New Edirol R-09 samples

[vegas06]

I did three tests this morning: The test was recording 1 stereo speaker playing Dixie Chicks Landslide (good low parts and some high peaked parts as well).

1. AT822 mic fed into R-09 mic jack. The result was good with the audio being a little bit on the bassy side, which is to be expected recording through a speaker. Noise recection was fairly good, as the only noise that was heard was my computer fan during low passages. The mid levels were clear and sharp.

2. R-09 using onboard mics. the onboard mics are much more sensative all around and picked up much more of my computer fan during low passages. The overall sound was a bit crisper and chirpier than using the AT822 mic, with a little bit of low end loss in the signal. Noise recection was not as good as AT822 mic, as these mics are very sensative to off axis noise. Overall sound was stil pretty good, although I would take a good external mic over the built in for instrument recording.

3. AT822 fed into PSC Promix 3 mixer and sent to R-09 line in. As expected this was the best scenerio, as the noise level was knocked down considerably, as I was able to send a hotter signal (due to the built in limiters) to the R-09 eliminating more of the noise floor. The sound was crisp and extremely acceptable for a monitor speaker recording. The recording was not nearly as bassy due to the 20 db rolloff, and highs were extremely crisp. I believe I might have had the mic at a slight angle and not as straight on compared to the straight AT822 and built in mic tests, which may have contributed to the slightly crisper sound. Either way, for the VERY BEST results a pro field mixer is recommended.

My conclusion:
BEST: Mic to mixer to R-09
Very Good: External Mic to R-09
Good: Built in mics

Hope this helps some...more to come later.

I have just posted some samples of the R-09.
1. Built in mics
2. At822 to 1/8 mic input
3. AT822 to Promix 3 mixer to R-09 line-in input

Go here:
http://www.lvproductions.net/audiosamples.htm

[GmElliott]

WOW thank you for this. I really REALLY like the sound of the built in mic! I'm officially impressed. Major Rep Points for you! Thanks again.

[JC/DV]

Hey Michael, thanks for the in depth field test and review. I just got an Edirol R-1 and love that thing to pieces. I find that using the limiter doesn't do too well as it does what it does, limits and squashes the headroom. For recording ceremonies, I turn the limiter off and during test of all mics, I set input level to just under "full" on the level display while I'm mixing to 0db on my mixer. Great headroom and sounds good too! I'll post some ceremonial clips soon, but like you-- the Edirol is awesome! I highly recommend this and a mixer to anyone.

I'm not fond of the onboard mics, but I'll probably never use them anyways. Now for the receptions, yes, I have the limiter on as the DJ or whomever can royally screw that one up at any time.

[Theo]

Moin!

Why did I ever thought about a Microtrack?
I'm impressed too.

Theo

[vegas06]

Hey Michael, thanks for the in depth field test and review. I just got an Edirol R-1 and love that thing to pieces. I find that using the limiter doesn't do too well as it does what it does, limits and squashes the headroom. For recording ceremonies, I turn the limiter off and during test of all mics, I set input level to just under "full" on the level display while I'm mixing to 0db on my mixer. Great headroom and sounds good too! I'll post some ceremonial clips soon, but like you-- the Edirol is awesome! I highly recommend this and a mixer to anyone.

I'm not fond of the onboard mics, but I'll probably never use them anyways. Now for the receptions, yes, I have the limiter on as the DJ or whomever can royally screw that one up at any time.

Yeah Jerome, I wouldn't use the onboard mics too often myself.
I would only use the onboard mics for recording during the ceremony, readings and such. Although teh onboard mics don't sound too bad though.

Most of the time, I would use it either by itself, with AT822 mic, or in conjunction with my PSC Promix 3 mixer and matched pair of Rode NT5's (which is my preferred) when applicable.

[vegas06]

Moin!

Why did I ever thought about a Microtrack?
I'm impressed too.

