naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: What has the lowest Noise Floor for an all in one recorder?

Subject: Re: What has the lowest Noise Floor for an all in one recorder?
From: "John Crockett" naturalcontemplative
Date: Mon Oct 21, 2013 5:25 am ((PDT))
Yes, the D-50 seems to be the best recorder (if you can still find
one) for use with built-ins, but I think that the improvement over
the LS-100 is going to be minimal, and not good value for the dollar
at all. I think you will find it more similar to the LS-11 and LS-100
than the PCM-M10 in terms of microphone noise. That's a lot to spend
for a decibel, or two at most, of noise improvement. I banged my head
against this for a long time, thinking that there must be a portable
recorder with fantastic built-in microphones, if only I could find
it, if only I could locate the right review or test of it. I wanted
it to be so! I had myself convinced that the D-50 was going to answer
all my needs, and almost bought one. The reality is that there is no
recorder whose built-ins are as quiet as a good external microphone.

If having the best built-ins is very important to you then maybe you
should wait for the PCM-D100 to arrive. Sony reports that its built-
in mics have a 1 dB improvement - 19 dBSPL (A) - over the PCM-D50.

But I prefer to use the Rode NT4, which runs on a 9v battery or P48.
It's not the best mic on the planet, but it is compact and easy to
use and quieter than any recorder (rated at 16 dB SPL but I think it
is quieter than that). I use it all the time because it is convenient.

john

John Crockett
Westminster, VT

Let us live in harmony with the Earth
And all creatures
That our lives may be a blessing

On Oct 21, 2013, at 12:06 AM, <> wrote:

>
>
> That is correct, I am looking to use a device with it's internal
> mics, this way it keeps setting up to a very bare minimum, easier
> to stealth, and lighter to carry around. I know going with a multi-
> device recorder will sport me a lower sound noise, but it's just
> not something I can always use when I am out recording in the field.
>
>
>
> I've tested the M10 and even have a video on Youtube comparing it
> to the LS-11 and as mentioned it's stereo field is poor.
>
>
>
> The LS-100 is okay, but I believe the D-50 would let me record even
> quieter noises or so I think it will.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---In 
> <> wrote:
>
> Do you mean lowest noise using the built-in microphones?
>
> I believe the Sony PCM-M10 wins on that score, but they are omnis
> so the stereo image is poor-to-nonexistent. noise is 17 dBSPL(A).
>
> I believe the PCM-D50 comes in second, at 20dBSPL(A). These are the
> figures published by Sony.
>
> I have compared my LS-11 built-ins to other mics I have, and my
> best estimate is that they come in at around 21 -22 dBSPL.
>
> I don't know exactly where the LS-100 falls, but I wonder whether
> you are going to get much better than the LS-100 if you are looking
> for cardioid built-in mics.
>
> A decent external mic improves things by leaps and bounds. It seems
> to me that is a much better investment than another all-in-one
> recorder.
>
> The published noise data on the H6 preamps is -120 dBu, which is
> hardly "ultra" low noise.
>
> Published specs don't trump field experience, but that's all I have
> to offer!
>
> John
>
> John Crockett
> Westminster, VT
>
> Let us live in harmony with the Earth
> And all creatures
> That our lives may be a blessing
>
> !
> On Oct 20, 2013, at 6:25 PM, <> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Anyone know what all-in-one recorder has the lowest noise floor
>> which can be used for pro-audio?
>>
>> I am a one man team when comes to recording. I don't have the
>> luxury to spend a lot of time setting up my equipment and carrying
>> a lot of extra gear. A tripod, batteries, the recorder, and some
>> sort of wind screen is all I am usually able to bring. I record
>> low ambient sounds and noises in nature, cities, and anywhere else
>> I am lead too.
>>
>> I currently have been using an Olympus LS-100 with it's on-board
>> mics, I think the recordings mostly turn out well, but am hoping
>> to find something with even less noise for recording.
>>
>> I know most here are familiar with the reviews from
>> wingfieldaudio.com. The Sony PCM D50 currently is listed as the
>> lowest noise all-in-one recorder. Problem, this recorder is
>> already 5 years old and has already hit it's end of life support
>> from Sony, but if it's the best for this class then it will have
>> to do.
>>
>> I know the Sony PCM D100 is out in other places then the US, but
>> at a $1000 or more, it's too much out of my price range at this time.
>>
>> I know Zoom isn't known for quite recordings, but anyone know
>> anything about the Zoom h6 with it's on board X/Y mics? Zoom
>> claims the H6 now has an "ultra" low no! ise preamp, but I have
>> yet to see any data to prove or dis-prove this. The Upside is the
>> H6 is a new model and has room for me to grow with XLR connectors
>> in the future if I ever go in that direction.
>>
>> I appreciate anyone's thought's or opinions to this.
>>
>
>
>
>






<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU