Ok, so I'll go with a mixer then. I was just browsing through zzounds and came across that Behringer UB1002, but it only has two onboard preamps.
Non-battery powered 4-XLR inputs + 4 preamps w/ phantom I was able to find:
- Behringer XENYX 1202 Mixer
- Yamaha MG102C Stereo Mixer
- Peavey PV6 Mixer
Of the above, which brand typically has the best reputation in audio? Do mixers output balanced or unbalanced or does it vary? Is it assumed that the standard consumer-grade mixer mixes to stereo, unless otherwise stated? Do you guys know about how large these things are? I've looked for dimensions, but haven't found any specifics.
I'll keep in mind total expenses and make sure it doesn't approach the R-44, but I doubt it'll get even close...all I would really need to buy is a relatively inexpensive recorder (160-260) and mixer (100-200), right? Functionally, what's the difference between a single R-44 and an H2/Edirol/MT2 with an external mixer/preamp combo? Outside of the portability. How long would the R-44's batteries even last with 3-4 phantom powers turned on?
The two H2 prospect seems interesting, but the mic inputs suck...maybe double internal mics? Then you could have eight microphones at once! How much would an extra four internal H2 microphones help the overall mix, would you estimate?
Just to clarify: a single stereo mic is essentially two microphones in one? And XLR stereo mics output with dual XLR cables or mini-XLR cables?
Well it will probably be a while before I will buy the mixer, so for now the best option would the the MT2 with its phantom powered 1/4" inputs. I could record with two separate high quality condensers which would suit most of my purposes for a while. Or, for only a little more, I could buy the mixer now and save money by sticking with the H2 (about 70 dollars less than the MT2). But, whenever I only need two microphones, I would have the option with the MT2 to just take the recorder and not have to lug a mixer around. With an H2, I'd pretty much always need my mixer. If I was stealth or portable recording, I'd be stuck with the H2's internal mics (not bad by any means), whereas with the MT2 I could bring along a small dynamic or electret microphone and stash the recorder in my pocket and probably get better results. But with the MT2, I wouldn't be able to record directly from my unbalanced electronic keyboard directly. And I know the MT2's battery life is not good, but I came across this, which should solve battery issues:
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2970Agh, dilemma...Are there any options I've overlooked?
On a pretty much unrelated note, how good is the Sony ECM-MS907 compared to the internal mics of these devices (specifically of the H2 and T-mic of the MT2)? I have it and I was wondering if it would be a decent substitute for the noisy T-mic of the MT2 for small recordings.
Thanks again!