Topic: NewbieQ: EXPERIENCES with Archos Gmini 400/402 .. & .. OKM IIr with A3

[pitchshifter]

Hi,
I did several searches and found out, that the quality/price-level is quite ok when using the Archos Gmini 400/402 recorder together with the Soundman OKM II Rock microphones & A3 adapter.


What I want to do: I need a set for stealth recording, will stay mostly direct in front of one stack to avoid loud crowdnoise. The recorder must support .wav recording as I don't like the fact, that 'my' MD-recorder produces mp3 (320 kb/s) and that a MD would need a re-recording onto the harddisc. The recorder should be able to store jpeg's from my digital camera when I'm on a journey (an USB2.0-In & Out would be good). Video function's aren't needed.



Questions:
1) How do the Gmini and the OKM perform together?

about the GMINI:
2) What is the differnece between Gmini 400 & 402 (I've read video support, but that is out of my interest)?
3) Do I need to buy any accessories for the Gmini (maybe a better Stereo analog Line-In adapter)?
4) Is there any comparable/better product which can record in .wav format, is that handy and at the same price (not M-Audio)?
5) Is the Gmini shock proof, I mean even when standing at a good place you get pushed - does that result in a drop out?
6) How long is the battery life when recording?

and about the OKM II Rock:
7) I'm wearing ear protection when I'm on concerts and asking myself where to place the OKM's then?
8. How long is the battery lifetime when using the A3 adapter?
9) What settings are recommendable when recording in front of the stack (I don't want to miss the bass)?
10) Any hints - what to do / what to avoid (like not to move my head )?



Sorry for re-asking answered questions but I did a search and found sometimes completely different answers.
I'm pleased if someone would help a newbie out who is on the mission to record shows instead of waiting for other's doing it.

cheers
OLLi

[Sebastian]

Hi!

I don't know anything about the GMINI, but I can answer your questions about the OKM-IIr mics.

and about the OKM II Rock:
7) I'm wearing ear protection when I'm on concerts and asking myself where to place the OKM's then?

I've built them into a black Nike baseball hat. I've attached some pictures to illustrate this.

8. How long is the battery lifetime when using the A3 adapter?

The A3 battery lasts for about a year.

9) What settings are recommendable when recording in front of the stack (I don't want to miss the bass)?

-20dB, *NO* bass filter (as it will sound bad), line-in on your recorder

10) Any hints - what to do / what to avoid (like not to move my head )?

Because the mics are binaurals, you can move your head a bit. The mics are quite forgiving. Just don't start headbanging

If you have any other questions, don't hestitate to ask!

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

Nice setup.  Very stealth.  +t

[jimfo]

I'm purchasing a GMINI 402 this week...I hope to have it in a few weeks.  I'll post an update on it once I use it.