Battery box and taping from the board

[chenners]

Hi:

I've just started with MD recordings but have come across the mention of two terms during tapetrades that I'm curious about: battery box(es) and recording from the board.

What's the deal with battery boxes? I'm assuming that it functions as a power source and/or control device for high-end mics? I haven't had a need for a battery box (or have I?) since the shows I'm taping from are acoustic and rather low-key. Seeing as mics are only one aspect for quality recordings, I thought I'd get some clarification.

As far as recording from the soundboard goes, what additional equipment would be needed? I'm assuming that soundboard equipment varies as well, but is there something equipment wise that is a must have but would also translate across platforms? And equipment and technalities aside, what protocol is there in regards to approaching the sound guy and asking to tape from the board?

I've a Sony MZ-N707 that I got off eBay and have been using for several months (the MD was refurbished but so far has been working well). With all the live recordings and bootlegs that is now in circulation, I'm growing quality conscious and am on the lookout for ways to improve my recordings. This forum has been extremely helpful, so thanks!

[jadeclaw]

1.) Battery Box. A MD-recorder puts out between 1 and 3 Volt on the Microphone socket.

Under normal circumstances, this is mostly enough. But on loud concerts, the preamplifier inside the mic capsule overloads. A battery box usually delivers 9 Volts, resulting in a much higher headroom for the capsule amp, thus allowing a much higher level.

As I have no experience regarding soundboard connections, I defer that question to those with the knowledge about that.

[chenners]

Hey jadeclaw. Thanks for the info. My brain made a wrinkle. ;OP