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MT2496 experiences.
Chel van Gennip wrote:
I use two microphones AKG C480B with CK62ULS capsules [...] On internal power it runs about 3 hours. 3 hours whilst powering 2 mics then? Anyone any experience yet how long it holds out using just balanced line in? I've added ferrites in the USB power cable, after detecting spikes when using external power. Forgive my ignorance, it can be run off external power? Through the charger that comes with the unit? (There is no info about this or the charger itself in the manual I downloaded to look at). Is the charger 230V, 220-240 or switchable 110 / 220 etc (I guess you're in Europe - I may be wrong), changeable mains plugs or fixed for the country its bought in (I'd wish to use it in UK and Europe at least, tho' preferably worldwide). And how does "spikes when using external power" effect the unit's recording? Anyway, thanks very much for the write up! Jez |
#3
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MT2496 experiences.
"Chel van Gennip" wrote ...
Last weekend I had more than 3 hours recorded before I noticed the outlet I was using was without power. ..... I was in a room with fluorescent lamps. One broke down and tried to restart every 5 seconds and made both audible noise and hard spikes on the power system. The audible noise came in through the mikes, the spikes through the PS. I added firrites in my cable before the PS and in the USB cable to the MT2496. After that the problem was solved. Or you could try your trick of plugging it into a dead outlet! :-) I just got mine. I'm considering a little external battery "back-pack" gadget to take 4 AA cells and feed 5V into the USB connector. |
#4
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MT2496 experiences.
The NTG 1 will work perfectly at 30v
-- Martin Harrington www.lendanear-sound.com "Chel van Gennip" wrote in message ... On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 22:44:37 +0200, Patrick wrote: You use it in the Mic/Line in ? Yes, Mic/Line position M (so i did not even have a problem with the wrong witch order in the first software) And the 30V phantom power is sufficient ? Yes I've bought the MT and with a Rode NTG1, I've a lot of noise in Mic/Line and phantom power.... !!! (I think phantom power 30V it's not sufficient ..... :-( Could be, I never tested with my NT1's. I just wanted a set of microphones + Recorder for on the road. My AKG's were my first choice and they function well. (I was not looking for problems, just for a solution) I will receive two Xlr -- jack mono adaptator to use with a stéréo mic. But I don't know if there is enough place to plug the two adaptators....... :-( The distance between the inputs is just enough for the two connectors. I just made my own short cables for my microphones. Is you mic AKG is powered itself, or by another thing before the MT ? The AKG is powerd by the MT (30V is enough for the AKG C480B I think) -- Chel van Gennip Visit Serg van Gennip's site http://www.serg.vangennip.com |
#5
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MT2496 experiences.
Chel,
I'm a complete newbie to recording. I just purchased a Microtrack. I am a piano technician and want to record many different kinds of pianos, particularly those I rebuild, comparing how they sound before and after the rebuilding. I really enjoying hearing the piano recording you made with the Microtrack. A couple questions: 1. How do you set the MT at peak level -7dB? I've had difficulty setting the gain low enough. With the included stereo mic, the signal always seems to distort occastionally. 2. What cords, specifically, do you use to connect the AKGs to the MT? Being a newbie, I need the technical names so I can purchase them. Where can I buy the cables you made? 3. The AKG C480B with CK62ULS capsules is an omni mic, which I understand means that the mic picks up sounds in the room at 360 degrees. I'm wondering if using the CK61ULS cardioid capsules might be better for my purposes, since for the most part I'll be in piano shops and living rooms where the ambient acoustics are not so desirable. What do you think? 4. What is a "standard" that you hang the MT from? What is the "strip" that you hang the mics from? They describe some sort of attachment devices, I presume. Where can I buy both? 5. Is there anything else I should consider purchasing? At the moment, all I have is the Microtrack. I know these are very elementary questions. Thanks for your consideration. --Clark |
#6
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MT2496 experiences.
