Re: [microsound] A question about field recording mics

[Joshua Maremont <thermal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 11:06 AM 10/31/00 -0800, Kenric McDowell wrote:
> I've used a Sony MZ-R37 and an AT822. The only problem I had was that it was
> difficult to get a good level on the minidisc. Joshua, did you have this
> problem? How did you get a good signal?

I use the same microphone with a Sharp 831 (and before it a 701) with quite 
happy results.  Usually I end up scrambling to get the level down to the 
point at which transients or atmospheric effects no longer overload the 
inputs (although the MD does a good job of handling such surprises without 
crunching distortion), and only at very quiet moments - when for example I 
am trying to record foghorn sounds from the bay while sitting several miles 
away on my Western Addition back porch at 4:00am - do I have any trouble 
getting levels.  Even with only very low-level sound recorded on the MD, 
however, I find that I have enough detail and dynamic range with which to 
work, and a quick round of normalization on the computer will sort out any 
lingering level issues to my satisfaction.  One difference between Sharp 
and Sony MD walkman recorders to be noted here is that only the Sharp - as 
I understand it - allows the recording level to be altered while the 
recording is in progress; perhaps this feature or a difference in mic input 
level range between the two types of recorders might have something to do 
with the different results from the two machines.

np - Wong Fei

joshua maremont / thermal - mailto:thermal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
boxman studies label - http://www.boxmanstudies.com/

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