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 Sonic
Studios™
Making
History with DSM™ Stereo-Surround Microphones
Learn
about HRTF stereo-surround recording methods & gear
Tips
to operate and maintain portable audio recorders
How
to optimize the playback listener experience
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Live
Recording Tips
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Deck/Gear
Maintenance
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Stereo-Surround
Methods
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Deck Model Info/Links/Reviews
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HRTF:
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Popular
Portable Decks, Reviews, Tips, Manuals:
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Recordings
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Recording Tips:
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Stereo-Surround
Playback:
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Types,
Methods of HRTF
"Head
Related Transfer Function" Baffled Omni Stereo-Surround
Mics
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MODELS
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REVIEWS
TIPS
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MANUALS
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HRTF
Stereo-Surround Recordings
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Maintenance:
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Useful
Stuff & Fluff:
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DOWNLOAD
TIPS PAGE
AS
A PRINTABLE & WEB BROWSE-ABLE ACROBAT (.PDF) FILE |
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DSM
HRTF HEADMOUNT TIPS
 DSM
Stereo Mics are Headworn (HRTF Dual-Omni BAFFLED)
design pickups to record the best 3-D stereo sound possible.
The instruction pamphlet included with every DSM suggests
positioning the two pickups forward of the ears to about the
temple of a person (or dummy head) but, there’s more to the
story.
The
position the pickups are placed, back towards the
ears or forward into the temple area, makes a difference
to the perceived higher frequencies on the recording.
 Positioning
DSM’s closer to the ears will give excellent 3-D
headphones reproduction while still retaining very good (much
better than in-ear Binaural) loudspeaker reproduction,
but...the perception of higher frequency detail is ‘softer’
speaker reproduced than perception encountered with headphones
listening.
Alternately,
positioning the pickups far forward into the temple area
increases the perception of higher frequencies on loudspeakers
while still retaining excellent 3-D headphone reproduction!
Oftentimes
it’s how your ear/brain actually perceives that makes
all the difference. That’s psycho-acoustics for you!
A
better understanding of this phenomenon is simplified
by realizing that DSM microphones are positioned at a place
where you record the acoustical impression in dimensional
acoustic space. Conversely, reproducing the recorded impression
involves completing what you started by doing a recording
in the first place, namely, completing the action by reproducing
the DSM recorded sound exactly from same the place in space!
COMMENT:
While person head mounting or using LiteGUY baffle is best
for stereo image quality (and
a number of other good reasons), some want "max stealth"
low profile recording instead, having outfitted a special
shirt or jacket with (button-down?) collars
to hide the pickups from view underneath the collar front
flaps.
A
custom button hole located at the inside rear of the collar
allow the pickups + cord threaded from inside to being secured
under the collar flaps. Safety pins, gaffer's tape, and
a custom made cloth loop may be considered to secure the
pickups. This arrangement must be carefully tested
to avoid rubbing noises and blocking the front view of pickups,
but will give satisfactory speaker playback recorded results
when head mounting is not practical.
While
the stereo image recording quality is significantly diminished
with collar mounting, there's some advantage when blocking
(or at least reducing) some of the rear/side crowd
sounds is desired.
For
the best 3-D image fidelity, listen to the DSM recording from
wide spaced, precisely angled speakers directed or positioned
exactly the opposite (reverse facing, 180 degree) direction
of the original live sound recording microphones as suggested
below.
If
a DSM recording was made with pickups placed close to the
ears, best listening experience
is with open type headphones having large 40-50+mm
sized diaphragm. Jecklin ‘Float Phones’ electrostatics (at
one time sold by MAY AUDIO) and Sony MDR-F1
or CD2000 and newer MDR-SA3000/5000 models are known
to reproduce the most natural sounding 3-D and optimum high
frequency details (SA5000).
If
loudspeaker listening is you main objective, position
the DSM pickups further forward of the ears, even centered
into the temple area for best high-frequency details perception
with loudspeaker playback systems. See Speaker positioning
for 2 or more speaker systems that allow for best imaging.
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Dolby
Pro Logic decoded speaker playback (with 4 or more surround
speakers) will give a realistic 360 degree sound image with
the rear channel decoding the DSM ambient stereo correctly.
