Edirol R-09 mic vs shotgun mic

[6079]

Hello.
In my limited taping experience I have used the R 09 and thought the internal mics were pretty damn good for what they were.

In an effort to understand the quality hierarchy of microphones, and because the next mic I want to use is a mono shotgun mic (Sony PD 170 camcorder http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony-dsr-pd170-camcorder-review.htm ) I wanted to ask if you folks had any immediate thoughts comparing the two mics quality, or strengths and weaknesses in relation to each other.

[BayTaynt3d]

Well, in general, the built-in mics on any recorder suck compared to using some real mics, and this includes the R9. LOL.

[bhakti]

yep... but how good are the Edirol internal mics? I've heard loads of people rage to them... maybe the shotgun isn't actually as good? 

[echo1434]

yep... but how good are the Edirol internal mics?

They're not that good. I mean, they're fine for voice recording and other medium-volume general purpose stuff, but don't expect any hi-fi recordings from them. They're also fairly noisy.

I love my Edirol to death, but I couldn't even imagine using the built-in mics in a concert situation.

[6079]

Here's a sample of a Modest Mouse song I taped with the internal mic in an outdoor venue, about 12 yards from center stage:
http://www.uploadhut.com/id39501/Modest Mouse Edirol sample.wav
(just copy the whole line, spaces included)

It didn't handle the bass very well:  I took some of the low end out; way too strong.

Does this sample fit with your opinion of the internal mics?

[BayTaynt3d]

yep... but how good are the Edirol internal mics? I've heard loads of people rage to them... maybe the shotgun isn't actually as good? 

What I mean is, they're OK, but they sure can't compete with a real set of phantom-powered condensers, heh. And regarding the shotgun, not sure what you are trying to accomplish, but shotguns typically aren't you're best choice for music recording if that's what you want to do. But, if you're looking for something to slap on top of your PD170 for everyday use, then yeah, that's a good idea, but for music, not so good.