I've done some tracking with an old Zoom PS-02 pocket recorder, using an old Nakamichi electret condenser mike, and was pleasantly surprised with the results. There is only one line input into the PS-02, and using a standard vocal effect with a little reverb, sounded great to me. The mike is a small diaphragm tube type (not vacuum tube 
) that uses an internal AA battery. The signal level was good enough to pick up my acoustic guitar from ~8" away, and my vocals from a foot away.
Recently I sold the PS-02, and upgraded to a Zoom mrs-8. Yeah, I know I'm cheap and a rank amatuer, but I'm married with family, and music is just a hobby.
Anyway, I'm still using the Nakamichi CM-100, now with the mrs-8, and there is a gain control on the input, as well as an input fader to set to 0dB to get the level correct. I'm having difficulty getting the level anywhere close to where it should be.
I've changed the mic's internal battery (no good), I've changed to the other input line on the back of the recorder (which has a funny looking jack, but there is no phantom power...the mrs-8 can even run on batteries)...no good. I've tried different effects, and they all work, but none really raise the level. When I adjust the gain at the input to wide open, I can make the clipping LED go off if I tap the windscreen, but on the VU scale on the display, the highest I get is around -12. Leaving the gain there, and switching to the built-in, internal mic of the Zoom unit, holy cow...I can hear the neighbors down the street! Well, you get the idea.
I guess my question is, both recorders are made by Zoom, and probably use the same cheap preamp circuitry, so why the difference in input level? I tried a track yesterday, and almost had the windscreen touching the fretboard, and for vocals, I have it close enough to lick it! Don't know if I should try a modern condenser mic (the Nakamichi was purchased to use with my old Tascam 244 in '83). If I tried that, I'd have to get one of those phantom power/xlr box adaptor/power supply things. Even then, I don't know if I could get the level close to 0db.
As I said, I'm only a rank amateur, who only records at home, no gigs, etc. I just don't see buying a Rode NT, or something that would cost me more than the multitrack recorder, but what other options do I have?
I apologize for being so long...I'll quit now.
) that uses an internal AA battery. The signal level was good enough to pick up my acoustic guitar from ~8" away, and my vocals from a foot away.Recently I sold the PS-02, and upgraded to a Zoom mrs-8. Yeah, I know I'm cheap and a rank amatuer, but I'm married with family, and music is just a hobby.
Anyway, I'm still using the Nakamichi CM-100, now with the mrs-8, and there is a gain control on the input, as well as an input fader to set to 0dB to get the level correct. I'm having difficulty getting the level anywhere close to where it should be.I've changed the mic's internal battery (no good), I've changed to the other input line on the back of the recorder (which has a funny looking jack, but there is no phantom power...the mrs-8 can even run on batteries)...no good. I've tried different effects, and they all work, but none really raise the level. When I adjust the gain at the input to wide open, I can make the clipping LED go off if I tap the windscreen, but on the VU scale on the display, the highest I get is around -12. Leaving the gain there, and switching to the built-in, internal mic of the Zoom unit, holy cow...I can hear the neighbors down the street! Well, you get the idea.
I guess my question is, both recorders are made by Zoom, and probably use the same cheap preamp circuitry, so why the difference in input level? I tried a track yesterday, and almost had the windscreen touching the fretboard, and for vocals, I have it close enough to lick it! Don't know if I should try a modern condenser mic (the Nakamichi was purchased to use with my old Tascam 244 in '83). If I tried that, I'd have to get one of those phantom power/xlr box adaptor/power supply things. Even then, I don't know if I could get the level close to 0db.
As I said, I'm only a rank amateur, who only records at home, no gigs, etc. I just don't see buying a Rode NT, or something that would cost me more than the multitrack recorder, but what other options do I have?
I apologize for being so long...I'll quit now.