This makes all DAT, MiniDISC, and Camcorder DSM recorded stereo
sound virtually identical to the best DVD Movie and DVD audio
surround experiences
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For more natural sounding listening experience with wider
sweet spot seating, Left/Right Stereo Speakers are best positioned
set at least as wide apart as the dead center
sitting or listening distance is to the (imaginary) connecting
line running from left to right speakers.
Angle
the speakers inward to focus IN FRONT of the exact center
listening position. Playing back regular stereo will sound
better with this arrangement and DSM recorded sounds will
have a smooth, seamless image that extends beyond the speakers
for nearly a 180 degree wide stereo image that sounds good
even if seated way off dead center.
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FORMATTING
OF FLASH CARD MEMORY
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New
technology flash card recorders are very convenient in being
able to quickly transfer recordings much faster than real-time,
and then reuse the memory card.
However,
some of the newer digital decks using flash memory are VERY
particular on the format structure of this media. It is
most wise to ALWAYS REFORMAT flash memory IN THE DECK
whenever removing the memory card and placing into a dedicated
card reader for file transfer purposes. In-deck reformat avoids
'mysterious' file corruption and deck freezes common with using
cards SLIGHTLY changed from the deck's particular standard format
during computer card transfer processes.
ALSO
very good practice to REFORMAT EVEN IF NOT REMOVED
after all recorded files needed have been safely transferred.
Just deleting files may leave non-continuous file space on the
card. Complete reformat wipes clean all stored files, and insures
the deck can fully utilize the space in a continuous fashion.
Using a freshly reformatted memory card helps avoid recording
errors and deck freeze-up faults.
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USEFUL
TYPES OF FLASH MEMORY FOR AUDIO RECORDING
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New
technology flash card recorders are totally immune to most all
physical movements and shocks. Shakes and bumps that pose
a liability to ruin the recording on MD, DAT tape, or hard drive
decks are not a problem with solid state memory flash recorders.
Some
hard drive recorders also record to flash, parking the hard
drive heads for maximum shock resistance. So it's good practice
to use flash for 'gorilla' field recording, later transferring
to hard drive when deck is safely at rest.
However,
some flash decks using solid state card memory are particular
to the SPEED TYPE of flash media used for audio recording
purpose.
Very,
very fast
(some ultra types and other advanced types)
cards mostly use a BURST speed rating. This is mechanism
useful for fastest transfer of many very small (in comparison
to audio file size) digital camera photo files. Flash BURST
schemes do nothing good, sometimes work AGAINST smooth,
continuous large file audio recording, and is often the
cause of audio file interrupts, corrupted files, and deck freeze-up.
Suggest
using FAST proven reliable makes/models of cards, like
SanDisk Ultra II that actual state continuous write/read
speeds, not a burst speed rating. Then you know card has
best chance of working for all audio recording purposes.
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| CAUTION:
MiniDISC
Deck, BE
IT "NOT MOVED" WHEN
RECORDING |
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ALL
small MiniDISC decks are extremely sensitive to skipping,
leaving blank disk spaces if bumped or moved a little too much
while recording. Severe skipping or blank recorded spaces may
make your minidisc jump from playing one track immediately to
the next track (if you are lucky to have another) during
playback.
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Do
Not put MiniDisc decks in purses, equipment bags, or pants
pockets while recording. Instead, place on a steady
and secure (table) surface or HANDHOLD gingerly, keeping
all necessary deck movements slow and deliberate.
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If
you often find yourself standing in an active crowd where
getting bumped is the usual, or if you like to be
moving around while recording, consider using a DAT
deck instead, Mini-DAT's can usually hit the ground without
audibly interrupting the recording; noted from personal
slippery fingered experience with TCD-D8 on several occasions!
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To
setup Sony MZ-NH1 HiMD for live music recording with DSM
stereo mic suggest the following:
From
the MENU, select RECset,
and select RECvolume to enter MANUAL REC adjustment mode,
and also select MICsens to select SENS LOW; USE ONLY THIS
SETTING to avoid distortions and volume pumping with musical
bass notes. Instruction for MANUAL REC mode is on
page 38, and setting the mic sensitivity is on page 35
of the owners manual.
