Heyo,
Recently picked up Tascam DR2D (upgrade from 7 year old original run Microtrack 24/96). I pulled many fantastic tapes using the 1/4" inputs and was disappointed with the result of my first pull with the DR2D. Looking for pointers where I may have messed up, I read quite a bit before trying in the field so hoping for personalized advice. Please note, this is my first attempt at pulling 4 channels so a little tough with the mic setup could be a partial factor (mics worn lower than normal...but still pretty clear view at stacks).
Gear:
AT853 > Denecke PS-2 > Line in (level at 97) - DR2D (24/96)
CSSC > CS BB > Mic in (level at 67) - DR2D (24/96)
Location: 10 feet from stage LOC - two decent raised speakers and 3 big stage monitors
Type of show: Hip Hop - pretty thick bass
*Mostly stealth situations - trying to run 4 sources
Issues:
Both sources came in extremely low level - AT853 (level 97 line in averages -29.3db) & CSSC (67 mic in averages -38db)
Both Files looks extremely compressed compared what I'm used to with the MT (could be that the levels are simply too low to be effective on the display)
Bass from the AT source sounds more boomy and distorted than I like (have had overloads before at crazy loud shows with the MT but not like the waffling I heard on the Tascam)
Additional Observations:
*Thought I had the -6db backup file enabled but files did not happen - this option is available when pulling from both mic and line in, right? Any chance this was applied to the mic in CSSC or did I simply run levels too low at 67?
*Any thoughts on picking up a preamp for line in as the levels were at 97 with very low resulting volume from a really close to source pull (yet still some bass distortion on some killer bass songs - relatively small speaker setup though, mind you)
*Thinking about an upgrade on mics and looking for good, clean, clear, low noise 1/8" input options - most likely for the core sound stealthy cardioids - thinking between (and more towards the omni options to match with AT853s - good idea for warmth dynamics I think):
- DPA 4061
- DPA 4021 (recommended cardioid option for loud sources - stealth)
- CA 14 (Card or Omni)
- Sennheiser MKE2 (heard good for bass response - a plus as I tape a lot of rap/hip hop and loud rock)
- Nevaton MCE400
- Any Suggestions??
*I tape mainly hip hop/rap, loud rock, but really everything.
*tape singer-songwriter/acoustic, quiet shows a fair amount
*Love festies
*Small (stealth), sonically clean/low noise floor dynamic options appreciated (mid range price - say 800-1K for mics and connections for 1/8" input
*With the new mic option - most likely will run that line in and then AT853s mic in via denecke ps-2 (or welcomed suggestion for smaller unit with equal/better performance)
*Stealthy clip/person mounting options for high level rigs (man boobs and up preferably ha) that would be good for containing for mic cords
Word vomit...but so many unanswered questions with my new recorder, 4 channel options and potential upgrades to mics that will go well with AT's and described scenarios above
Any help or advice in any of the above areas are greatly appreciated...wanna get this shit down pat in time for NIN in September