Brian,
Thanks for your response and your disagreement. I had noticed this right/left discrepancy and had assumed it was something wrong in my other equipment, not my NJB3. However, I just happened to trip across this thread last night when reading old posts. I would be very happy if it is my other equipment!
Quick background info - I play in a local rock band. I have a home studio with some good non-portable equip. My portable setup has previously been a Sony minidisc and small Sony stereo mic - very basic but good enough to record my band's practices, shows, and acoustic guitar/vocal demos of original tunes for use by my bandmates and I. I haven't recorded anybody else's shows. However, reading this board has made considering trying some stealth recorderings!
My current setup is just a quick fix to get the feel of the NBJ3 while I shop around for a suitable preamp (my minidisc had a preamp). I have pair of Octava MC012s that I'm going to use. I'm thinking of getting the Sound Devices Mixpre because the pres get good reviews but I need to demo it first.
So, to answer your questions:
* What gear, exactly, are you running?
o Mics, power, preamp, etc.
A $25 Radio Shack Amplified Listener powered by 2 AAA batteries. (Yeah, I know!
) The sound quailty is acceptable for non-critical low level recordings and its very portable - size of altoids tin
* Do you have the capability to adjust L/R balance before the NJB3?
Yeah it has a left right balance - centered for my tests.
* Are you 100% positive the sound source at your recording location wasn't simply a bit quieter on the R than the L?
I can't say to a scientific certainty that the sound level going in L/R was exactly the same but we're talking to about 2 mic elements that are 1 inch apart. The recording source was me - unamped acoustic guitar / vocal straight on at 3 - 5 ft.. The thing is, even the ambient noise level was slightly lower on the right. I've recorded this setup many times before with my home studio equip as well as minidisc and have not gotten this effect.
* Have you ruled out differences in mic sensitivity / specs as a potential source of the imbalance?
No, the mic I was using was dirt cheap and therefore could easily be the source of the problem. In fact, that is what I thought until I found this thread. Perhaps I'll try the mic with another recorder.
* Have you ruled out your playback system (whether the NJB3 proper or another system altogether) as a potential source of the imbalance?
Yes, I played back on the NJB3 via headphones and line out. I also transferred the file via firewire and listened on another setup.
In conclusion, I'm glad there is disagreement. I'll test to see if I get simiilar results once I upgrade my preamp and start using my MC012s.
Best,
nomadsland