[naturerecordists] writes:
> I'm asking an advice about a different recorder because the H4n used wit=
h external mics is very noisy, too much also for a non-professional use as =
mine.
The inputs will be noise matched to the built-in mics, and the odds are tha=
t
any external mics will not have an optimum noise impedance match. The input=
impedance is not specified in the specs as far as I can see, let alone an
optimum noise impedance match.
For the record, an optimum noise impedance match may not be the same as a
"plain" impedance match, but it will give the lowest noise levels relative=
to the wanted sound. As an example, an internal mic will often have an
impedance in the tens of kilohms, and plugging in a high quality 200 ohm mi=
c
will most likely give poor noise figures.
> Or maybe some advice about how to use it in a more satisfactory way...
>
> A preamp?
This is what I use with a "toy" recorder. Using a line in, many digital
recorders give a surprisingly good quality recording. A good preamp may wel=
l
cost more than the recorder. It is also another box to carry. The problem i=
s
that most external mics are low impedance and will not give optimum noise
performance into a medium or high impedance input. A cheap preamp could be=
no better than the original recorder inputs for the same reasons.
An alternative solution - but not a fashionable one - is to use mic
transformers with a suitable noise impedance matching ratio.
David Brinicombe
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