Interference on recording using RM-40ELK remote

[mrsoul]

Here's a great tip for those with a RM-40ELK remote: leave the inline filters that came with the remote in place or you may get some annoying static type interference on your precious stealth recordings.

I stealthed a symphony performance with a favorite rock band last week in Jacksonsville, FL. The first set I used the 40ELK with the RH10 in my pocket. Due to the lack of hassle and good cover, I took the RH10 and put it between my legs during the second set. I also removed the remote. Good thing, the first set is marred by interference every time I touched the remote to look at the recording levels (usually involved manipulating the volume to get the illumination). The second set without the remote had none of the static interference.

I have recorded with that 40ELK manytimes and NEVER had a problem but something was different this time...

I had removed the lead line filter that came with the remote so that it would fit easier in a carrying case. Well, there's a reason that filter is on the line. Lesson learned: leave that big bulky filter on the line of your remote if you plan to do any recording with it attached.

Happy taping!

***Edit (10/18/05): THIS IS ONLY APPLICABLE IN MIC INPUT RECORDINGS, THIS DOES NOT AFFECT LINE INPUT***

[Roamer]

Good tips, although that means carrying that bulky filter ...

I 'll try it (maybe tomorrow ) !

[The Low Volta]

I'm sorry mister soul... but with my NH900 in combo with the RM-MC38EL and my RM-MC40ELK as well I get static on more silent recordings... the 38 still has the clamps (while I never attached them/one to the 40). I think I still have some recordings (of me peeing ) withe the clamped 38 attached and statics... I learned to detach the remote when taping more silent stuff...

but for rock ... nevermind!

[mrsoul]

I'm sorry mister soul... but with my NH900 in combo with the RM-MC38EL and my RM-MC40ELK as well I get static on more silent recordings... the 38 still has the clamps (while I never attached them/one to the 40). I think I still have some recordings (of me peeing ) withe the clamped 38 attached and statics... I learned to detach the remote when taping more silent stuff...

but for rock ... nevermind!

I still need to do some more testing but that was the only difference in the 2 sets and it's very noticeable. Either way, I think the remote is the culprit. Bottom line, if you use a remote during recording, you run the risk of some interference.

[dex Otaku]

I have tested this thoroughly with a RM-MC35ELK remote [single-line display] with both an RH10 and NH700. In both cases, making recordings using the internal mic preamp is a totally fruitless effort, filters or not. The noise created by the display updating gets picked up by the mic cable by the proximity of the plugs alone.

The same problem has not affected line-in recordings I have made with the remote plugged in [mainly due to the input level difference alone].

[mrsoul]

I have tested this thoroughly with a RM-MC35ELK remote [single-line display] with both an RH10 and NH700. In both cases, making recordings using the internal mic preamp is a totally fruitless effort, filters or not. The noise created by the display updating gets picked up by the mic cable by the proximity of the plugs alone.

The same problem has not affected line-in recordings I have made with the remote plugged in [mainly due to the input level difference alone].

Thanks Dex-

That explains why I have never had this problem before, I usually go Line in for all of my recordings. Didn't even think about that being the issue until your post. Thanks again.

Mark

[WaywardTraveller]

I know I'm bumping an old thread here, but I have to express my agreement (and disappointment) with not being able to MIC-record using the 40ELK (and others). I've had the same problems, and my 40ELK has clamps too.

I guess it doesn't matter for louder recordings (does it?), but it just seems a bit dumb to integrate the remote with recording when it interferes with the quality. I'd use LINE permanently, if it weren't so quiet.

So at the risk of asking the obvious...is there any way to remove the interference? Any add-on accessory or something? I am going back to school and anticipate recording many spoken lectures, but don't want that annoying static hiss in the background.

peace

WaywardTraveller

[A440]

I'm surprised you're getting hiss.

When I use the RM-MC40ELK during recording, there's a burst of static whenever it lights--that is, whenever I check levels, make a track or change a setting. Otherwise it's quiet. So I only fiddle with it during applause.

Steady background hiss could be coming from the mic, or from the preamp straining to boost a very quiet signal, or from a bad connection in the remote.

If yours is giving you hiss, couldn't you just do without it in the classroom, and use the controls on the recorder?

Also, you could try reducing background hiss afterward with editing software. Audacity has noise reduction, and so do more professional programs. It needs a little stretch of the noise alone, and then will remove it from the recording. Sometimes it helps a lot; sometimes it sounds horrible. Hiss can also be reduced with a Low Pass filter: set it above, oh, 10000 HZ (or even lower: 7000? 5000?) and see if that gets rid of it.

[WaywardTraveller]

I'm surprised you're getting hiss.

When I use the RM-MC40ELK during recording, there's a burst of static whenever it lights--that is, whenever I check levels, make a track or change a setting. Otherwise it's quiet. So I only fiddle with it during applause.

Steady background hiss could be coming from the mic, or from the preamp straining to boost a very quiet signal, or from a bad connection in the remote.

Hmm...I have to go back and experiment, cos I've done so many tests I can't remember now! lol...I DO know that (as you said) fiddling with the remote while recording, i.e. changing the rec level DOES produce hiss.

I also remember that my two different mics register the hiss louder/softer depending on which one I'm using. I didn't find out until later that the TFB-2s I have come in high- and low-sensitivity models, and have no idea which one I have.

Do you hear any hiss at all either way with LINE recordings, A440?

So you say, A440, that you haven't had problems if, say, you start recording, turn on HOLD on the remote so nothing will register, and then only turn off HOLD and change levels between songs/important parts? Will have to check that out...thanks again!

peace

WaywardTraveller

[A440]

Do you hear any hiss at all either way with LINE recordings, A440?

So you say, A440, that you haven't had problems if, say, you start recording, turn on HOLD on the remote so nothing will register, and then only turn off HOLD and change levels between songs/important parts?

I don't hear hiss with Line-in. But I haven't done serious A/B testing, which would try four variations: Mic-in and Line-in without remote and Mic-in and Line-in with remote.

As far as I can tell, the remote adds noise only when it lights up. No steady hiss. If the hiss varies with your mics, then I think it must be the mics--no mic is entirely silent. You could try switching the unit from High to Low Sensitivity, assuming you can still get enough signal with what you're recording, because High makes things a little hissy. I couldn't tell you whether it's amplifying mic noise or adding preamp noise.

And yes, exactly, leaving it on hold keeps the remote silent (and switching it to Hold doesn't make any noise). I think lighting the remote adds a certain small amount of noise that is amplified considerably more through Mic-in. With Line-in, it's so low that even with relatively quiet music I don't hear my track marking, with or without applause to mask it.