ALL
MANUAL MIC INPUT RECORDING SETTINGS WILL RESET to full
AUTO (Sony's TYPICAL default) when you
STOP recording, so with Sony MD, you have to push
all the buttons again to gain control for MANUAL REC
level and LOW microphone sensitivity SETTING
EVERY TIME YOU START UP TO RECORD AGAIN!
Avoid
Sony's insanity to fully discourage practical high
quality microphone recording in the proper manual REC
level mode / low mic input sensitivity.
See
Sony's typical MD deck mic recording setup problems for
yourself by downloading Sony
MZ-NH1 Hi-MD recorder Owners Manual ACROBAT.PDF file HERE
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The
RH910 HiMD model 'seems' to be reversing some of the
analog recording problems associated with Sony MD models
in general. Ability to transfer original analog
.WAV files recordings using USB (for editing?) now appears
possible, and is a first for this format, at least without
resorting to a hack program. Someone needs to verify
.WAV file on the MD deck is also accessible outside
of the 'SonicStage' management program to appear like
a regular audio file on an external drive as the owner's
manual (.pdf) infers.
Manual REC level and MIC input sensitivity adjustment
seem less menu-buried on the RH910. Still,
REC level cannot be adjusted while recording, and it
is unclear if MIC input sensitivity settings are also
'forgotten' along with manual REC level mode when stopping
a recording session.
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REDUCING
INPUT NOISE ON FOSTEX FR2 & MOST NEW TECHNOLOGY (NT)
CF & HD PORTABLE DECKS
The
good news is the FOSTEX FR2 is easy to operate and fairly
well designed with good features and performance.
Powering is an issue with solution using an external battery
pack. One powering solution that connects 8 D cell pack
using dummy AA cells as described at: EXTERNAL
BATTERY SYSTEMS/TIPS
The internal mic preamplifier on the FR2 seems mostly adequate
for larger diaphragm, high output 'true balanced' type mics.
However, like most NT decks (Edirol-Roland
R-1/R-4, Marantz PMD-600 series), the FR2's MIC/LINE balanced
inputs are highly susceptible to internal/external noise
sources. This is especially true when running on the AC
adapter with ANY TYPE of mic input, and
if inputting an UNBALANCED lower level mic or unbalanced
line source (like from standard configured DSM
mics, single ended preamplifiers, and powering adapters).
This is due to less than optimized design of most first
generation NT portable digital recording decks that includes
digital system noise getting into the low level analog signal
process, and external electrical noise (AC hum, radio signals)
working into the not-yet-refined ground path circuitry of
these newer decks.
At
least one exception is Sound Devices 722/744T decks
and (some) battery powered external microphone preamplifiers
with refined very quiet/external-internal noise immune inputs.
SUMMARY:
For lowest noise ANALOG recording performance, run deck
solely on battery power, and input to these type decks ONLY
true BALANCED output MIC/LINE externally connected equipment.
PA-10DXLR5
is a true input/output balanced powering adapter for connector
upgraded DSM microphones models. PA-24NJ/X
is a balanced output external mic preamplifier suitable
for all decks with balanced LINE level inputs.
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Avoid
making a BLANK DAT or MD Recording !?!
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DAT
TAPES SELDOM MISLOAD, BUT IT DOES HAPPEN mostly
due to a lousy cassette and/or deck's out-of-adjustment
transport.
One
or a combination of reasons for this to happen certainly
disappoints the recordist with blank (MAYBE defective?)
cassette tape & used batteries for effort/expense.
Virtually eliminate this by checking the
recorder before doing an important recording.
Do
a brief (30 SEC) Test recording before the
actual recording; then play back the tape while
headphone listening (also best way to check for
clean-quiet connections) and/or VU watching
for proper (playback) operation.
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IF
playback is OK, Do Not Eject or Rewind!!..BEST
to Push Stop within half of the
30 to 60 second test section,
NOT AT or NEAR the END of the test section
to avoid time-code gap ....... Then go out
and record with reasonable confidence the recorder
will work as expected.
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MiniDisc
(MD):
VERY
shock/movement sensitive
As
compared to DAT, CF, and HD
type decks
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The
MD portable recording format is easy to use, very practical,
and has respectable quality audio. However, the recordist
must be far more careful against excessive movement
than with DAT, CF, and HD type
decks not to record skips or corrupt the TOC.
