I would like to hear your experiences regarding using the built-in condenser mic vs. an external (stereo) mic.
This is my thoughts :
* The built-in is very (very very ...) good, and I almost always use it.
* My stereo mic (Yoga) gives almost as good sound, and in stereo.
* BUT : Using ANY external condenser mic, gives a lot of hiss. And what's more it seems like this noise come whether you plug in the mic or not, i.e. the noise come from the external/line input.
* Using external mic has the advantage that you don't get hand-noise and noise from pushing the buttons
I anyone has thoughts/experiences please share, as I am always looking for ways to improve my recordings.
I use the Boss mini stereo condenser mic, plugged into external/line and I havent noticed any hiss. I find the Boss mic to be very sensitive (it will pick up my breathing even) so I usually turn sensitivity down to -4 or something. Soundwise I find the Boss mini stereo mike to be vastly superior (so much more sesnitivity and dynamic range than the onboard mic). I hear a huge difference when I record acoustic guitar for example. I have had very good sound with the Boss mic plugged in to external/line.
Hey BB - This mic you speak of - is this the "BOSS BA-CS10".
Id f so, can it be used with a BR600?
I'm still having intermittent problems with my onboard mics (they work one day, and don't the next) >:(.
I know if I send it in for repair, they will probably just send it back saying they couldn't find anything wrong with it.
If this mic works with a BR600, then it might be just what I need.
Geir,
Ihave a mono Rode NT1a which I use through my Soundcraft desk. It's remarkable. very quiet, smooth and sensitive, much like me :D
Quote from: Vanncad on October 13, 2009, 08:47:01 AMHey BB - This mic you speak of - is this the "BOSS BA-CS10".
I'm not sure it if works on the 600 or not, it all depends on what the 600 offers for phantom power, the micro gives the exact amount that this little mic needs (I cant remember the rating but is is much smaller than a standard condenser mic) and the connection is 1/8".
The onboard is the only mic I know... I bought a cheap Sony knockoff but can't find it. Never used it :D
I like the onboard mic!!
Mark on the mic.
Quote from: Vanncad on October 13, 2009, 08:47:01 AMHey BB - This mic you speak of - is this the "BOSS BA-CS10".
Id f so, can it be used with a BR600?
I'm still having intermittent problems with my onboard mics (they work one day, and don't the next) >:(.
If this mic works with a BR600, then it might be just what I need.
Sorry Vanncad. The BA-CS10 (http://www.roland.com/products/en/BA-CS10/index.html) requires PlugIn Power from the recorder and the BR-600 doesn't have it (only the Micro BR does).
Perhaps the Roland CS-15R (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-CS15R-STEREO-MICROPHONE?sku=703126) would be a better choice for your BR-600. It's a single mic with stereo elements, and it's powered by a battery inside the mic. It has two 1/4" phone plugs which would plug right into the BR-600's Mic jacks.
Although, I wonder if you really need a stereo mic? Maybe you'd be better off getting a regular mono condenser mic. Of course, the BR-600 has no phantom power, so you'd need either a battery-powered mic or a separate phantom power supply. Here's an inexpensive battery-powered condenser mic that might be suitable:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-SPC25-Condenser-Microphone?sku=277522 (http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Nady-SPC25-Condenser-Microphone?sku=277522)
i have the little stereo bud mics by sony, well it says sony on it but got for £5 on ebay, only used them for live recordings but is a bugger to set up compared to using onboard mic or line in. cant recall the process as am at work and dont have br at hand but when setting up you have to turn mic power on thingy, problem is after a few beers i forget and record lots of silence.
youtube recordings i did of my friend stix are all with stereo mic. but next time im gonna try line out from desk as i think i will have more control. i hope anyway.
Quote from: oldrottenhead on October 13, 2009, 01:42:51 PMi have the little stereo bud mics by sony, well it says sony on it but got for £5 on ebay, only used them for live recordings but is a bugger to set up compared to using onboard mic or line in. cant recall the process as am at work and dont have br at hand but when setting up you have to turn mic power on thingy, problem is after a few beers i forget and record lots of silence.
Isn't that the truth, I keep forgetting to turn on the power for the mic too, doesn't work too good that way.
But no-one experience more noise when switching from GTR, LIN or MIC to EXT (with pluginPower: on) ?
I get significantly more (white) noise when using EXT with pluginpower on)
QuoteBut no-one experience more noise when switching from GTR, LIN or MIC to EXT (with pluginPower: on) ?
I get significantly more (white) noise when using EXT with pluginpower on)
none with the sony mic that i am aware of.
Quote from: Geir on October 13, 2009, 02:26:30 PMBut no-one experience more noise when switching from GTR, LIN or MIC to EXT (with pluginPower: on) ?
I get significantly more (white) noise when using EXT with pluginpower on)
What effects are you running? Many of them add top end which increases hiss. I use a "sony" 5 dollar mic and it sounds quite good. Recording in a park-you cant even tell you are outside. Try some different EQ settings.
All effects turned off when comparing. It's not much noise for one take, but adding 3-4 vox+an acoustic guitar or two .... it adds up
Hmm could it be backround noise? With good mics, you can hear things you normally wouldnt.
If it's baground noise it's one helluva mic, cause the noise comes even when it's not plugged in ;D ...
Seriously, without plugging any external mic in, try selecting EXT and turn pluginpower on and off to hear the difference. For me that hiss seems unavoidavle when using an external condenser !
Quote from: Geir on October 14, 2009, 03:20:07 PMIf it's baground noise it's one helluva mic, cause the noise comes even when it's not plugged in ;D ...
Seriously, without plugging any external mic in, try selecting EXT and turn pluginpower on and off to hear the difference. For me that hiss seems unavoidavle when using an external condenser !
I hear the slight hiss, but thats normal-you must have great ears.
I think its also related to the preamp and sensitive mics in general-they make it so you can hear every little thing.