Needed opinions on mic and Battery box

[drjonesphd]

So i have the Sony MZ-S1 player recorder (Line input only). i was poking around some mic stores and i found these two products

http://store.microphonemadness.com/mmmimbobafim.html

http://store.microphonemadness.com/mmmicbinster1.html

Maybe some of you Guys could help a newbie out and give me your opinion on these products. ANd if they can do the job for me. I don't have the biggest Budget But if anybody knows of a less expensive product that can do the job just as well as these please let me know. Thank you.

BTW this forum is great i wish i knew about it before i bought the MZ-S1

[A440]

The problem with units that only have line-in is that you're going to have to tote along an extra box, and what you really need is going to be just about as expensive as getting an older-model MD with a mic input. A mic input means the unit has a built-in preamp and provides power to the mic. Line input has no preamp.

You might want to sell the S1 and look on Ebay for an MZ-N707 (if you want NetMD for transferring mp3s/CDs to minidisc) or an MZ-R700 (if you just want a recorder). You can pick up an MZ-R700 these days for under $100 and an MZ-N707 for under $150--use your common sense about the sellers, and don't get one that looks in any way worn or dented. They're both less bulky than the S1, and you can make very decent recordings with just mics and a Radio Shack headphone volume control (search this site for posts on that trick).

If you're committed to the S1, it depends what you're planning to record. To record loud music, you can get away with a set of mics and a battery box like the ones in your links. If you're trying to record anything quiet you're going to need a mic preamp to boost the signal, and those get expensive.

Microphone Madness, Soundprofessionals (www.soundprofessionals.com) and the slightly more expensive Core Sound (www.core-sound.com) all make little mics and preamps that will do most jobs. Soundprofessionals also has a very comprehensive FAQ that explains all the basics.

[drjonesphd]

Thankyou A440.

I did consider buying another Recorder but i wouldn't trust a used one. I know some of the abuse mine has taken (ridding mt. bikes). I liked the Mz-S1 just because it seemed built for a little more abuse then the others.

I do plan on using it for recording Loud Rock Music. SInce a great band i love from Germany is making a trip over i realy wanted to get the gear i need to use with the mz. If you think thats enough for me to get going with i will order it up.

I will end up spending more for another MD plus the Mic's anyway. If I realy get into recording the live shows I will definatly take your advice on a Recorder with Mic Inputs. So thanks alot A440 I realy do Appreciate the help.

[A440]

A caveat: I've only used mic/battery box to line-in on N707, R900 and R700, so I'm extrapolating that the S1 will work the same on the assumption that all Sony Line-In jacks expect the same strength of signal. If anyone has an S1 and had a different experience, I hope they'll chime in.

Meanwhile, looking at the Mic Madness site, they also have a combo pack that will save you a little money and do the same job.

http://store.microphonemadness.com/mmcomcommadp2.html

Sound Professionals also has equipment around the same prices, and might have its own combination offers--click around.

Make sure you test the setup before the concert. Blast your home stereo and see how it records with various settings on the battery module. And don't forget fresh batteries for the show.

Incidentally, I got my R900 and R700 used on Ebay, and had no problems with them at all. A lot of people seem to get MDs and then lose interest, so barely used ones often turn up. It helps if there's a clear picture.

[drjonesphd]

Yeah i doubt sony would change the Line In Specs like that.

I definatly want to test the system out and blasting my stereo is a great idea.

Thanks for giving me some good ideas