I actually own both the 2882 (8 channel unit) and the ULN2 (2 channel=20
unit). The 8 channel unit has one problem with it. The preamps are=20
rated up to 42 db of gain, but in practice, noise sets in past 25 db of =
gain. Mind you, they sound great, but with low sensitivity mics, they=20
are really only suitable on loud sounds (rock bands, etc.). I've heard =
on the mhlabs mailing list that some get great results with high=20
sensitivity mics, but i have a feeling for nature recording, more clean =
gain in the preamp section is needed. Everything else about the unit=20
is stellar. The flexibility in routing and powering is fantastic and=20
the converters are really stellar. Mind you, the unit also has 10=20
digital ins/outs available as well.
The ULN2 is a 2 channel unit with about 70 db of clean, clean gain=20
available. It was designed in response to the lack of gain available=20
on the 2882. It actually has 2 digital inputs as well, but for 4 track =
recording, one would have to bring along a pair of external pres and=20
A/D's. This unit is really nice if you are looking for only 2=20
channels.
These units are nice/unique for 3 reasons. First they are very=20
flexible in their power requirements. They can be powered over=20
firewire from your computer, traditionally from the wall, and also from =
battery packs. The ULN2 even has a 4 pin XLR power receptacle. As far =
as power consumption, last weekend I recorded about an hour of audio=20
through the ULN2 with two schoeps (cmc6's), all powered from my=20
powerbook's battery before I ran out of juice. Secondly, they have the =
amazing flexibility for routing signals. Any input can be routed to=20
any output and there are multiple internal mixes that can be routed to=20
any output as well. If you purchase one of the +DSP units, you also=20
have available (with the same routing abilities) several plugins - eq,=20
limiters, compressors, M/S with little latency. Finally, the console=20
program that runs on the host computer has a no-frills multi-track=20
recorder which has been VERY stable for me and from what I've read,=20
many others.
Sorry if this sounds a bit too enthusiastic. I've been very happy with =
my units, and a lot of others that have them like them as well. They=20
really are fabulous for the price, with the exception of the pres on=20
the 2882. These things should really only be rated for 25 db of gain. =
If you pick one up knowing that from the beginning, I think you would=20
be very happy. If you don't know about this, and you are expecting the =
2882 to fully free you from external pres, then, especially for quiet=20
sources, you will be unhappy. I would recommend joining the mhlabs=20
mailing list if you are interested.
http://mail.music.vt.edu/mailman/listinfo/mobileio
Tim
On Jun 17, 2004, at 10:55 AM, Lang Elliott wrote:
> Rich:
>
> Would you describe again how you record four channels?
>
> I have been looking at the Metric Halo Mobile I/O unit, which I'd use =
> with a
> laptop. It provides 8 channels with phantom power and preamps. Does=20
> anyone
> in our group own this unit? Priced at $1500 for the basic unit, it=20
> would be
> an inexpensive way to record high quality surround if you already own a
> laptop.
>
> http://www.mhlabs.com
>
> Lang
>
> I really feel that many of the movie production people have missed
> the boat on surround sound and with their camera based thinking
> always want the recorded sound in front of the source. The results
> can be heard by renting out most any film done with surround right
> now. The rears get pushed back to being a mere sound reinforcement
> and seldom do you hear it used for an immersion. All it accomplishes
> is having the wife come into the room when the effects come in and
> yell turn down the volume. This is where we can guide them and why I
> didn't bother with the center channel for now.
>
> The concept that you have to mic surround from the "outside in" is an
> error and not just yours. It is a widely believed error.
>
> Even though I work with and like wide spaced mics, that does not mean
> that I am trying to mic from the outside in. In fact, what I am
> doing is to simply enlarge the size of the inside and I still think
> in terms of micing a space from the "inside out".
>
> On another note. From vehicle to recording in four channel I am under
> 5 mins setup and have three hours battery life. It would still be
> under 5 mins in eight channel but I currently don't have the mic
> preamps for the other four. This is good by todays standards but
> remember most anyone can do this with two minidisc recorders. My door
> is open to anyone that wants to sync and hear playback for things
> that they captured by any method.
>
> Rich Peet
>
> --- In Mike Feldman
> <> wrote:
>> Jeremiah Moore wrote:
> ....
>> There's a new thread that just popped up in the nesgroup
>> rec.arts.movies.production.sound subject "Wacky new microphone."
>> There the drift of the discussion is a bit different than the one
> here.
>>
>> I'd think that if we're gonna have surround sound, then the
>> mics have got to surround the source!
>>
> ....
>> -- Mike
>
>
>
> "Microphones are not ears,
> Loudspeakers are not birds,
> A listening room is not nature."
> Klas Strandberg
>
>
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>
>
> "Microphones are not ears,
> Loudspeakers are not birds,
> A listening room is not nature."
> Klas Strandberg
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>
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