Topic: Mics into a D8 ?

[kindms]

I friend of mine was asking me about running mics straight in to his D8 using the 1/8" connector.

I have little to no experience doing this. Any suggestions on types of mics etc ?

Like around $200.00

[heikki]

My first rig was AKG C1000s > D8.  Sold my C1000s a few months back for ~$225 (?) in like-new condition.  A decent starter rig for the price, though note that these mics are pretty big.

-Heikki

[caymanreview]

got a buddy who runs rode nt4 > d8 and is happy with the results.

[Mojowill]

My friends started with AT 822 & 825's mics >D8  tapes were fine.   

[Nick Graham]

I ran c1000s>D8 for my first rig as well.

I only ran that combo 4 or 5 times (eventually bought an AD20) but really liked the results. Given how cheap DAT decks are these days, that's a heckuva rig for easily less than $400....

[Depechemode1993]

still run Sony ECM-717 > D8 and it sounds sweet. even though I have DPA's some venue's I like the 717 better in Detroit.

[Kindguy]

C1000>mit176 Hosa line transformers> D8 was my 1st rig. From what i remember the transformers were a must to get the levels up.

[dgodwin]

C1000>mit176 Hosa line transformers> D8 was my 1st rig. From what i remember the transformers were a must to get the levels up.

I did the same.  Using the transformers get you close to line level, which would be better than going mic in

[Shawn]

the AT 822 seems to be a popular choise for running straight into a d8. I just happen to have an At822 I'm looking to sell if you are interested shoot me a PM.

[rocksuitcase]

I Used to go Beyer M201's >> D-8 before I got the DMIC 20.  The main thing is to make a good XLR- mini cable.  I just hacked a mini to mini monster cable with a couple of neutrik XLR's and that did the trick!

[NJFunk]

Doug Oade has/had a D-8 mic preamp mod that significantly upgraded the preaamp for the deck.  It is definitely worth seeking out an Oade modded D-8, as the stock preamp in the D-8 was prone to brickwalling at relatively low input levels.  I'm not sure if he still offers the mod or not.

[IceMan]

i have used coresounds as well as an ECM 717.  Simple, basic gets the job done and gives you very listenable tapes for "stealth/beginners".  I think its good to learn with less expensive gear.  Learn where to stand how to wire up etc and see if you are commited to the taping world.  If every band I liked had a full open taping policy (as in a section etc) I'd get a nicer rig in a heartbeat..but for 9 years I have taped stuff using simple/small mics and never run in to problems with either.

[imissmybus]

I've run Nak 300's>D8 for years & made some really nice tapes, just recently got a UA-5 to help out.   You can probably find some for a little more than $200 but I think it'd be worth it.  I believe I paid $235 for the mics, AT shockmounts & cables.

[ethan]

I used to run AKG 391 > PS-2 > D8

I had to make a XLR-> mini cable to unbalance the outs of the PS-2.

[guysonic]

My first rig was the Sonic Studios DSM6 mics straight into the mic input of the D8. Might have been a D7, deck has to be modded by mr. Sonic first as part of the deal. Great starter rig for sure.

MOD-2 was suggested in past years as this audibly improved the mic performance over the stock plug-in-mic feature. 

However, because this deck may not be such a good investment (limited 500 hour head life, and vintage 1992-93 design, may not be servicable due to lack of parts) NO internal MOD-2 deck upgrade is suggested in recent years; just plug in any DSM mic and get good performance as-is with D7/D8, or use external PA powering adapter (models with/without bass filter options), or go for a real quality boost with analog LINE input with external PA-3SX or PA-24NJ preamplifier that makes this deck sound excellent with DSM mics. 

More recent D100/M1 Sony DAT models DO NOT power DSM mics in anyway near an OK manner (distortion occurs at times), so these models need MOD-2 upgrade, PA powering adapter, or external preamplifier to function in a satisfactory manner with DSM mics.  See: www.sonicstudios.com/pa_x.htm