I've been taping for almost 2 years now, and while I am not able to tape often (average of once a month or so), I enjoy the hobby.
My setup up until just after New Years was the following:
LCSC MM-MCSM-4 > Custom SP-SPSB-1 Pre-Amp BBox @16hz > Sony MZ-R500; MD/m
Well, the MD recorder finally died due to problems beyond my total comprehension and the scope of this topic, but it did.
So, I'm left with a set of mics that I can use (and plan on using for stealthing acts until I can get a good set of mics for taper-friendly stuff), and a battery box/pre-amp that is analog only. Again, I have using it down pat, blindfolded, but I wouldnt be against replacing it.
I'm looking forward in time, as the next big thing for me will be tail end of May, and after that Phish this summer, and then the National Folk Festival this fall.
That rounds out what I'll be taping this summer, so its not terribly heavy, and its not for a bit so I've got some time.
Now, the problem is, I havn't the faintest clue of how to rebuild my setup with new parts. Another way to put it would be to say that I dont know what equipment would be best for me in the long run, and what to do to replace stuff.
I've looked at other posts, and researched various options, such as solid-state recorders (since my MD recorder will kinda record, and kinda play, but only for whats in the buffer on the initial spinup, and not subsequent spinups, thus I figured it was the constant vibration since I tape near the stacks, and less moving parts would create less issues). But with everything currently running 1/8in plugs, and pro-equipment generally running either coax/optical or XLR, I'd have to find equipment that could interface just fine in pieces.
I've looked at the UA-5 (no mods except for the digi one since I'm poor), and the PMD670 recorder which is sooooo not stealthable as its as big as my ibook. Also, I've thought about doing laptop taping since the only conceivable addition I would need would be another battery/power solution and the UA-5. Looking at the laptop-tapers mailing list this week when i get a chance, but that doesnt give me a stealthable solution. I've thought about a PDA based solution (again, looking at the mailing list this week) which can be truely solid-state with CF cards, and almost solid-state with Microdrives. Last but not least, I've even looked at the NJB3 w/ CoreSound's digi/pre-amp. Notice the lack of DAT (or anything with the constant purchase of media for recording), I'd like to keep it that way after my fits with MDs.
Now to add a last twist, as I've commented before, I'm reletivly short of cash since I'm finishing up a semester at college and will probably not be buying a recorder or recorder/AD/amp beginning of May after I run away from higher education for a summer. I'm trying to keep this under $500 if possible, but depending on the solution, I could consider a bit more.
So, any thoughts, questions, comments? Anyone who replies, I thank you for your time and output.
I appologize for the poor explanation at times, and will clearify any section upon request.
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