AGC (on Sony mz-n1) both up and down?

[Guest Anonymous]

I've now figured out that I should not use AGC (automatic gain control) on music recordings, but am not sure whether AGC is a good idea or bad idea with voice recording of conversations.

I did some recordings using the Sound Professionals low sensitivity mics in an Otterbox (which works really well) of meetings around a conference table. I also did some recording using a ECM-MS907 mic, which turned out okay, as well, but actually records at a lower volume under AGC.

Can anyone point me to more information about how AGC works (on Sony recorders in general, or specifically on the mz-n1)? Surfing the web, I had read something that suggested that the gain gets turned down early, and doesn't adjust itself back up until the stop button is pushed. (Since these tend to be multi-hour recordings, this can mean a lot).

In addition, I'm interested in advice on recording in a noisy restaurant. I used the Sound Professional otter box at the dinner table, which worked just fine, but transferring the recording (done under AGC) to the PC (using Total Recorder) results in a signal that is at 100% (i.e. red) all of the time. The restaurant background is very noisy -- bar music, other conversations -- but the voices actually are quite clear. I wonder if I should have set the volume manually, instead. (There were 7 people around a table, set up in a row, in a bistro).

At a conference table, different speakers are different distances from the mic, so, in theory at least, automatic gain would be a good idea.

Advice is welcomed. Thanks.

[Ferenc]

Can anyone point me to more information about how AGC works (on Sony recorders in general, or specifically on the mz-n1)?  Surfing the web, I had read something that suggested that the gain gets turned down early, and doesn't adjust itself back up until the stop button is pushed.

On SONY MZ-R900 the level is turned up if the level is decreased. Both turning up and down is done in discrete steps.