Topic: Sony pcm-m10 Auto Record Level

[Shaun]

I recently made a live recording and accidentally had the Auto Record Level switched on. Playing back the finished recording (as well as the quite obvious drop in sound quality compared to manual record level) I find there are about six instances of what I can only assume is mobile phone interference. In each case the volume on the recording decreases (over a couple of seconds) then there are a few seconds of electronic clicking sounds then the volume increases back to the original level.

I'm using SP-CMC-20 mics into battery box into line in on the pcm-m10. The thing is I have used this set up many times at this venue, also the same mics and battery box with mini-disc and never once picked up mobile phone interference despite everyone having and using mobiles all the time. Is this anything to do with using (accidentally) the auto record level on the pcm-m10? or have I just been lucky up to now?

[George]

"In each case the volume on the recording decreases (over a couple of seconds) then there are a few seconds of electronic clicking sounds then the volume increases back to the original level."

This doesn't sound like cell phone interference.  Like you stated, you accidentally had the Auto Record level switched on, it sounds like it engaged in each of these instances probably because you hit a threshold and it took action to lower the volume.

[Shaun]

Yes I thought it may be the auto record level kicking in due to the volume level decreasing, but it's when the volume gets to it's lowest level that the clicking/interference noise appears. I've loaded the recording into audacity (sorry can't post an image of the result) and the whole recording is well below any clipping level, except for the instances of clicking/interference which brickwall every time.

[jbell]

Clicking sounds like it could be a bad cable!!  I had this issue before and it was a poorly made cable. 

[bryonsos]

Clicking sounds like it could be a bad cable!!  I had this issue before and it was a poorly made cable.

Yep, if the clicking has a "crackling" sound then that's the culprit.

[Shaun]

Many thanks for the replies. Don't think it's a bad cable, there is no crackling sound, it's more like a digital sound (if that makes sense), and it's on both left and right channels in equal measure. I'll have to try and post a sample over the weekend (and maybe an image capture from audacity).

[George]

Do a test at home, recording your tv or stereo playing back music and see if you can capture this problem again.  Try a new battery too, maybe the battery for the bbox is bad.

[captainentropy]

Shaun, I had the same thing happen to me last night. I'm so pissed and disappointed with this feature of the recorder. I'm going to take it apart and remove the switch so this won't happen again (I'm concerned gaffer tape will come off at the wrong moment). It completely ruined a perfect performance from the band and venue I was at, and with perfect position to the stage. I was at a show they did two nights earlier at a different venue that had a few sound issues and that recording came out great. But that damned switch was on manual.

The sound I hear is an electrical whine/buzz. It's low, but in both channels and consistent through the recording. No difference in the way I set up my mics (CA-14 > battery box > M10 - rec level 5, LPCM, 24bit, 96kHz).

I haven't done a test like George suggests, I'm just now listening to my recording at work and started fuming when I checked the settings on the recorder. The man/auto switch was the only thing out of place. 

[darktrain]

Shaun, I had the same thing happen to me last night. I'm so pissed and disappointed with this feature of the recorder. I'm going to take it apart and remove the switch so this won't happen again (I'm concerned gaffer tape will come off at the wrong moment). It completely ruined a perfect performance from the band and venue I was at, and with perfect position to the stage. I was at a show they did two nights earlier at a different venue that had a few sound issues and that recording came out great. But that damned switch was on manual.

The sound I hear is an electrical whine/buzz. It's low, but in both channels and consistent through the recording. No difference in the way I set up my mics (CA-14 > battery box > M10 - rec level 5, LPCM, 24bit, 96kHz).

I haven't done a test like George suggests, I'm just now listening to my recording at work and started fuming when I checked the settings on the recorder. The man/auto switch was the only thing out of place. 

I put a piece of gaffer tape over all those switches 3 years ago and never had a issue and 95% of what i record is "less than open"

[terabyte23]

I put a piece of gaffer tape over all those switches 3 years ago and never had a issue and 95% of what i record is "less than open"

Same here.  Tape over the switch should work fine.

[Ekib]

I keep my phone as far away as possible from the recorder and batterybox . I have heard serious interference on a friend's recording .

[F.O.Bean]

I superglued my 2 M10s switches on the back. Has worked like a charm so far