Sony MZ-RH1 for live recordings

[parrilla]

Hello guys/gals,

This is my first posting on this site . I'm looking at several options for live recordings (Edirol r-09, zoom, and the MZ-RH1). I like the fact that I can use the MZ-RH1 to listen to stuff also. Here's the thing, I plan to use the unit to record live ensemble classical music. If I get the MZ-RH1, I was planning to bundle it with a Sony ECM-MS907 microphone. What do you guys think?

[The Low Volta]

The RH1 is indeed a brilliant recording device and it is good for playback as well (though there definitely are better devices if playback alone would be your concern)

but if I were you I would look further for a mic! The Sony mics (including the ECM-MS907) do not record the full frequency range of human hearing (100Hz to 15kHz while we can hear from 20Hz-20kHz) and this can make recordings sound thin and unnatural (mainly due to the lack of deep bass-tones) and for example when recording piano forte this would be very obvious in the lower notes

have a look at SoundProfessionals.com (if you're in the US or close to that) or do a search for A440's thread on greenmachine's mics as they are very good and better value for money if you're in Europe

[parrilla]

Thank Low Volta. I'll look into sound professionals (I'm in Rhode Island, US). Any recommendations as to what from them? Cardioid - 2 versus 1 for stereo - etc. - model in particular (please low $...). Thanks again.

[Karl P]

I was looking at the SP BMC-2 over at Sound Professionals but opted to build my own. I'm very happy with the ones I built, cost less than $9 and quality is great.

[raintheory]

I was looking at the SP BMC-2 over at Sound Professionals but opted to build my own. I'm very happy with the ones I built, cost less than $9 and quality is great.

wanna post some pics of your mics?

[Karl P]

wanna post some pics of your mics?

Posted in the DIY project thread here. The stereo effect obtained with these is great, I was surprised at the quality. Used the Panasonic 61a microphone capsules soldered onto the headphone cable that came with the cheapo headphones.

AK_Dinosaur_Ride.mp3

The above is a recording I made with these. Made the battery box in the DIY thread too, attached these to that and then into a Sony RH1 recording in Hi-SP mode.

The ONLY problem I had with these is wind noise, which actually caused an edit at the end of this file. It's tough to hear I think, but the last part I needed to replace the audio with a second ride through that didn't have the wind noise. I will be altering these to include a windscreen of some sort.

Overall though, I can't complain. I figured I save myself over $100 by making my own stuff, and the quality really is tops.

Edited January 24, 2007 by Karl P

[A440]

parilla:

How quiet will the classical music be that you are recording? I ask because the RH1 does make an occasional whirring noise while spinning up the disc, and if you are recording a solo instrument in a quiet recital room, etc., you may hear it on the recording. At a rock or jazz concert, it is well masked by the ambient noise, and I haven't heard it in orchestral recordings I have made, but it is a possibility.

For that reason you might want to look more closely at the flash recorders. I don't like the bulk or obviousness of the built-in mics on the Edirol or the Zoom, but if you don't have to be stealthy they might serve you well.

You shouldn't use any kind of mic that sits on a minidisc unit, because then you'll definitely hear the whirring noise. A few feet away on a cord makes a lot of difference.

Low Volta is correct about the MS907. You might not need those low frequencies for a string quartet, but you would want to capture them with an orchestra or a piano (bottom A=27.5 Hz).

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Karl P, here's a place to buy windscreens. They have some small ones.

http://www.pro-sound.com/Catalog/MICACCSS/1.htm

You might also try http://www.bhphoto.com