On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 00:15:59 +0200, Chel van Gennip wrote:
You know how it goes, you ask for power, they point to an outlet, and as everything is working nicely on battery power, you forget to check if there is power on the outlet, although both the camcorder and the MT do indicate if they are working on battery. I just got mine. I'm considering a little external battery "back-pack" gadget to take 4 AA cells and feed 5V into the USB connector. I am thinking about that to. A batery pack is smaller than a cable and is independent. You can go cheap http://www.dealsonic.com/usbbapabapof.html or high class http://www.socketcom.com/product/AC4009-541.asp Or make your own of course. One thing I dislike about the MT2496 is the significant current draw even when "off". Mine goes dead after a couple of days. An external pack is a necessity unless you are able to always leave it hooked to a wall wart or computer till just before your session. -- Steve Maki |
#7
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MT2496 experiences.
Clark wrote:
2. What cords, specifically, do you use to connect the AKGs to the MT? Being a newbie, I need the technical names so I can purchase them. Where can I buy the cables you made? You want balanced XLR female to TRS male cords. Conquest, Rapco, and many other companies will sell you these. 3. The AKG C480B with CK62ULS capsules is an omni mic, which I understand means that the mic picks up sounds in the room at 360 degrees. I'm wondering if using the CK61ULS cardioid capsules might be better for my purposes, since for the most part I'll be in piano shops and living rooms where the ambient acoustics are not so desirable. CK63 hypercardioid would probably be my first choice in a situation like this. 5. Is there anything else I should consider purchasing? At the moment, all I have is the Microtrack. Good mics, a good stand, and an education. Do you have a decent recordist locally who would take you under his/her wing for awhile? |
#8
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MT2496 experiences.
Sorry but, the NTG1 don't work perfectly with 30 V !!! :-(
In the instruction manual of the mic is writing : p48 phantom : 44 V to 52 V !!!! I've record with it, (MT 24/95 and the NTG1) and i've a lot of noise.... I try with a another true preamp and phantom power and the sound is clean.... !! Patrick "Martin Harrington" a écrit dans le message de news: ... The NTG 1 will work perfectly at 30v -- Martin Harrington www.lendanear-sound.com "Chel van Gennip" wrote in message ... On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 22:44:37 +0200, Patrick wrote: You use it in the Mic/Line in ? Yes, Mic/Line position M (so i did not even have a problem with the wrong witch order in the first software) And the 30V phantom power is sufficient ? Yes I've bought the MT and with a Rode NTG1, I've a lot of noise in Mic/Line and phantom power.... !!! (I think phantom power 30V it's not sufficient ..... :-( Could be, I never tested with my NT1's. I just wanted a set of microphones + Recorder for on the road. My AKG's were my first choice and they function well. (I was not looking for problems, just for a solution) I will receive two Xlr -- jack mono adaptator to use with a stéréo mic. But I don't know if there is enough place to plug the two adaptators....... :-( The distance between the inputs is just enough for the two connectors. I just made my own short cables for my microphones. Is you mic AKG is powered itself, or by another thing before the MT ? The AKG is powerd by the MT (30V is enough for the AKG C480B I think) -- Chel van Gennip Visit Serg van Gennip's site http://www.serg.vangennip.com |
#9
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MT2496 experiences.
Patrick wrote: Sorry but, the NTG1 don't work perfectly with 30 V !!! :-( In the instruction manual of the mic is writing : p48 phantom : 44 V to 52 V !!!! I've record with it, (MT 24/95 and the NTG1) and i've a lot of noise.... That may or may not be the result of the lower voltage. Most mics will produce some output at a lower than rated supply voltage, but degraded in some aspect of their performance. The degradation isn't usually an increase in noise unless the sensitivity is so far reduced that you need more gain in order to get the same record level, and are hence boosting noise in another part of the system. Usually we don't bother to test microphones at other than their rated supply voltage because until recent abominations came along, we could count on having the proper power supply. Now, I guess, we need to do this. It would be an interesting experiment to disconnect the internal 48V phantom power supply from a decent preamp, replace it with a variable power supply, and measure the maximum SPL, distortion at some reasonable SPL, and quiescent noise of an assortment of microphones. Would anyone like to send me all of your microphones? I try with a another true preamp and phantom power and the sound is clean.... !! That could be because the other preamp was quieter. |
#10
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MT2496 experiences.