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It
is most important to realize that MD has (2)two LIFE-or-DEATH
occasions when CRITICAL information is written to
make for a good playable disc. DISC INITIATION, when
first using a blank, is considerably less fallible
than the dreaded Table Of Contents (TOC) error that
makes the disc a 'virtual/useless BLANK,' and with
all your recordings unreachable!
The
TOC is written (at times) when the recording is STOPPED
for any reason like to change to a new disk, take
a recording break, and all other times intentional
or consciously activated by the recordist at the end
of recording . So every time the deck has recorded
something, and before it shuts off, or if to remove
the just recorded disc, a critical TOC track is written.
At these known times, the wise recordist is most careful
with deck handling until TOC writing is completed.
This being the case, it is possible to remember not
to move or shake the deck.
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HOWEVER,
avoiding movement at critical AUTOMATIC deck shutdown
caused with LOW batteries is plain luck.
REASON:
If the batteries get too low, the deck automatically
performs the shutdown by quickly recording the TOC,
and then turns off without further notice. Obviously,
unless you just happened to be viewing the tiny screen
at the time, you are NOT going to know to avoid MD deck
movement at TOC critical writing time.
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Remember
IF the TOC is NOT written correctly, or the TOC
gets CORRUPTED for any reason, you will NEVER get
to play the disc regardless of any perfectly good
recordings locked up inside. Therefore, if on the
move with the deck recording, probably a good idea
not using batteries in known LOW or questionable
charge condition.
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 MOST
Mini-portables in use today will overload to cause
analog circuit clipping distortion. Indication
that mic input stage clipping is likely occurring is when
LEVEL adjustment necessitates turning down to #4
or below 30-40% of the adjustment range for
seeing VU peak indications -12 dB to -4 dB peaks for most
other DAT models.
LOOK
where you have this knob or the up-down button adjustment
set. If set < 40% of total REC adjustment maximum,
then good chance of MIC input (sometimes also LINE) deck
overload, at least until you know better from trying it
first.
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There
are two main types of REC Level Adjustment Displays
taking the place of the DAT's #0 to #10 REC LEVEL level
knob markings (like shown in the picture above-left)
INSTEAD,
most newer digital audio decks indicate the REC LEVEL
Adjustment ON THE LCD DISPLAY; usually positioned
somewhere BELOW the VU indicator
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Some display a RECORD Level Adjustment Left-to-Right reading
BAR GRAPH that indicates possible audible input overloads
STARTING when the Bar Graph shows about 35-40% of 100% full
up. If the REC LEVEL Adjustment bargraph indicates an adjustment
is selected below 35% of full up, then input clipping distortion
is likely easily audible.
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Some
decks do not use a bar graph to display where you've set
the Manual REC LEVEL. INSTEAD, a series of numbers are
displayed on the LCD display.
The
series of setting numbers is sometimes in TWO SETS when
in MIC input mode (Sharp MD). Displays of #0-#20 indicate
the deck is set in "L" Low input sensitivity (equivalent
to the 20 DB ATTENuation setting on DAT) and input clipping
distortion is unlikely with number settings indicated
at #8 or higher out of #20 max, for getting adequate -12
dB VU to 0 dB VU REC signal peak readings.
The
second numbered set on the Sharp MD reads #21-#30
indicating the deck is set in the "H" High mic input sensitivity
range (equivalent to the 0 DB ATTENuation setting on DAT).
BEST
TO AVOID using the #21-#30 "H" range. You are RISKING
having input clipping distortion UNLESS VU readings
are unable to reach GREATER THAN -14 dB VU with the
deck set at #20.
In
other words, try to keep maximum recording level input
"headroom" by staying in the "L" Low input sensitivity
range, UNLESS VU is less than -14 dB peak, then
good chance the +20 db "HIGH" boost setting
is OK.
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(Suggested TCD-D100/PCM-M1 mic input settings for moderate
low-to-loud sounds shown below)
This
Low or -20 dB mini switch position is
considered normal and best for
most moderate-low to very loud sound recording and is
the preferred setting even if the LEVEL Knob
is needing to be 100% full up maximum to for
~12 dB good VU indication.
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On
most models, the mic sensitivity input switch actually changes the first stage
amplifier gain instead of conventional reduction of mic signal via
resistor attenuation network positioned before the mic amplifier.
