Jez:
The balanced inputs, specifically the XLR mic inputs, of any recorder are s=
imply
some sort of differential amplifier. If that diff amp circuit is not crafte=
d
properly, then you=C2=A0will=C2=A0indeed pickup=C2=A0hum or other signals a=
nd have various
other problems IF the circuit connected to it is not perfectly balanced and=
grounded properly. It's a simple fact of the electronics. My background is =
in
electronics engineering, so I do have experience in this area.=C2=A0 And I =
do indeed
understand your 'specific issue' here. Your expectations of what is 'decent=
' may
or may not be useful in practice.=C2=A0Your issue here=C2=A0is an aspect of=
electronics
design, not one of aesthetics.
I have been a musician and phonographer as well for many decades, so I have=
owned and used a=C2=A0myriad=C2=A0of mics and recorders. In the course of t=
ime I have seen
many cost-cutting practices done by manufacturers to get cost down and this=
can
compromise quality when certain devices are connected to certain inputs. It=
happens, even if you don't happen to believe it. It really depends on the
conditions at the time and how the circuits are designed.
As for the quality of the mic preamps of the R-44, I personally know severa=
l
professional recordists who have had them and had issues with them. They do=
n't
consider them to be high quality preamps. I'm sure that there are other fol=
ks on
this list that will support this fact. The Roland R-4 is a MUCH different u=
nit,
with good mic preamps. And I am quite happy with my Tascam DR-680.
BTW, how exactly do you connect unbalanced inputs to the XLR inputs of your=
FR-2LE?
Good luck with this problem. And please be kind to the people that are tryi=
ng to
help you.
- Greg
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