rhalten

You might find the following helpful on the question of minidisc pre-amps. I've heard so much confusing stuff on the topic, I asked a microphone retailer for his opinion. Here's his reply: >>It does get more critical when trying to record in higher sound pressure level environments(recording loud sounds) because all portable Minidisc and Dat recorders can and do go into overload when in moderately loud to loud recording situations quit easily! Quick fix is incorporating a batter / filter module and using your "line" input. By doing this you will bypass the preamp stage(at the mic input) of your recording allowing your microphones to handle a much greater, cleaner signal. Good rule of thumb: When recording quiet to moderate loud levels use your microphone input with or without a battery / filter module. When recording loud to extremely loud situations "always" use your battery / filter module in your "line" input. <<

Well, I try not to spend hundreds on an MD. I just bought a Sharp MT-99 on eBay for $36. But, sure, I understand a condenser mike is better than a dynamic. How is the Rode as a handheld mike? Low noise from holding it? And does the fatter XLR plug ever get in the way? And do you use it for music, voice, or both?

Pardon my butting in, but you must be using an XLR adaptor with either of those two mikes. If so, which do you recommend? And do you feel the quality with an XLR-type mic is noticeably better than a quality mic with a mini-plug that goes directly into the minidisc?