Sharp
MiniDisc decks also reconfigure the gain of the mic preamplifier
from low gain to boosted gain when crossing from #0-#20
record level adjustment to #21-#30 record level setting
range.
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Depending
on the output or sensitivity of the microphone being used
and how loud the sound recorded is,
the L or -20 db Attenuated position MAY NOT
lower the signal sufficiently to avoid overloads.
This
is common when using the larger diaphragm (capsule)
sized and/or higher output 48 volt phantom powered microphones
recording amplified Pop/Rock venues.
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this case there are three options: |
1)
Use the Attenuation switch (commonly found
on the microphone body) or
2)
Install an in-series attenuation network between
the microphone and the deck, but NOT between
the microphone and it's source of 'Phantom power' (when
mic is without an internal battery supply).
3)
Use the LINE input(s) on the deck which have
at least -20 dB less gain that mic inputs and are much more
resistant to be overdriven with direct Level Knob control(s);
exception is the Sony D7/8 decks where the Level
Knob does not totally control the line input signal from
causing clipping distortion from very high 'Pro mixing board
type' inputs.
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SUMMARY:
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Remember
the #0 to #20 or "L" Low mic
sensitivity or -20 dB attenuation MIC INPUT mode is the
NORMAL setting for these
decks.
The
other, higher (boosted) gain mode should not
be used for quality mic
input purposes (maybe best for dictation, lecture/seminar
low level recording), UNLESS
UNABLE to reach 50% half VU scale or -14 dB
VU with loudest momentary peaks.
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USE the Line input with large (diaphragm/capsule)
MICS (especially
24-48 volt)
for moderate-to-VERY-LOUD
live events.
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| INPUT
SETTING TIPS ON NON-STOCK DAT DECKS WITH (OADE
MOD) LOWERED PREAMP GAIN |
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In
a message dated 11/16/01 6:43:09 AM Pacific Standard Time, txxxxxx@msn.com
writes:
<<
I have been 'studying' your recording tips, so I THINK I
know what to do for
a quality recording. The only thing I'm afraid of is turning
my record
setting ABOVE '4'. I have never had to record above that
level, but I'm
hoping your mics will allow me to go above that, to avoid
clipping.
Tom Axxxxxx
>>
Hello
Tom,
I
think you've got this tip totally BACKWARDS. Setting the
level knob Below #4 or below (for having VU readings about
-12 dB VU) means your mic input to the preamplifier or
the input gain is way too much, and the bass is getting
clipped even if the VU level shows it is not overloading!
Knob settings above #4.5 (to #10 max) means your mic input
level (and setting of the 0 dB and 20 dB attenuate switch)
is totally OK.
Please
reread the http://www.sonicstudios.com/tips.htm page.
Also realize that most people with a DSM pop/rock low
gain mic USUALLY MUST have the M1 DAT deck in the 20 dB
attenuate switch setting for recording amplified club/concert
music, and also remember to use only the MANUAL recording
mode.
HOWEVER,
BECAUSE OADE MODIFIED YOUR DECK TO HAVE LOWER MIC PREAMP
GAIN, YOU WILL find the 0 dB attenuate setting
IS MORE LIKE THE NORMAL (stock -20 dB deck) SETTING, FOR
THIS DECK ONLY. YOU MAY STILL BE OK to use the 20 dB setting
for most loud music concert venues and the loudest of
club type venues.
HOWEVER,
if you CANNOT get the -12 dB VU average reading with having
#10 LEVEL KNOB (turned full up) with the 20 dB setting,
ONLY THEN USE the 0 dB switch setting, turning the level
knob down (but hopeful not below #4.5) to get about 50%
VU deflections or -12 dB VU average peak readings.
ALSO
READ TAPERS
TIPS for more tips on keeping the recording
level adjustment appropriate for the music.
IN
OTHER WORDS, your deck is NOT STOCK (With having the OADE
MOD), so some of the suggestions saying that 20 dB or
LOW sensitivity is the normal DOES NOT ALWAYS APPLY TO
YOUR CURRENT M1 OADE MODIFIED DECK. So, you may have to
boost the mic preamplifier gain to 0 dB setting (which
is a NO-NO on a stock DAT deck for recording not so loud
Rock/Pop venues), but ONLY if the 20 dB setting gives
too little gain/VU levels.
