microphone sensitivity and manual recording level on MZ-R90

[ark]

I recently bought the Sony MZ-R90 (an 5 year old model?) on e-bay and have a question regarding the recording level capabilities. The minisdisc.org equipment browser page for MZ-R90 mentions that this recorder has no microphone senstivity setting. I also read in a microphone seller's page, some mention about several Sony md recorders which doesnt have microphone sensitivity control and the MZ-R90 is listed as one.

However, the manual does explain a manual recording level setting. I have tried it (with a cheapo mic) and it does seem to make a difference. The auto-level setting seems to have a very loud "pickup", but the manual recording setting is much better and adjusting the level seem to make a difference. The highest manual setting also doesnt seem as "noisy" as the auto-level (?).

Is the microphone sensitivity setting that i see mention about later MD recorders different from this? If so, can someone explain whats the difference between microphone sensitivity control, and manual recording level?

Thanks!

Ark

[A440]

Mic sensitivity is like a toggle switch (via the software) that's then applied through your whole recording. Just two predetermined settings, high or low.

In the two Sony models I've used that have it, the MZ-R900 and the MZ-NHF-800, it still doesn't prevent loud bass notes from distorting, so its utility is limited.

Manual recording level lets you set your own level for each recording and as you've found, it's a lot more flexible.

Get a decent mic and you should have some first-rate recordings.

[ark]

Thanks! Actually even with that cheapo mic i was *very* pleasantly surprised with the clarity I got with manual recording level set. However, that was because it was in a quiet room with only me. I am sure with more background noise or for live shows, a better mic would be mandatory to get good quality.

Arun

[reefbeef]

The MZ-R90 was my first MD recorder. I always had to set the manual rec level way down. About 5-7 notches up from zero.

Sound Pro's makes a 20 dB attenuator that I think does pretty much what the mic sensitivity settings on later models does.

Or, you can buy a battery module and go line in.

[A440]

That SP attenuator is exactly the same thing as the Radio Shack Headphone Volume Control (under my signature), probably imported from the same factory in China. If your mic is turning out to be too sensitive, then get one and use it with the volume control turned all the way UP for all but the loudest recordings.