at local venues for knowing new deck's manual settings with your choice of mic.  Choose LOW MIC input switch setting on the back, with everything else set OFF in STEREO mode. 

Plug into mic input and set MANUAL record level to #15 (mid adjust) settings and try out recording a loud local venue to see if this setting gives good VU levels with enough headroom margin for unexpected louder sounds.

If you record in 24 bit depth, there is way more audio information, and with this you can manually set average recording VU levels lower.  Usually average signal level can be reduced to below usual -12 dB so a huge overload-proof headroom margin is available.   Suggest setting average VU recording level at of -15 dB to -20 dB, with maybe -8 to -12 dB peak maximums.

Practice to know where to set manual recording level with large headroom, and then use these settings for recording without looking.

Recording 24 bit at low levels does require you to amplify recording to more normal levels with audio editing software, but no audible quality lost for 16 bit (CD type) output purposes.

Tips specifically about R-09 at: www.sonicstudios.com/r-09revw.htm

[Ryan Sims]

[pgoelz]

The R-09 in AGC mode starts with a fixed (non-adjustable) input level and adjusts down from there as needed.  Unfortunately, it adjusts back up to the preset level in the absence of sound above the threshold.  The time constant is fast enough to be considered compression instead of AGC.  The time constant is a function of the ASIC they use and cannot be made longer. 

Worse yet, some units (including mine) have enough DC offset that the AGC action causes audible zipper noise.  The result sounds like clipping.  Edirol agreed to fix my zipper noise under warranty (it is over a year old) but I haven't gotten around to sending it in.  The AGC sounds bad enough all by itself that I never use it and probably wouldn't even without the zipper noise. 

Paul

[SmokinJoe]

Another option... use the same rig in an open taping situation where you can set it while you are looking.  For instance, at a reasonable loud show with my AT853 > R09, I run Line-in at level 15 to 20.  If I was in the situation you describe, I expect I could set it the same as I do in an open situation and run it.