Follow
these tips carefully and PRACTICE by going out to record
some really loud club type pop/rock music A FEW TIMES.
Much better to make your mistakes during practice than
mess up during the U2 event. Most large concerts should
actually be a bit to alot louder (and cleaner sounding)
than most club venues, so using the 20 dB deck setting
with nearly full up to #10 level knob is likely the best
loud concert recording setting to start with even with
having the OADE mod, but please be prepared for big events
with having some practice first.
Best Regards,
Leonardo
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| Maintain Mini-Stereo Jack/Plug Contacts & Strain Relieve Mic Cords
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Smaller is Better for some things and not for others.
As portable recording decks, jacks, and plugs get smaller,
the need to compensate for less contact area and spring
force becomes increasingly important to
insure consistent results when recording. Small decks
are dependable as long as the recordist is aware of the
limitations; therefore, some important facts about what’s
not so robust and problematic about the smaller connection
hardware is important to know.
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FACT:
Mini-stereo contact spring pressure is far
less than on 1/4” & XLR type connectors.
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RESULT: Fingerprint
residue that’s not always wiped off before plugging-in
will collect inside the jack, and quickly interfere with signal
purity, even generate severe static (mic DC power)
noises.
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The lighter contact forces of mini-connectors don’t push
aside the film coating of grease and grim as do much larger
connectors. Also realize
that it’s almost impossible to handle a mini-mic. plug without
touching the metal surface, leaving fingerprint residue
on the plug that’s deposited into the mic jack with each
insertion cycle. As each insertion continues
to add more residue, the contacts reach ‘saturation’ and
can no longer push aside this toughening film. Furthermore, contact
corrosion from fingerprint salts (like that of sea water)
eventually eats up the metal when moisture is present. This
produces slightly audible degradation of the signal quality
at best to complete intermittent interruption of delicate
mic. Signals and will ruin the recording in the worst case.
When phantom type power is also supplied to the microphones
through the mic. jack (as with external microphone "Plug-in-Power"
feature common to portable Video, DAT & MiniDisc decks),
highly audible static type noise is the result. This
is especially audible when the microphones plug is only slightly moved by an unsecured mic. cord.
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 SOLUTION
TO MINI-CONNECTOR STATIC NOISE AND INTERMITTENT AUDIO IS AS
FOLLOWS:
Clean & recondition noisy mic. jacks with 91 - 99% pure isopropyl
alcohol. Repeatedly insert a headphone type plug
soaked to the point of dripping (filling the alcohol bottle
cap and dipping only the metal part of the mini-plug works
well) into the mic. Jack until any connection noise disappears.
Monitor the progress with a set of headphones while
the deck is in a record function. Rotating the microphones
plug should not produce audible noise with cleaned and conditioned
contacts. Applying a contact conditioner to already
cleaned plug and jack metal parts (Stereo retailer & Sonic Studios available ProGold
by CAIG Labs works great) once to several times a year will help protect
contacts from corrosion/wear and from producing noise for
much longer between cleanings.
(Return
to Tapers Tips Page)
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CAUTION IS ADVISED: AVOID PLACING CONTACT CLEANER ON ANYTHING
BUT THE METAL CONNECTOR PARTS; Plastics can be softened,
discolored, and even dissolved! This may actually
coat the very metal contacts intended for cleaning!
Fortunately, deck input jacks are reasonably resistant
to alcohol and most ‘plastic safe’ cleaners when used occasionally
and with care.
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WARNING: Never spray anything into the jacks on a deck. Most Minideck jacks are not the enclosed type anymore,
but are open, allowing sprays to go where they can cause
mechanical problems with the mechanical type transport mechanisms
and coat the tape/optical head(s). Use the method
described above with the miniplug, or purchase a special
plastic cleaning brush from CAIG or Sonic Studios (a
tapered shaver/dental plague cleaning brush may also be
used).
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Avoiding The Mini Connector Shortcomings For
Professional Work:
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TCD-D100
& PCM-M1
DAT Deck Tip
Always
wipe off the mic plug before
plugging-in with a clean cotton
cloth (or shirt) or tissue paper. The plug should be mirror-bright-shiny
clean before making the connection.
