Microphones: The New Forum for Classical Singers << Previous Topic | Next Topic >> Return to index Yes, I've searched the Tech Forum high and low. April 5 2005 at 12:26 AM PT (Login PillowTalker) NFCS Regular Now that that's out of the way, I'm wondering if anyone here has used the Sony MZ-R700 minidisc player. I got it used a few months ago (I think the model is about three years old), and because it distorts when I sing above the staff -- no matter how I adjust the levels or how far away I stand from it -- I need some advice from someone who has some knowledge of the model. Truth be told, I have a really crappy microphone, so I know that has a lot to do with it. But I'm fairly uneducated as far as what kind of equipment will best deal with the problem. I've already e-mailed someone at Sound Professionals, but am hoping to get feedback from someone who actually sings and has figured out a way to deal with the distortion. Thanks in advance for your help. Respond to this message Author Reply NaC (Login Not-a-coach) NFCS Regular The microphone is EVERYTHING to do with it April 5 2005, 10:12 AM Change the mic. What are you currently using? ***************************************** Failure is never as frightening as regret Respond to this message NaC (Login Not-a-coach) NFCS Regular Your other option April 5 2005, 10:27 AM in the event that the preamp built into the unit "blows out" even with a good microphone you could also consider an external preamp. But I truly think that changing mics will give you much much MUCH better results and you'll be fine just making that adjustment in the first instance. ***************************************** Failure is never as frightening as regret Respond to this message PT (Login PillowTalker) NFCS Regular Sadly April 5 2005, 11:30 AM I have no clue what the make of the mic is; it came with my minidisc player. All I know is that it's very small and very sucky. Anyhoo, I'm willing to plunk down the cash if a good mic will really make the difference. Is there a mic you recommend that does particularly well with high voices? Because my knowledge of these sorts of things is minimal, I wasn't really sure what to look for when I went to Sound Professionals, Core Sound, etc. Also, if you know of any resources that explain this sort of thing, I'd be happy to know what they are. Thanks again. Respond to this message NaC (Login Not-a-coach) NFCS Regular The tried n' true mic April 5 2005, 2:13 PM for MD is the Sony 907 ECM - runs about $80-100 depending where you get it. It's not perfect, but it's not bad either. I used it with a Sharp MD for years. That said, if you're willing to spend a little more, you can probably do better. Talk to Chris at SP and see what he recommends - I'm sure he'll have a few options at or below the $100 mark... although, fo course, if you're willing to go higher you WILL get better quality. Gearslut that I am, I just invested in another set of mics - much though I like the AT831s I got from Chris (you may want to ask about them - GREAT set of mics for the price), there's no doubting that the new ones are a big step up. I was actually suprised at how big the differenc was, cause I was pretty happy with the first set... but the new ones handle high sounds EVEN better and generally have a clarity and warmth which is more what I'm hoping to hear. I know a few people in here have used the Core binaurals (They're also around $80 I think) and liked them. I think it was Ulrica if memory serves. I myself don't like those, but she had good success with them. So, it's all highly subjective. And it's very much a case not of "the best" mic but "the best mic for the job you're trying to do". ***************************************** Failure is never as frightening as regret Respond to this message PT (Login PillowTalker) NFCS Regular Gotcha April 5 2005, 5:22 PM Thanks a lot -- being a gearslut myself (albeit in a more general way), this should be fun and expensive! But worth it. Cheers! Respond to this message Birgit (Login birgitnilsson) NFCS Member NaC I'd love your input April 28 2005, 1:26 PM I have a JB3 and a pre-amp, but a sucky mono mic. Someone (who apparently is a TROLL! AND I NEVER KNEW) told me about this mic at Sound Professionals but with all the bells and whistles it's about 500 bucks. Since you know about this kind of thing, and you recommended to the other singer several mics in the $100 or so range, would you have an idea for me as to mic to use? Thanks either way! B Respond to this message NaC (Login Not-a-coach) NFCS Regular You have several options April 28 2005, 2:54 PM there are plenty of other mics out there, but these are the 2 sets I"ve tried and been VERY happy with. I recently upgraded to the CMC-8 mics at sound pros. LOVE THEM. They're not "as good" as the legendary DPA 4060s that have prevsiously been mentioned onhere, but they're also not $1000!! I have heard the same concert recorded using both sets of mics, and the CMC8s compared very favourably; I was extremely impressed (as was the owner of the DPAs. ). The CMC8's run about $250 for a pair. I have omnidirectionals and so far have been VERY happy with them, although I may also invest in the Cardioid capsules to go with them so I have the choice (read in the FAQ about the differences between cards/omnis etc) The mics I first got for my iRIver were the AT831 - a reallly excellent mic for the low price, if nothing like as detailed and crisp as the CMC8s. But certainly a good choice for a lower budget and, IMO, much better than the Sony mics for a similar price. I believe other people have had luck with the Core Sound binaurals; I haven't tried those, but I think it was Ulrica who had good luck with them. ***************************************** Failure is never as frightening as regret This message has been edited by Not-a-coach on Apr 28, 2005 4:05 PM Respond to this message Birgit (Login birgitnilsson) NFCS Member And these work with the JB3? April 28 2005, 3:24 PM I assume any mic would work with any recorder, but then again, I might be wrong in that assumption. Thanks, B Respond to this message NaC (Login Not-a-coach) NFCS Regular I use mine with iRiver and a JB3 April 28 2005, 4:04 PM Go back and read my many posts on the subject and it will probably have some bits and pieces of info that make it more clear ***************************************** Failure is never as frightening as regret Respond to this message Current Topic - Yes, I've searched the Tech Forum high and low. << Previous Topic | Next Topic >> Return to index © 2001-2003 NFCS.NET. All posts are © their original authors.