Steve Maki wrote: One thing I dislike about the MT2496 is the significant current draw even when "off". Mine goes dead after a couple of days. Isn't this sort of nonsense the ****s? All kinds of modern, tiny, "low power" digital stuff is like this. I use my digital camera once or twice every couple of months and the batteries are always dead when I try to turn it on. It uses rechargeable AA cells, and they seem to hold their "shelf" voltage pretty well, so I always have to put the charged ones in when I start a photo session. And then if I want the date to be correct, I have to remember to set it (I think the camera reminds me - I haven't used it in a couple of months g) |
#11
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MT2496 experiences.
On 26 Oct 2005 04:01:00 -0700, "Mike Rivers" wrote:
One thing I dislike about the MT2496 is the significant current draw even when "off". Mine goes dead after a couple of days. Isn't this sort of nonsense the ****s? All kinds of modern, tiny, "low power" digital stuff is like this. I use my digital camera once or twice every couple of months and the batteries are always dead when I try to turn it on. It uses rechargeable AA cells, and they seem to hold their "shelf" voltage pretty well, so I always have to put the charged ones in when I start a photo session. And then if I want the date to be correct, I have to remember to set it (I think the camera reminds me - I haven't used it in a couple of months g) After going through a few point and shoot cameras, I've now got a Canon Digital Rebel SLR, which has a real on-off switch. That feature alone makes the extra expense worth it, in my book. It does use a proprietary Li-ion pack, but a charge seems to last forever. As far as the MT2496 - the power system is idiotic. High current draw even when turned off, and NON-REMOVABLE battery. So even if you're prepared with a fresh external pack, you know that as soon as you plug in the pack, part of your precious power resource will be sunk into the internal battery. It really needs an on-off switch. BTW, other than that, I like the unit. I use it with the Core Sound Mic2496 preamp-A/D. This combo is excellent. -- Steve Maki |
#12
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MT2496 experiences.
I've tried my NTG-1 with an old Shure FP32, which only gives 18v max
phantom, and apart from the noise from the preamps thatis always there, there was no increase in noise at all. -- Martin Harrington www.lendanear-sound.com "Patrick" wrote in message ... Sorry but, the NTG1 don't work perfectly with 30 V !!! :-( In the instruction manual of the mic is writing : p48 phantom : 44 V to 52 V !!!! I've record with it, (MT 24/95 and the NTG1) and i've a lot of noise.... I try with a another true preamp and phantom power and the sound is clean.... !! Patrick "Martin Harrington" a écrit dans le message de news: ... The NTG 1 will work perfectly at 30v -- Martin Harrington www.lendanear-sound.com "Chel van Gennip" wrote in message ... On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 22:44:37 +0200, Patrick wrote: You use it in the Mic/Line in ? Yes, Mic/Line position M (so i did not even have a problem with the wrong witch order in the first software) And the 30V phantom power is sufficient ? Yes I've bought the MT and with a Rode NTG1, I've a lot of noise in Mic/Line and phantom power.... !!! (I think phantom power 30V it's not sufficient ..... :-( Could be, I never tested with my NT1's. I just wanted a set of microphones + Recorder for on the road. My AKG's were my first choice and they function well. (I was not looking for problems, just for a solution) I will receive two Xlr -- jack mono adaptator to use with a stéréo mic. But I don't know if there is enough place to plug the two adaptators....... :-( The distance between the inputs is just enough for the two connectors. I just made my own short cables for my microphones. Is you mic AKG is powered itself, or by another thing before the MT ? The AKG is powerd by the MT (30V is enough for the AKG C480B I think) -- Chel van Gennip Visit Serg van Gennip's site http://www.serg.vangennip.com |
#13
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MT2496 experiences.
