Sharp 702 mini disc recorder (Microphone recommendation and other questions)

[sig220]

Hello,

I just picked up a sharp 702 mini disc recorder for cheap at a garage sale.


Can you recommend a decent microphone for recording live music?


This doesn't need to be stealthy, but small enough to set on a small table and carry in a small camera case with the recorder.


Any suggestions?

Also, does anyone know where I might find a replacement battery for this unit?

Any other advice for recording with this unit?

The owners manual says "if you want to use a microphone, be sure it is a blug in power type microphone. when a plug in power type microphone is plugged in, the main unit will provide power for the microphone's operation. If a different type of microphone is plugged in, it may not operate properly, or it may cause the unit to malfunction".

How do I tell if a microphone is "plug in power type"?


The manual also mentions the ability to record in mono and thereby double the length of recording time available on one minidisc. This sounds like a good idea as I won't be seated near enough ot the stage to get much stereo separation. Does anyone know if recording in this mode would result in a lower sound quality recording?



Many thanks for your help.

 

[D-EJ915]

I think Plug-In power mics are unpowered ones.

more info, http://minidisc.org/part_Sharp_MD-MS701+MS702.html

you may find more help from the sharp maniacs over at the minidisc tboard www.minidisct.com/forum

 

[sig220]

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-EJ915 I think Plug-In power mics are unpowered ones. more info, http://minidisc.org/part_Sharp_MD-MS701+MS702.html you may find more help from the sharp maniacs over at the minidisc tboard www.minidisct.com/forum

Thanks, I'll post the same question there.

 

[EyeAmEye]

Don't know about the mic, but for the battery you might try partsolver.com. Also if you know the model no. of the battery, run a google search on it and you should find a few other places.

 

[KevinP]

Also, the quality (ie. bitrate) of mono recordings will be exactly the same as for stereo recordings, all else being equal. Mono just uses one of the available 2 channels that stereo uses, hence the doubling of capacity.

You can use non-powered dynamic mics with your recorder or electret-condenser mics which use a tiny battery to power elements in the mic itself. Just don't use an amplified mic - or if you do, go through the line in instead of mic-in.

 

[gloco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sig220 The manual also mentions the ability to record in mono and thereby double the length of recording time available on one minidisc. This sounds like a good idea as I won't be seated near enough ot the stage to get much stereo separation. Does anyone know if recording in this mode would result in a lower sound quality recording? Many thanks for your help.

based on comments i have read over at www.taperssection.com , recording in mono will churn out a terrible recording, so avoid mono recordings. If you want a cheap mic to use, try one of these: http://www.audiocubes.com/index.php?...a5766b1fc93d39

the cheap Sony models are not half bad. However, i cannot say one of those mics can guarantee a distortion free recording if you tape a loud rock concert.

 

[sig220]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloco based on comments i have read over at www.taperssection.com , recording in mono will churn out a terrible recording, so avoid mono recordings. If you want a cheap mic to use, try one of these: http://www.audiocubes.com/index.php?...a5766b1fc93d39 the cheap Sony models are not half bad. However, i cannot say one of those mics can guarantee a distortion free recording if you tape a loud rock concert.

I'll be sure to avoid recording in mono then.

I'm not necessarily looking for cheap. I'm willing to spend $100 - $200 bucks if it means I can get a good sounding recording. I'll go have a look at that tapersection.com website. Thanks for the link.

 

[Wired_Gargoyle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sig220 Hello, I just picked up a sharp 702 mini disc recorder for cheap at a garage sale. Can you recommend a decent microphone for recording live music? Many thanks for your help.

I use a 702 as well...

For microphones, I found some good ones at our local Sony store. The ones I use are:

For business meetings/interviews that won't really be used for other people to listen to...

ecm-dm5p

For audio that you want to keep or have other people listen to...

This page has a selection.

I sometimes record live concerts (Dave Matthews Band mainly) and the 957 works great. I'd recommend googling some bootleg howto sites on how to set up the mics if that's what you intend on doing. The most important 'mod' I made was putting a dense board behind the mic while it faces the stage.


I managed to buy extra batteries from Sharp but that was a while ago and I bought extra...There are 'better' methods of powering your 702 if you have the time and don't mind a bit of electronic fiddling. Build yourself a battery pack giving off enough volts to replace the battery or if you're more technically oriented a larger pack that is wired to give off enough juice from more than a couple AA's.

 

[gloco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sig220 I'll be sure to avoid recording in mono then. I'm not necessarily looking for cheap. I'm willing to spend $100 - $200 bucks if it means I can get a good sounding recording. I'll go have a look at that tapersection.com website. Thanks for the link.

Also try: www.soundprofessionals.com

You can probably squeeze out a mic and battery module and you'll be all set. Many people at taperssection praise the at822's. Stick to Cardioids or Hyper Cardioids.