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Re: Zoom H6 & NT55 vs PMD 661 & NT1-a

Subject: Re: Zoom H6 & NT55 vs PMD 661 & NT1-a
From: "Scott Hughes" shooze53
Date: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:29 am ((PDT))
Good point John, I also use a RODE microphone with my PMD-661mkII - a
RODE NTG-2, seems to be a good match - battery or phantom, and good
durability and sound.  I have a K-tek Nautilus shockmount and RODE
WS-6 wind shield


Scott



On Oct 23, 2013, at 12:40 PM, John Crockett wrote:

> Hi Johan
>
>
> Welcome to the wonderful world of nature sound recording. I hope
> someone who uses the NT1A will chime in here, because although they
> are very quiet, I believe they also can be sensitive to moisture and
> take a lot of work to create an effective portable shock mount. I'd
> do more research if I were you.
>
> You might look here if you have not already:
>
> https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/type/www/audio-reports/Rode_NT1-A_Mics/NT1-A_=
index.htm
>
> I do own and use the NT4 extensively. It is very portable and
> useable, but certainly not the quietest microphone (16 dB SPL
> compared to 5.5 dB for the NT1A). I use it a lot because it is easy
> to grab and carry. The NT4 tends to gather sounds that are near
> center into the center, so it is not as spatially accurate as other
> options, but works very well for me in cases where I want a stereo
> image but also a prominent center focus. But its main challenge is
> that it is very sensitive to wind (wind protection is critical no
> matter what mic you are using). It's almost unusable outside without
> a blimp except in a dead calm. You might be able to make a fur cover
> for the standard foam wind screen that comes with the microphone,
> but it would have to cover the back side of the mic array. I bought
> a fur cover from Windcutter, but it was slightly open at the back,
> and totally useless as a result.
>
> I prefer to use an array based on Rob Danielson's PBB2N. You might
> also want to look at Curt Olson's page for some DIY array ideas
>
> http://www.trackseventeen.com/mic_rigs.html
>
> These tend to be used with AT 3032/AT4022 mics, but can also be
> adapted for use with other mics. Arrays can also be made with
> inexpensive Primo EM172 mic capsules (which is what I have). I would
> say this is the best bang for the buck. For $30 (2 mic capsules and
> a foam yoga block) you can make an array that will give very
> satisfying results. Take a look at Vicki Powys' site
>
> http://www.caperteebirder.com/index.php?p=3D1_30_recording-gear-3
>
> You'll also find lots of boundary mic information here:
>
> http://diystereoboundarymics.blogspot.com/
>
> My comment on the H6 is that it hasn't been used enough in nature
> recording to know for certain how well it performs, but the
> published specs are not impressive.
>
> Good luck!
>
> John
>
>
> John Crockett
> Westminster, VT
>
> Let us live in harmony with Earth
> And all creatures
> That our lives may be a blessing
>
> On Oct 23, 2013, at 10:13 AM, <> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Hello again.
>>
>> I just got a call from another retailer and he recomended a NT4 for
>> stereo recording, saying that the NT1-a probally wasnt the best
>> choice for nature recordings, due to the sensitivity and the short
>> range of recording. Any thoughts?
>>
>>
>>
>> ---In  <> wrote:
>>
>> Hi!
>>
>> I ordered a Marantz PMD 661 MKII the other day which I was going to
>> use with two R=F6de NT1-a for recordings. Today I called a shop for
>> opinions but they instead recomended a Zoom H6 and use the internal
>> mic with a R=F6de NT55. I've done a lot of reading these past days
>> and I'm not sure I will be happy with that set, though I have not
>> seen many reviews or thougths about the Zoom H6.
>>
>>
>>
>> I have no experience at all with recording but I've found some
>> great setups using the NT1-a. In time I will buy a Telinga mic for
>> more direct sound but at the moment I want to record the nature as
>> a whole.
>>
>>
>>
>> So, what do you think? Should I return the Marantz and replace it
>> with H6 using the NT55 or should I go for what I first was going
>> to, the PMD 661 with a pair of NT1-a?
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks. Johan.
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>






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