The only simple way I know to make a test is to learn how the mic noise
sounds like and then how the mic preamp noise sounds like.
Then: As long as you can hear the mic noise on top of the preamp noise,
everything is okay. The mic shall always be the poorest link.
A more thorough test is to connect the mic in question to a HQ attenuator
slider. Then lower the output from the mic slowly and register (measure or=
listen) when the mic noise goes below the preamp noise.
I have only tested the Edirol R-1, and only for a few minutes. I plugged in=
a Telinga EM23 Plug In Power and it sounded just as it usually sounds. No=
extra noise from the Edirol that I could hear. Same result with a PRO5
handle and stereo DATmic.
I will make better tests, though, as soon as I get some time to.
Best wishes,
Klas.
At 20:51 2005-03-25, you wrote:
>Hi Klas--
>The best test/most telling scenario for noise that I like to consider
>is recording local acoustic ambience in quiet locations. The sonic
>character of the noise created when the pre gain is cranked high and
>other factors that can crop up make me reserve my judgement. If the
>mic pre gain on the R-1/R-4 is only 40dB, wouldn't this add 15dB more
>of noise on top of what you describe as "good (low noise) enough?"
>Its not easy to make quality ambient recordings and the R-1 and R-4
>may not be particularly good platforms for this application. Rob D.
>
> =3D =3D =3D
>
>At 12:58 PM +0100 3/25/05, Klas Strandberg wrote:
> >No, not too early, cause nowadays there is no reason to make a mic input
> >noisy. You can presume it is good (low noise) enough.
> >
> >The cheapest little chip amp has a better noise performance than the bes=
t
> >mic amps 10-15 years ago.
> >
> >The design challenge is to make a mic preamp running on 1/ low voltage, =
2/
> >low current consumption, still 3/ good headroom and 4/ low noise.
> >
> >All "walkman" size recorders that I know of sacrifices the headroom in
> >favour of low noise.
> >
> >Klas.
> >
> >
> >
> >At 03:42 2005-03-25, you wrote:
> >
> > >Might be too early to conclude the R-4's mic pre quality is good
> > >enough for the general sensitivity of "todays" mics. Of course,
> >>Volker's thunderstorm is not a good recording situation for judging
> >>noise. Side-by-side comparison tests with known gear can be very,
> >>very telling. It could also be the R-4, like the R-1, is designed
> >>more for music recording with a mic pre gain of 40dB compared to the
> >>~55-60dB we're used to with MD's. That would be consistent with the
> >>Oades' report. Rob D.
> >>
> >> =3D =3D =3D =3D =3D
> >>
> >>At 2:21 AM +0100 3/25/05, Klas Strandberg wrote:
> >> >At 00:45 2005-03-25, you wrote:
> >> >
> >> >>It would be great if they could specify what they mean by not so gr=
eat?
> >> >
> > > >I agree! Again: ALL mic inputs today are good enough if you use
> >high output
> > > >microphones!! Most microphones today are such high output mic's!
> What is
> >> >the problem??
> >> >
> > > >Klas.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >>I actually purchased an Edirol R4 recently.
> >> >>It was the Oade page that made me aware it existed.
> >> >>According to my dealer I am one of only few people to have one in
> Germany.
> >> >>
> >> >>My main interest in bying it is to make the switch away from DAT as=
> well
> >> >>as the 4 channel opportunity.
> >> >>
> >> >>My (couple of days) experience so far is quite positve.
> >> >>
> >> >>I've done 4 channel early spring birdsong recordings with a modifie=
d 4
> >> >>channel Jecklin disc (2 Audio Technica AT3031, 2 Audio Technica
> AT3032),
> >> >>that I like very much.
> >> >>With my mid class surround system, I feel in the middle of the fore=
st.
> >> >>
> >> >>Coming from Sony DAT and Sharp MD mic preamps, I am satisfied, but=
> I am by
> >> >>no means short of a recording professional.
> >> >>My main interest in recording is ambience anyway.
> >> >>Just today I did a recording of the first spring Thunderstorm from =
my
> >> >>balcony with a stereo Jecklin setup (AT3032 again).
> >> >>And I really rocks.
> >> >>
> >> >>In case there is anyone who would like to have more detail about th=
e
> >> >>Edirol R-4 or even sound samples, just let me know.
> >> >>I would also be interested in an exchange of experience with other=
> users.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>Volker
> >> >>
> >> >>
|