Topic: Tascam HDP2 Settings for Live Recordings

[jt/ny]

Well, I have been running my rig for about 6 months now and very happy but have a few questions for the more experienced. I am running the Nak 300's with the Cp1's and Cp4's into the Tascam HDP2 @ 24/48. It seems at most shows I am maxed out on the recording level and only hitting like -12db to -6db. I am running the 20db pads on the deck at most shows and the low cut filter is on as well. No Limiter or Stereo link, What is the stereo link for anyway? Is there any way I can boost the input level internally / setting wise?

 Also was wondering if anyone knows how to get the Conform application to work with Vista? I plug in the deck with the Fire Wire but it wont let me do anything. I do have the program running in XP but is still doesnt seem functional.

 AND Has anyone figured out how many actual hours we can get out of the Lithium AA Batteries. Ran out of battery 3 times now, once at like 15 hrs, Once at like 14 hrs so I figured 12 was a good number to stop at BUT...... I just ran out after 10 hrs during the Brothers and that didnt make me happy? I think I may have gotten an old set of batteries from the store due to the drastic indifference but just wondering if there is a rule of Thumb out there as to when to Change out the batteries! I will be upgrading soon to the portable DVD batteries as well. Dont like it when this happens! 

 In all I am totally satisfied with the HDP2! Any Feedback would be greatly appreciated

JT    

[jkbyram]

i have never run pads or filter on mine.

if you are getting lower levels than desired why run pads? i would turn off the pads and back down on the input level. my input level on the adjustment wheel is usually around 3. mine will be different than your since i run external pre but i still try to keep my input setting as low as possible.

i also run external power and don't run internals at all anymore. never had problems that weren't my fault.

[jt/ny]

The first couple shows I ran were Real Bassy, Local taper friends looked at their D-7 and they had the 20db pads on and taped as to not move them. So thats what I have been doing. I have spoken to a couple tapers out in the field and I would say its like a 50 / 50 answer, Some say yes def. pad it and others like you say they NEVER run the pads! I guess I will try and run a couple shows without the pads and see what I end up with! Not many P2 tapers out there, so thats why I posted here. Thanks for replying so quickly

[jt/ny]

Jk what Pre are you running?

[jkbyram]

if your levels are too low with the pads on then the obvious answer is to add back that 20 db you are taking away. i too get some bassy tapes in bassy venues but it is easier for me trim the bass slightly in post if needed than to try and add something that a limiter removed. just my opinion though. different mics with different recorders can have different input levels. sounds like you dont need the pads since you are having lower than desired levels.

i run an apogee mini mp

[darby]

the stereo link is for the limiter...
limit the 1 channel that clips or both if 1 of the channels clips

if you are getting anything over 10 hours on a set of "AA" Lithiums... that's awesome
I have 4 sets of NiMH that I carry and tend to switch them out at each set
I don't like to deep drain them and use a "Smart charger" set on "SOFT"

poke around in the Remote Power section for more ideas

[todd e]

welcome, as others have said try the pad off and then leave the limiter on, linked.  it will cover your ass if it gets suddenly loud, but rarely noticeable.

i know you feel that there aint many of us, but i've been surprised at how many there actually are - at least in the SE.

[bgreen]

I run stock cm-300's into a stock hd-p2. I've never used the pads, or the roll off on the tascam. I have rolled off with the mic before when it was REALLY windy. I would not use the 20 db pad unless the show starts and it's loud enough to get your ears bleeding. I've taped Claypools oddity fair with some pretty damn heavy bands and some other various metal without having the pads on and I've had plenty of breathing room either way to get my transients to peak at -6 or below. For this being my starter rig for taping, I've been pleased.

One thing to check also, is the 10db attentuator turned on at the mics? Mine were when I bought them. Look here if your not familiar with them. If they are, you may actually be padding at -30 db

http://www.nakmics.com/nak-cm300.htm

[jt/ny]

Thanks to Everyone that replied, understanding a bit more about the equipment helps for sure. Basically what I'm gathering here is Experience, Experience, Experience! Recording is an art that takes Many Many hrs to TRY and perfect! Pretty much got to know what your taping, Where your taping and Everyting you can about your equipment! Going from the old D5 to the P2 has been quite the experience in itself! I'll try running a couple shows with the pads off now that I am a bit more experienced with wave editing and see what happens!
 

 Again Thanks Everyone!
 JT 

[dallman]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I also never use the pads. Also different mics affect what my levels are set at, but I have rarely had any distortion unless I was way over the top hot. The deck can run hot with no audible distortion. Bass is related to the mics, and I have primary mics that I like outdoors (Busmans) and Mics I like indoors or in muddy rooms (Berliners).

I use the recorder to record, and look toward the mics and the room and my placement for sound. The deck is great though, so easy to use. I have never seen a need for the limiter, but the stereo Link is used in conjunction with the limiter. With stereo link it creates a left right stereo limiter and without stereo link, a mono limiter for each channel. If that sounds confusing, it is, and playing with it may make the differences apparent, but I have never seen a need for a limiter unless somone has found a way to drop the deck in their pocket to st3@lth 

I really like the flexibility in how you can set the meters. You can set the rate of attack for current meter, peak decay and clip indicator. I like fast indicator, fast clip and slow decay personally to see what is going on when recording.

Lastly with batteries, I know there are schools of thought but I always use a good external battery set on 12 volt, and keep fresh internal alkalines (lithium is fine too). I know a 9 volt setting works too, but every battery problem story I have ever heard with this deck was coincidentally from somone using a 9 volt external battery. 9 volt works, but in my experience the deck really likes 12 volt better.

[Kush]

I've never used the -20db pads, limiter, or stereo link. dallman has the settings right (according to me) for the meters as well. I use a card reader and have never used the Confirm application. You can seamlessly paste the second part of a file to the first part using any DAW (even audacity). And I use a Tekkon 12v external battery with great results, see my posts in the Remote Power section to see my failed recordings. If you need anything else send me a PM.