Chel van Gennip wrote:
On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 07:15:00 +0200, Kurt Albershardt wrote: Clark wrote: CK63 hypercardioid would probably be my first choice in a situation like this. I think you should really think about the microphones. My first sugestion is to try the small T microphone close to the piano. The recording environments you describe are best eleminated by close miking. There are reports the T microphone can handle high levels. I don't know about the hypercardioid. A piano is a big instrument, so close miking might be better than a hypercardioid. Good point -- omnis up close might well sound better in this situation. A piano in a small room is always difficult. |
#14
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MT2496 experiences.
Kurt and Chel,
Thanks for your responses. I've been busy with pianos. Chel, I listened to the recording of the Yam C7 that you were noting had a harsh bass. My speakers aren't very good but I did hear some less desirable glassiness in the bass. My experience is that this sound is the result of wearing hammers. The crown of the hammer needs to be reshaped and mated to the strings better, and given a general voicing. There could also be some slight buzzing from damper wire interference though this is less likely. I have used the T microphone with the Microtrack. They work well but I was wondering what would improve the Microtrack even more. I agree that hyper cardioids would be too focussed for a big piano. PZMs are used alot in church installations, but I have never been super inspired by the results. Is there a particular manufacturer of PZMs that you recommend? Also, do you have recommendations of mics other than the 480s that I might consider that would work with the Microtrack's phantom power eccentricities? At this point, I don't have a recording mentor to lean on, so I really appreciate this opportunity to ask you folks here. --Clark |
#15
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MT2496 experiences.
Hi All,
I've just recieved my MT2496 and while I'm generally happy with it, I'm having a problem with the input monitor. No matter what I do, I can't get it monitor audio unless I'm acutually recording a track. I'm aware that this feature isn't avialble with S/PDIF, but my understanding from the manual was that it should work with the 1/8 and 1/4 TRS inputs. I've also updated the firmware to 1.1.5, but the problem's still there. I've contacted M-audio and they've told me that this is a known bug and that they're hoping to resolve the issue with the next firmware update. I'm only asking beause out of all the issues with the MT I've seen addressed on the newsgroups, no one has run into this. Which makes me wondering if the units fine and I'm just flying it into the ground. Marc On Tue, 25 Oct 2005, Chel van Gennip wrote: On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 22:44:37 +0200, Patrick wrote: You use it in the Mic/Line in ? Yes, Mic/Line position M (so i did not even have a problem with the wrong witch order in the first software) And the 30V phantom power is sufficient ? Yes I've bought the MT and with a Rode NTG1, I've a lot of noise in Mic/Line and phantom power.... !!! (I think phantom power 30V it's not sufficient ..... :-( Could be, I never tested with my NT1's. I just wanted a set of microphones + Recorder for on the road. My AKG's were my first choice and they function well. (I was not looking for problems, just for a solution) I will receive two Xlr -- jack mono adaptator to use with a stéréo mic. But I don't know if there is enough place to plug the two adaptators....... :-( The distance between the inputs is just enough for the two connectors. I just made my own short cables for my microphones. Is you mic AKG is powered itself, or by another thing before the MT ? The AKG is powerd by the MT (30V is enough for the AKG C480B I think) -- Chel van Gennip Visit Serg van Gennip's site http://www.serg.vangennip.com |
#16
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MT2496 experiences.
Any chance of a little write up when you get your battery box up and
running, Richard, with parts and diagram ? I'm afraid I'm totally clueless about USB as power feed myself but would certainly want to patch some kind of battery box together myself - the powering issue is the only one holding me up from buying the thing. (And forgive my ignorance, but how do you know that 5 or 4.8 volts is OK / right for the thing?) Thanks Chel for charger comments. Regards, Jez Adamson |
#17
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MT2496 experiences.
