Re: Beginner question - Sony MiniDisc vs Zoom flash recorder

["Dan Dugan" dandugan_1999]

Adam Welz wrote:

>However (and this is where I really need some of your experience and 
>insight), the MiniDisc does not have balanced XLR inputs.
>
>How much of a problem is this, as I will virtually never be using a 
>mic cable of longer than 1.5m? Not being much of an audio 
>technician, I gather that the chief advantage of a balanced line is 
>that interference is minimised over long distance. Does 1.5m count 
>as 'long distance'?

Balanced mic wiring rejects magnetic field interference impinging on 
the cable. But you don't run into that outdoors, unless you're under 
power lines.

I use 40' cables with unbalanced MDs all the time. I even got away 
with it in a church in the city, which surprised me.

They are sensitive to high-level radio interference, so be sure to 
shut your cell phone down.

-Dan Dugan