Theo
Theo, I own a Microtrack as well.
Just a note on the Microtrack...If it's important to you, the Microtrack can record in both analog and digital (digital via SPDIF input).

The R-09 can record in analog only via the R-09's 1/8 mic and 1/8 line input.

This is no issue to me, as I only have need to record via external mic via 1/8 mic input or via my mixer via line input.

[JC/DV]

I'm looking to get some Rode mics... after I pay for these last sets of "toys"...

[JC/DV]

If it's important to you, the Microtrack can record in both analog and digital (digital via SPDIF input).

The R-09 can record in analog only via the R-09's 1/8 mic and 1/8 line input.

This is no issue to me, as I only have need to record via external mic via 1/8 mic input or via my mixer via line input.

This may stirr up a debate, but IF you are doing a mix, MIX & RECORD analog. You'll get a more wholesome and in the end, pleasing recording.

Ever hear of those garage bands thatsound so tinny and brassy? That's mixing and recording all digital.

On the other hand, IF all you are doing is taking a pre-recorded digital out and want to record that, then go straight digital.

[vegas06]

This may stirr up a debate, but IF you are doing a mix, MIX & RECORD analog. You'll get a more wholesome and in the end, pleasing recording.

Ever hear of those garage bands thatsound so tinny and brassy? That's mixing and recording all digital.

On the other hand, IF all you are doing is taking a pre-recorded digital out and want to record that, then go straight digital.

I have to agree with you here.
In my opinion, vinal records (anyone remember those), sounds beter than CD's. There is a natural distorion that, to my ear, sounds more natural and pleasing, not so sterile.
However, the upkeep on those things, shees, what a pain that was. I had to clean the record 4 times before I ever placed the record on the player...damn dust. :icon_biggrin:

[JC/DV]

Yeah, NEW vinyl sounded best, BUT if done right, Mixing and Recording analog... then transferring to digital is still good and wholesome. For instance, The White Stripes was mixed and recorded analog. But they are on CD. Listen to their CD vs one of these alternative fly-by-night bands, they sound like night and day difference. In wedding videos, I mix live. I use 2 analog Behringer mixers. But I record through analog input if Edirol and then that is stored in digital format to the CF card. This is by far the best wedding video sound I have ever made. Glad to see someone else using the Edirol instead of iRivers.

[Maureen]

You use 2 mixers?

[JC/DV]

Yeah, check this post out: http://www.wedvidpro.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23

[vegas06]

Yeah, NEW vinyl sounded best, BUT if done right, Mixing and Recording analog... then transferring to digital is still good and wholesome. For instance, The White Stripes was mixed and recorded analog. But they are on CD. Listen to their CD vs one of these alternative fly-by-night bands, they sound like night and day difference. In wedding videos, I mix live. I use 2 analog Behringer mixers. But I record through analog input if Edirol and then that is stored in digital format to the CF card. This is by far the best wedding video sound I have ever made. Glad to see someone else using the Edirol instead of iRivers.
Yeah, I have been using the Microtrack, with good results, but the thing is a bit cumbersome to setup, due to it's poor battery run time (need to hookup battery box, and special dual 1/4 TRS cables that I use for it).
The Edirol should be plug in set and go, netting me great results, especially when recorded through my mixer.
I am not going as in depth as you for my recording, as I am using only 1 PSC Promix 3 (3 XLR mixer) (great mixer for the price BTW, fantastic pre amps and limiters).
I normally use 2 or 3 mics in the setup all placed on mic stand with the mixer.
If I am recording a band I will place 2 NT5 mics on 1 mic stand (2 mic holder attached) in xy stereo formation to record.
For crowd, a third mic is either hard wired into my mixer or fed via wireless into it. Then it is mixed down and fed into my recorder and sent to my camera via wireless as well.
It has worked well so far, as I am still streamlining the setup. I like having the entire setup on 1 mic stand, because I can move it anywhere at a moments notice (if I am not cabled with 3rd mic)
Also, for some instances, I may use the thrid XLR feed from a soundboard.