"M. Studer" wrote ...
I've just recieved my MT2496 and while I'm generally happy with it, I'm having a problem with the input monitor. No matter what I do, I can't get it monitor audio unless I'm acutually recording a track. Or meter, either. Sometimes I wonder how they devise their requirements lists? |
#18
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MT2496 experiences.
I was following this thread on powering a USB device from NP-1 via
voltage regulator - perhaps something will come of it: http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...ca86270cdd915b |
#19
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MT2496 experiences.
teaismud wrote ...
Any chance of a little write up when you get your battery box up and running, Richard, with parts and diagram ? I'm afraid I'm totally clueless about USB as power feed myself but would certainly want to patch some kind of battery box together myself - the powering issue is the only one holding me up from buying the thing. I was looking at using the Linear Technology LTC3440 buck-boost micropower DC/DC converter chip, but then I noticed that it has a max input voltage of 5.5 and I really wanted to make something that takes 6V nominal (four dry cells of whatever size). Back to the drawing board. I'm hoping that Linear or Maxim or somebody makes something that will take 3-6V and output 5V. Yeah, I was planning on publishing the design. And making PC boards, etc. The trickiest part will be finding a decent enclosure for 4 AA cells (or 4 C cells for the die-hards!) and I'd really like to find a nice little right-angle USB connector to plug into the bottom of the MT2496 (And forgive my ignorance, but how do you know that 5 or 4.8 volts is OK / right for the thing?) The MT2496 charges/runs via the USB port which, by definition is nominal 5V. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#Power_supply I got 3,570,000 hits when I Googled for: usb battery supply... http://www.hackaday.com/entry/1234000520028239/ This is as simple as they come. a 9V battery with a simple zener-diode shunt regulator. Simple enough, but of doubtful battery-life/efficienty. And I worry about using the USB connector shell as the 9V node in the circuit. The shell is supposed to be floating, but if somebody goofed, you will end up with fried electronics. :-( http://www.bixnet.com/usbbatterybox.html This looks like what we need. And only $10. Dunno what kind of efficiency it has (i.e. how long a set of AA cells will last). And still need something shorter and less stiff than that USB cable the MT 2496 comes with. The lack of detailed specs, and the wording of the blurb make me think it has a simple (and grossly inefficient) shunt zener regulator (like the home-made unit above.) |
#20
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MT2496 experiences.
"jeremiah moore" wrote ...
I was following this thread on powering a USB device from NP-1 via voltage regulator - perhaps something will come of it: http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...ca86270cdd915b When you've got an NP1's worth of power available, a simple, cheap, (and inefficient) garden-variety 3-terminal regulator (like a 7805 or LM340) would do the job nicely. But an NP1 is ~3x the size and 5x the weight of the whole MT2496 :-( But if we're trying to do something in the same size category as the MT2496, I think we need either something reasonably efficient, or a gross environmental disregard for tossing out handfulls of primary cells. |
#21
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MT2496 experiences.
is there not some lattitude to the usb voltage? i.e 3.6-5v in which
case 3x aa would suffice? 3x aa could piggy pack with the MT ok. dan |
#22
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MT2496 experiences.
"d rosen" wrote ...
is there not some lattitude to the usb voltage? i.e 3.6-5v in which case 3x aa would suffice? 3x aa could piggy pack with the MT ok. Low-power USB devices can apparently live on something between 4.4V and 5.25V, but high-power seems to want 4.75 to 5.25. I can't believe that the MT2496 is a "low- power" device, especially when charging the internal battery AND powering the unit concurrently. http://www.beyondlogic.org/usbnutshe...a-nutshell.pdf (page 7) Even if you had three 1.5V cells (most of the newer kinds of cells available are lower than 1.5V), The battery life would be limited to the point where they dropped below the USB specificied voltage. That leaves the majority of the battery capacity unused and unavailable. Not efficient enough to be an attractive solution, at least IMHO. |
#23
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MT2496 experiences.
