Adjusting Rec Level While Recording

[eMDe]

Since I bought my first MD portable (the MZ-R30) there were some differences between Sony and Sharp recorders:

one of it, the Rec level adjust:

Sony had a automatic level adjust or pre-leveling.

The Sharps had the possibility to set the level while recording over the skip buttons.

How it is with the new Hi-MD devices?

Is it possible with an nh900 to set the record level while recording?

greetz!

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[dex Otaku]

Yes. Sony's current units default to auto gain control [AGC] but under the record options you can switch to manual levels.

Levels can be adjusted at any time while recording by using the "wheel", while earphone volume is still adjusted normally.

I wish Sony had kept with their older method of turning manual record levels on by just holding the record key for 2-3 seconds.

[eMDe]

Yes.  Sony's current units default to auto gain control [AGC] but under the record options you can switch to manual levels.

Everytime for new? or is the setup saved after turning off the recorder?

Levels can be adjusted at any time while recording by using the "wheel", while earphone volume is still adjusted normally.

That's Great! It's what i'am looking for.

I wish Sony had kept with their older method of turning manual record levels on by just holding the record key for 2-3 seconds.

If you miss this easy function, I know the answer of the saved setup

thanks!

[dex Otaku]

After every 'stop' you have to re-set manual levels [it can only be set in record-pause].

This is moderately annoying, but a big improvement over the old system where you couldn't change the levels on the fly.

[eMDe]

..it can only be set in record-pause...

so it's not while recording only in pause.

That's better than nothing, you're right..

[streaml1ne]

so it's not while recording   only in pause.

That's better than nothing, you're right..

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You can adjust levels while recording like dex said, it's just that when you stop that recording the player goes back to AGC. So for your next recording you need to change it to manual level control again.

[dave_bass5]

You can adjust levels while recording like dex said, it's just that when you stop that recording the player goes back to AGC. So for your next recording you need to change it to manual level control again.

←

At least the levels stay the same when you go back into manual mode.

I find the AGC on the 900 is far better than my previous MD recorders, much more constant levels. i have recorded my band a few times with the 900 on stage and it picks everything up well and no distortion.

Dave.

[dex Otaku]

I have found the same.

The AGC on the newer models doesn't really look [or test] as AGC, actually. It's more of a soft-knee compressor starting at about -12dBFS with a limiter starting somewhere around -6dBFS.

As long as the source you're recording isn't extremely loud [or you're too close to it] this permits a very natural-sounding dynamic range while ensuring that most louder sounds are recorded undistorted.

Transients too fast for the compression/limiting are an exception, and this is what the Loud Music setting is supposed to be for - though my own admittedly rather unscientific testing found no real difference between the two modes.

This applies when you're using the 'low sens' setting for mic gain. In the 'high sens' mode, you end up with recordings that sound more as you'd expect AGC to sound [i.e. with pumping background noise &c.].