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Click
for MiniDISC MIC cord securing & General MD recording
setup tips
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(The
photos on the left and far below illustrate the best strategy
for Sony DAT, MD, and portable audio hard disk recording
decks)
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 2)
Secure the mic cord between the deck and the carrying case,
or use Velcro to prevent connection movement noise, spontaneous
unplugging, & input jack damaging strains from occurring.
(Right)
The input/output cords are both secured with PA-24NJ
preamp's integral Velcro tie.
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A more permanent smart right-angle mic. cord bend around the deck is best
produced by carefully heating the entire bend section (a hair
dryer is handy), applying the necessary bend, then let cool
before releasing the bend.
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  The
Sharp MD-MT20 minidisc deck has room for just 1 cord securing
strap.
Position
the 2 Velcro patches (the hook type) as shown to avoid blocking anything important.
Secure
the cord with the bridging strap (the loop type) as shown
above.
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| PA
Adapters are accessory for powering DSM mics and have options
of also having "Bass Cut" filters. |
 The
Input Jack to the PA connects to the DSM mic output Plug.
This
interface should be kept from disconnection or movement by using
one of the two available moveable cord securing straps as illustrated
here in the two photo tips.
The
PA's output plug is secured to the deck just like the DSM mic
plug/cord shown in the previous tips.
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Are Gold Plated Connectors Naturally Better?
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Gold
is plated onto a connectors base metal and is a <5
to ~25 micro-inches very thin to extra thick plating;
usually much less than 5 micro-inches is used. It may
be surprising to know that Gold is NOT the best conductor
of electricity, silver is far better, with copper just
behind as the most common materials in use these days.
However,
Gold does make a better and more consistent electrical
contact because it is corrosion resistant to most
everything. But what may really matter the most is what's
UNDERNEATH the Gold plating. Gold is very, very soft
metal and is easily pushed aside leaving the base metal
of the connector to show through in the most used areas,
which is exactly the area where the metal-to-metal electrical
connection takes place.
Most
frequently the underneath base metal on gold plated plugs
is BRASS; this looks a lot like the gold plating until
it tarnishes and gold plates very easily to the brass
metal alloy. In contrast, most NON-Gold plated connectors
have a form of nickel plating (over brass) that is also
very corrosion resistant, but not as corrosion resistant
as gold. However, nickel plating is made thicker than
gold and is a much less soft metal; lasts much much longer
as a plate for sliding contact purposes.
If
the gold plating is really thin (most usual for consumer
gear), then using just brass underneath allows the connector
to look 'good as gold' in the store, BUT after
getting used a bit, the gold plating will wear through
to expose brass to corrosion.
Here
is the bad news: brass metal surfaces will quickly
corrode to having a very, very hard surface skin
(acts like anodized aluminum that resist further deep
corrosion) that will not conduct electricity.
This
leaves you with a far worse connection than most anything
you can think of. Mostly leaves you with no connection
until something scrapes down hard on the brass to make
a good but very temporary connection again. So as the
gold wears off, the brass shines through to tarnish; hard
to keep from making anything but very inconsistent and
mostly poor connections. This is the bad news with these
types of gold plated connectors, especially after they
get worn from active cycles of plug and unplug use.
The
commercial electronics industry also makes use of gold
plating for sliding contacts, BUT ONLY after a 15 to 50
micro-inch plating of NICKEL is first laid down on copper
(PC circuit boards) or brass/steel (as for quality military/commercial
connectors). In this way, as the Gold predictably gets
worn away after repeated working, but there is still a
good nickel plating metal contact underneath. This dual
plating method always insures that some kind of good reliable
electrical contact surface remains after years of active
service. With Gold plate over nickel, the brass or steel
base metals rarely ever wears through the nickel in normal
expected use.
 So,
it is often best NOT to get the gold plated connectors
as they more often DO NOT MAKE A GOOD CONNECTION after
too short a time of use. Better to get more durable nickel
(sometimes made better with silver alloy) types that last
far longer and can be cleaned with alcohol easily. Brass
does not clean well and needs an abrasive material to
scrape down to some newer brass; like using a pencil eraser
or extra fine abrasive grit paper.