The quickstart manual quite plainly said that to set a record level you
were to make a 'bad' first recording then immediately delete it! Just one of many ridiculous procedures. If I hadn't been waiting impatiently for the last two years for ANY mini wav recorder that could do the most basic of tasks I'd definitely leave this one on the shelf too. But I reckon I'm going to pick one up anyway. Many thanks Richard for the links and info! Jez No matter what I do, I can't get it monitor audio unless I'm acutually recording a track. Or meter, either. Sometimes I wonder how they devise their requirements lists? |
#24
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MT2496 experiences.
Richard Crowley wrote:
"jeremiah moore" wrote ... I was following this thread on powering a USB device from NP-1 via voltage regulator - perhaps something will come of it: http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...ca86270cdd915b When you've got an NP1's worth of power available, a simple, cheap, (and inefficient) garden-variety 3-terminal regulator (like a 7805 or LM340) would do the job nicely. But an NP1 is ~3x the size and 5x the weight of the whole MT2496 :-( But if we're trying to do something in the same size category as the MT2496, I think we need either something reasonably efficient Simple & fast: how about a 7.2V lithium camcorder battery coupled with a low dropout regulator? If an NP-1 is really available, why not couple it with something like a PT78ST105 (1A) or PT78HT205 (2A) switcher? |
#25
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MT2496 experiences.
I've receive and try mine too....
No, there is no monitor unless recording... :-( I don't have (or not see ?? You can ?) the stop button to stop a play file, there is a "pause" button but can't stop the play !! Forced to wait the end of file. I've plug two xlr--Jack 6.35 connectors to the inputs to plug my stereo mic cable. but before this, i've must grind down the two connectors, to could connect it... not spacing beetwen the 2 inputs The connectors, and xlr connector cable are more big than the MT !!! Pat a écrit dans le message de news: ... The quickstart manual quite plainly said that to set a record level you were to make a 'bad' first recording then immediately delete it! Just one of many ridiculous procedures. If I hadn't been waiting impatiently for the last two years for ANY mini wav recorder that could do the most basic of tasks I'd definitely leave this one on the shelf too. But I reckon I'm going to pick one up anyway. Many thanks Richard for the links and info! Jez No matter what I do, I can't get it monitor audio unless I'm acutually recording a track. Or meter, either. Sometimes I wonder how they devise their requirements lists? |
#26
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MT2496 experiences.
Patrick wrote: I've receive and try mine too.... No, there is no monitor unless recording... :-( I think this is a big annoyance, but I'd guess that people who are into recording with computers are used to it already. I've run into several programs that don't have an "input monitor" mode when the "tape" is stopped. I don't have (or not see ?? You can ?) the stop button to stop a play file, there is a "pause" button but can't stop the play !! Forced to wait the end of file. If this is true, it's really sillly. I've plug two xlr--Jack 6.35 connectors to the inputs to plug my stereo mic cable. but before this, i've must grind down the two connectors, to could connect it... not spacing beetwen the 2 inputs The connectors, and xlr connector cable are more big than the MT !!! That's the biggest problem with a tiny recorder - not enough room for the connectors, controls and indicators. But GRIND DOWN connectors? Really? |
#27
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MT2496 experiences.
"Patrick" wrote ...
I don't have (or not see ?? You can ?) the stop button to stop a play file, there is a "pause" button but can't stop the play !! Forced to wait the end of file. Pressing in the "navigation joystick" both starts and stops IME. |
#28
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MT2496 experiences.
MT2496 AND THE APPLE OS INTERFACE
One more question folks whilst we're still on the radar : My G4 is currently running OSX 10.3.2, not the 10.2.8 / 10.3.7 / 10.4 that the Microtrack manual states it needs to copy over the data. Also, I have no desire to change it, since it's working OK with t'other miriad of software versions thereon. Anyone tried / had success / failed to connect the MT to a mac running other than the three above specified OSs? Cheers, Jez |
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