howdy, briz.
this is AJ/cathartech from seattle and i too use the pmd-661, primarily to
gather ambience to use in soundscape production. it's a really nice
recorder for its price. i'm primarily using a pair of at853s on a flexible
t-mount (sourced from soundprofessionals.com) and a home made jecklin disc,
as well as an aquarian hydrophone and an old school sony parabola (not for
use with the hydrophone). the noise specs on the at853 sucks (24dba), but
they are tiny, have multiple caps, and can handle high volume. i chose them
as a passable, infinitely cheaper substitute for dpa 4060s. the at3032s are
legendary, but out of production. the 4042 is its replacement...it has the
same specs, but at $100 more.
these links should help you figure out what the ideal mic for the built in
pres are.
https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/type/www/audio-reports/RecorderList/RecorderList.htm
https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/type/www/audio-reports/MicSpecCharts/Mics_16dBA.htm
http://www.rane.com/note148.html
https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/type/www/audio-reports/HiMD/index.htm
from the info above, the noisefloor of a pre needed to get the best
performance out of a 3032/4042 would be 125dbA -128dbA, right at the
threshold of the pmd-661's 125dBu. other things to consider of course are
durability (gets a bit wet in our part of the world) and flexibility
(changeable polar patterns and gettings mics into weird places).
some pmd-661 caveats: headphone amp is noisy as hell. also, i had to have
mine serviced after discovering a very weird jitter/quantizing noise issue
in the pre...maybe have been moisture induced. i use the marantz carry
case, but it's by no means moisture resistant.
anyway, glad to see another cascadian weirdo musician on this forum.
-aj
On Thu, Feb 3, 2011 at 11:53 AM, brizbomb <> wrote:
>
>
> Hello and thanks for granting me membership!
> Spent much time yesterday researching on how to improve my field
> recordings. Found your "Community Tech FAQ for NatureRecordist List
> Users" and would now like to submit a question following the guidelines
> of "Details to include when Seeking Equipment Advice" .....
>
> (1) The primary sound subjects you want to record and whether you want
> these sounds to have as much separation from the background sounds as
> possible or if you want to capture the spatial/biological context and
> the primary subject at the same time. If you want to do both, tell us
> which type is your first priority.
>
> Primary subjects are all wildlife - whatever random birds and insects
> are present. Would like to essentially capture the locations ambient
> audio to give the effect of actually being there. I'm not attempting to
> single out any species. These recording are mostly used as an escape
> from my city life when back at my primary home.
>
> (2) Describe the the settings you expect to be recording in most of the
> time.
>
> Mostly remote natural areas where its rare to hear traffic and other
> human-made sounds. Mostly jungle, orchards, lagoons, and open fields. 8
> miles of dirt road to get to my property, in one of the least densely
> populated countries in the world, and 5 miles from the nearest power
> lines.
>
> (3) Describe your preferred recording style or "profile."
>
> Portable / small back-pack size. Something that I can set-up, strap to a
> tree or tripod mount, and leave rolling for an hour.
>
> (4) Your total budget including mics, mic array, wind protection,
> recorder and enclosed headphones. Provide a description of relevant gear
> you already own.
>
> Would like to purchase two mics for under a grand ($1K). Currently have
> the Marantz PMD661 and all the cable & tripods I could ever need. Other
> mics I have that may be of use???: one AT831b and one Shure BETA 98.
> Also have a Mytek Stereo96ADC and a DC/AC car power inverter that I
> could attach to my vehicle for AC power - but would prefer to keep it
> simple for now.
>
> You may listen (download or stream) my last session here:
> http://field.brizbomb.com/ <http://field.brizbomb.com/> This will be
> my primary recording location. These recording were done with the
> internal mics of the PMD661 with the pre slammed. Did some minor
> mastering and some wind mic rumble edited out all within Audacity.
>
> From the research I've done, it sounds like I should be hunting for some
> AT3032's??? Maybe build a Jecklin or Schneider disk?? Tear-up some car
> wash mitts for wind protection? I'm pretty happy with the recording I've
> done with the PMD661 alone but wondering how much this would improve
> with some properly arrayed quality mics. THANKS!
>
>
>
>
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