Topic: Sony PCM-M10 (Part 4)

[Chazz]

aaronji---I got the cable that tgos3 recommended and it works! You are right, tho, that the Shure mic sensitivity is low, so I boosted the record level on the m10 and everything is great now. Thanks for the input.

Part of your problem may also be that those Shure mics are really low sensitivity (0.28 mV/Pa).  By contrast, the MD211 mentioned by tgos3 has a sensitivity of 1.6 mV/Pa.  Sony says in the M10 manual that the mic-in minimum input level is 0.9mV.  That seems like a plausible explanation for the trouble you are having getting adequate levels...

[whiskybob]

O.k....My M10 has just arrived from the U.S, looking good except one small question.

The AC Power adapter is a U.S two prong unit
Input : AC120V / ca120V
            60Hz/cc3V  5W
Output : DC3V/cc3V  1A

I also own a Sony Md Nh700 and the AC power adapter has the same fitting plug (yellow) and fits the M10, the info on the plug is as follows

Input : AC100-240V ~
            50/60Hz 5W
Output : DC3V  1A

Both adapters came with the original Sony unit Here's my question.......

Can I use my MD adapter with my M10, I apologies if this is an obvious question but before I plug my beautiful new unit into the mains I want to be sure I'm not gonna fry it!!!

Thanks in advance

David.

Can anyone clarify this for me?

[aaronji]

aaronji---I got the cable that tgos3 recommended and it works! You are right, tho, that the Shure mic sensitivity is low, so I boosted the record level on the m10 and everything is great now. Thanks for the input.

My pleasure, of course.  Glad to hear it's all working now!

Can I use my MD adapter with my M10, I apologies if this is an obvious question but before I plug my beautiful new unit into the mains I want to be sure I'm not gonna fry it!!!

You could also get a converter for the US plug.  They're pretty cheap...Another option would be to just use batteries.  The battery life is truly phenomenal, so you won't have to charge too often.  As for the MD adapter, it will probably work, but only one way to know for sure!

[earmonger]

Seconded to using the batteries. They go, and go, and go.

The output of the adapter is what matters. The input is different because your mains are different.

If you look closely at the adapter you'll also see a diagram that looks something like a C with a dot, indicating the polarity of the tip and ring of the plug. As long as they are the same on your two adapters, and it's putting out the same DC current, you're fine. And they should be, since both the MD and the PCM-M10 run on the same two AA batteries.

[Muddy Das]

i just got my m10 and have been using it at a friends barn on jam nights. I record from the balcony about 30' back dead center, using the built in mics. the sound is really good. the only issue i have is any conversation going on in the balcony come through way to loud. The unit is placed in front of everyone on the handrail mic sensitivity on low. I am thinking this is because of the built in mics are omni's. I am waiting on a pair of sp c-4 coming in the mail. If i use the sp c-4 would this lower the background conversation? Would i need a preamp in this situation or just a battery box? i am thinking battery box since it is very loud. Another thing i am worried about is can being in a smoky room  build up residue on your mics and how to clean it?

[rastasean]

Personally I would say get a pre-amp so when you're in quiet situations you can provide gain to the m10 and not have to worrying about turning the gain up a lot on the recorder. I'm certain smoke can build up on the mics since it builds up on my clothes in a matter of a few hours but I'll have to wait and see how people recommend cleaning the mics. Maybe compressed air or something. As far as the recorder, I would keep it in a bag so it doesn't absorb as much smoke.

Many years ago I bought a radio from someone on ebay and as soon as I opened the packaged, I could tell the person smoked cigars in the same place as the radio. Not pleasant at all.

[aaronji]

Personally I would say get a pre-amp so when you're in quiet situations you can provide gain to the m10 and not have to worrying about turning the gain up a lot on the recorder. I'm certain smoke can build up on the mics since it builds up on my clothes in a matter of a few hours but I'll have to wait and see how people recommend cleaning the mics. Maybe compressed air or something. As far as the recorder, I would keep it in a bag so it doesn't absorb as much smoke.

Many years ago I bought a radio from someone on ebay and as soon as I opened the packaged, I could tell the person smoked cigars in the same place as the radio. Not pleasant at all.

I'm pretty sure that would not be the way to go about it!

Using a windscreen seems to at least help with keeping the smoke out...

[rastasean]

I'm pretty sure that would not be the way to go about it!

Using a windscreen seems to at least help with keeping the smoke out...

I was assuming the sp c-4 would already have windscreens. How would you go about cleaning windscreens? If I would used compressed air, I would use common sense and not spray it directly on the mic but around it.

[F.O.Bean]

Its DEFINITELY because they're omnis You will need a preamp that has 48v phantom power to properly power the C4's. But once you get the C4's and a preamp[Naiant Littlebox_$250.00-ish], your recordings will get night and day better

[F.O.Bean]

And I second that you should ALWAYS use windscreens, indoors or outdoors. And clean them by soaking them in warm soapy water and letting them air dry

[aaronji]

I was assuming the sp c-4 would already have windscreens. How would you go about cleaning windscreens? If I would used compressed air, I would use common sense and not spray it directly on the mic but around it.

Even then, I think you would be running the risk of blowing a particle into your mic.  I have read that you can use a very soft, dry brush to clean the grills (gently, with the mic upside down so that any dislodged particles fall out and not in) but I would be hesitant to try it myself.  There is actually a product specifically for this, Microphome, but no clue how well it works...

[jbell]

The Mic senstivity switch on the back of the M10 with a Hi/Lo setting, is this for the internal mics??  TIA

[aaronji]

The Mic senstivity switch on the back of the M10 with a Hi/Lo setting, is this for the internal mics??  TIA

For the built-ins and for externals run mic-in...

[jbell]

So for line in it doesn't have an effect??

The Mic senstivity switch on the back of the M10 with a Hi/Lo setting, is this for the internal mics??  TIA

For the built-ins and for externals run mic-in...

[aaronji]

So for line in it doesn't have an effect??

Nope...