Why
the makers of these connectors do not first plate nickel
over the base BEFORE gold is almost a mystery to me, but
go to Radio Shack and take a look at all those gold plated
connector parts. They all seem just Gold plated over Brass;
not good at all. Using Brass as the only base metal seems
to look better when using the usual very thin Gold plating;
you will buy this quicker than the appearance of thin
gold over nickel, it would not be as bright or 'gold looking'
I would guess.
If
you have gold connectors, then I strongly suggest NOT
using anything abrasive to clean them (at least until
the gold is worn out in critical places), just use pure
91% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth. I suggest using some
ProGold contact conditioner to the cleaned connector to
help keep the brass base metal from wearing through the
gold very quickly.
Remember,
that which is golden is not necessarily the best connector
for the long run.
NOTE:
Sonic Studios gold plated connectors are a full 25
micro-inches of gold OVER 50 micro-inches of high
quality nickel plate; this will always provide long
life and reliable connections for many, thousands
of cycles and for years of challenging environmental
exposure.
|
A technical sheet on connectors
and what happens to gold with and without ProGold treatment
is linked to my accessories page at: http://www.sonicstudios.com/access.htm
|
|
|
Recording
MUSIC with Bass Filters: Advisory
<<
------------- DAT-Heads Digest Query -----------------
Date: FBI, 21 Jul 2000 18:08:44 -0500
From:
" J V "
Subject:
Bass filter for older Sonic Studios DSM-6P
I'm
looking for a an inline bass roll-off box (preferably
with adjustable settings) that will be fully compatible
with the Sonics DSM-6 P ( the older hardwired power supply
model) , i.e., it can accept a 1/8 inch stereo plug and
can plug into the 1/8 inch mic input on my M-1. I understand
Marcsounds used to carry something similar to this, are
they still around ?
john
>>------------------------------
GuySonic
Replies:
IN-Series
Bass filters for electret are mostly too specialized to
mix and match from different mic models/makes. The unique
driving ability or impedance of a particular mic capsule
AND the input resistance (Impedance) of the deck's input
will greatly effect both the mic's AND the filters performance
and quality factors; the parameters are INTERACTIVE.
In
other words, mixing is not a good idea in this case
for more than one reason and especially if you care
about getting specific and quality results without needing
to be also extremely lucky.
In
specific to John's situation, the suggested solution is
to change the hardwired DSM-6P (vintage) version to being
up-to-date with current DSM models. This would allow connection
to any of the current PA powering + Bass filter models
that best fit his particular recording requirement. (SEE
PA powering and bass filter adapter chart on page: http://www.sonicstudios.com/pa_x.htm)
The
best service now for the updating of older DSM- 6P models
is the low cost DSM mic "Refurbishment" service that
includes the new model form-factor update + diaphragm
clean + new windscreens = mics look and work like a
brand-new-one and can be directly powered by portable
DAT/MD decks and/or a PA. bass filtering adapter.
AND
WHILE ON THIS TOPIC:
It
seems that "a bit too much that bass filtering" is an
easy thing to do when all you got to do is slide a switch
and viola! ........ there's now less bass in the recording.
Microphone
BASS Filtering can be a good thing to even up the
overall "tone" balance of a recording AND it also gives
more analog input or recording "headroom" that helps
to enhance the overall resolution of higher frequencies.
In
other words, you can turn up the REC level a lot more
FOR MIDS AND HIGHS because the strongest (bass) sound
component is now at a much lower deck input level.
Sometimes it's not that you can do it (reduce the
bass content with a filter), but it's really about
knowing WHEN and WHEN NOT and HOW MUCH TO reduce bass
sounds. If the sound is SO loud that your hearing
gets distorted OR if you are prudent in saving your
ears with wearing earplugs (especially when right-up
close to the stacks), you MAY NOT be HEARING the overall
tonal balance of the venue WELL ENOUGH TO MAKING the
most appropriate bass filter selection.
Too
many recordings I've lately heard seem to error on WAY
TOO MUCH BASS FILTERING as to lose most sense of the
real "GUT and emotional FEELing" of the music; this is
big part of the live sound that I personally find important.
However, very "thin sounding recordings" are MORE OFTEN
caused by POST BASS Filtering in a digital sound editing
(DAW) program than by the use of real-time microphone
filtering, but both mechanisms can do equal damage or
benefit to a recording DEPENDING.
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