A Bit Confused

[Schwowsers]

In June, there is (hopefully) an I AM X / Robots in Disguise concert that I plan on going to in New York that I simply have to record. I have checked nearly all of the other threads on this board and a few other boards here at minidisc.org, but I'm still a bit confused as to what equipment will get me the best possible recording (on my budget).

As for a minidisc recorder, I have my eyes set on a soon to be released Sony MZ-NH1. This definitely isn't set in stone, though, as I'd prefer to hear what people think about the recorder after some hands-on time with it. I have several questions regarding the specifications of this player, but I'll wait to ask them until it's release.

For microphones, I'll probably end up getting some binaurals from soundprofessionals.com in the range of $60 - $100, as many people here seem to have gotten great results with fairly cheap mics from them. I'm just not sure about a battery box, though. Some threads here make it sound as thought all you need is a plain old battery box and a good microphone to get a great recording using line-in. Others claim that you need a battery box with a preamp and, preferably, bass roll-off. The latter set-up seems to make more sense, but due to the price of a preamp, It'd be awfully nice if that weren't true. If all of those things are necessary, though, I'll probably end up getting the Slimline battery box with those options included.

Now, when I'm at the concert recording, I'd also like to have a good time. I'm not one for all out dancing, but I do like to bop up and down to the music a bit. Will this slight movement screw up my recording? I guess this can probably be answered better once the MZ-NH1 is out.

That's all I can think of right now. Thanks to anyone who can clarify these things. Also, while I am definitely going to be getting a MD recorder and other equipment for recording live concerts, I'm in no way set on the items I mentioned. If you think something is better than what I'm looking at getting, please, tell me! I'd rather not spend more than $700 on everything, though.

EDIT: Before I buy the battery box and preamp, I'll probably try the microphone volume control technique that I've read about it. It's less than $10 and if I can get a good quality recording with that, it'd be sweet to save the money I would have spent on a the battery box / preamp combo.

[Christopher]

Wow, for a newcomer you seem very informed, which is how it should be..I love it when people do there homework! If you're content with what you've decided, then there isn't really much room for further input - seems like an all-around good choice to me. I think the only thing I can recommend is when you do delve into the new format, make sure you spend some time practicing recording before you go out and do the real deal. Everything you've suggested for yourself will work out quite well, but what about headphones?