I've had about 6 different stealth recording rigs over the past 4 years or so. The past several pre-amps and mics have all been made by Chris Church with Church Audio. Chris hand builds his products, uses high quality components, and most importantly, his prices are excellent IMO since he does not have retail expenses, etc. And, he's a super guy to deal with and is very helpful.
I've used his gear in everything from quiet, acoustic classical setting to full blazing Steve Vai and Black Sabbath shows. In every situation, I've been very happy with the outcome. So as for mics and pre-amp, my recommendation comes easy, check out Church-Audio. I actually just purchased my 5th preamp from him (I've sold and upgraded over the years). Oh yeah, and he often gives a discount to TS members, and can be found giving honest advise, like I recently saw him telling someone to buy the SP preamp as he felt like it would be more quiet for lecture recordings.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=73499.0Now, the tough part- what recorder to use. I've used MD, JB3, MT, Laptop, etc. So far my favorite is the MT (M-Audio Micro Tracker). Here's why I like it- it has all the inputs you might need, including one the R-09 DOES NOT HAVE- DIGITAL IN. If you go to a nicer front end or open taping rig, like many of us grow into, you will definitely want to have a digital input. My new MT now can serve as a digital back end for my Earthworks > Grace V3 rig, as well as stealth scenarios. I just recorded a speaker with only the Church Audio omni's straight into the MT and it sounds awesome. Excellent levels, lower noise than I ever expected, etc. (the MT 1/8" > internal pre-amp is not known as the most quiet, but with the 27db boost, apparently its better than no boost according to sonicstudios:
http://www.sonicstudios.com/mt2496rv.htmI don't think you'll find a better recorder with the features of the MT in the <$500 price point, especially one that will work for Stealth and open rig taping. I believe you can get them at guitar center for as low as $299. I also love that from the ground up, its designed to record audio- so, the menus are simple and easy, and most importantly it has features like ONE button record, and a hold switch, nice back light, etc....
One disadvantage of the MT for long stealth taping is power- but I think this would handle the job fairly stealthy:
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2970One other one to consider is the discontinued iRiver H120. I haven't used it myself, but I've heard from several reputable tapers that it is a better solution than the JB3 (which I still own and like quite well), has very good battery life, is compact, 20gb or 40gb, and had good meters, which is very important. Supposedly they can be had used in the mid $100 range.
And, as far as taping loud shows, yes a battery box, or preamp is pretty much essential. I learned this the hard way, trying to not use one years ago.
So, after many hours of live and studio recording, on everything from cheap mics and an MD to Hollywood Studio quality mics, preamps and converters, for stealth, and a budget, I'm very happy with my Church Audio Mics and Pre into the MT.
Hope that helps ya out...
Topic: Stealth Taping Rig Suggestions (Read 7601 times)