Topic: microtrack + dpa4061

[sml42]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone here is running dpa4061 > mt2496, and if so how are you running the dpas?

Currently I'm running dpa4060>mps6030>jb3, but the 4060s have overloaded on a couple recent shows so I've got a pair of 4061s on order. I also threw down some money for a mt2496 (yeah I know.. can't afford a 722 just yet ) and I'm in the process of making an adaptor (similar to the microtrack dongle described in the rig pictures forum here). So for my next recording I'll probably end up running dpa4061>mps6030>cable>mt2496 1/4" inputs.

The problem is, the next band I'm taping looks like it has no opener (so, no chance to use the opener to set levels).

My question, then, is: roughly where should I set my levels? I've done some calculations and it looks like I should be running the 1/4" inputs on the "L" setting, and set the gain about mid-way. I guess I'm just looking for feedback on whether this is sensible, am I way off, or... ?

peace,
stephen

[udovdh]

With my Sennies I had to put the gina all the way down using line in.
Depending on how long they play use 24-bit? (of less than 2 hours)

[sml42]

Following up to myself.

Tonight I ran for the first time: dpa4061>mps6030>mt2496.

I had originally planned on building a "microtrack dongle" and powering the mics from the mt2496. I actually made a dongle, but when I came to measure the voltage I found the mt2496 only giving out 3.8V... I was worried this was a little on the low side so I ditched the dongle and ran the mps6030 (dpa battery box) instead.

mt2496 set to 1/4" inputs, 27dB boost = off, L/M/H switch set to L. Set the level to about 1/3 of the way across the screen, in other words: not a lot of gain required at all.

Listening to my recording right now (mogwai @ royal albert hall) and it sounds pretty good... so many things could have gone wrong running new equipment that I'm extremely pleased things just worked... tapir gods were smiling on me tonight

[ghibliss]

I am using DPA 4061> CoreSound Mic 2496> Coax SPDIF> M-audio MT-2496

I am using the latest firmware in the MT and have been getting excellent results using this set-up.  I run the mic levels from the Mic 2496 using the -12 db lights and never have any problem establishing a correct level quickly.  Since I have done a large number of recordings in the same venues multiple times i have a very good feel for where the level needs to be set.  Once I establish the level during the first song I don't ever touch the level until the concert is completed.  I have been recording using 24/96 since the firmware provided it in the MT 2496 and get great  trouble free results.  I make sure that the Mic 24/96 has a signal output prior to starting a recording with the Microtrack so that the "Auto" detect circuit for the SPDIF input can sync properly.

I usually stop the recorder when I feel that the band is going to take more then ten seconds before starting the next song or when the introductions take place so as to not get a manual file split by the recorder.  The quality of the sound using these microphones and mic preamplifier a/d converter provide as far as I am concerned the best sound possible in a "stealth" package.  The SD 722 will only have an advantage as far as being able to record for longer intervals without interuption due to its hard drive size. I doubt that it sounds any better if any then using the set-up which I have and its downside is its size and weight!  Many venues which I frequently attend in NYC will pat you down  "Hammerstein Ballroom" is particularly thorough and I doubt that I would be able to "crotch" a SD722 as you would certainly get cuaght there!  I just recorded Jeff Beck at the Hammerstein a few weeks ago and the security guards did not even realize what they were looking at when they saw the Mic 2496 mic preamplifier.  Sitting dead center at the show in the mezzanine the sound was perfect and the resulting recording was as well. 

The mic 2496 runs on a single 9 volt transistor radio battery and can be configured to output 24 bits at any rate up to 192 kHz so it is pretty much future proof for me.  The battery is good for clsoe to 5 hours with a fresh battery although i also have a small "Power Station"  PP-99 rechargeable battery that I can connect good for going to any weekend festival and then some as it has 4400 mah capacity.

[sml42]

I used to have a mic2496, but didn't get on well with it. Didn't get on well with coresound either, Len is a dick and their customer support sucks.

But hey if it works for you then I guess that's cool

[ghibliss]

Sorry you don't get along with Len and think he is a dick as that is entirely your own opinion!  I have only had good luck with my equipment and have never had any issues with the support which Len provides.  Len seems to always be available when I have called with a question and has the answers which I am looking for.