Sony MD/Mic

jtpro1 · Regular Member Joined: 04 May 2002 Posts: 47

I have a Sony MZ-NF610 recorder and a Sony ECM-MS907 mic. For some reason I can't seem to get the recording levels high enough to pick up well on my playing. I've tried Auto and Manuel rec lev settings on the MD and it still records at a seemingly low level. Does anyone have any suggestions?

trumpet manor · Veteran Member Joined: 26 Jun 2003 Posts: 102

Apparently that particular model has no microphone input. See here:

http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-NF610.html

Tootsall · Heavyweight Member Joined: 05 May 2002 Posts: 2952

Yes, it could be that the "line in" is where you are plugging in the microphone...and it isn't designed for mic input. Always check the spec sheet for "microphone input, yes/no" before buying.

FatPauly · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 8:25 pm Post subject:

If the minidisc recorder only takes a LINE level input, then you need a mic preamp. There are only a few hundred models to choose from with prices ranging from $99 to $8000.

You might look into models by Samson and Presonus with are rather compact (but need a wall-wart for power) and inexpensive. If you are willing to spend some money for a quality item, the Really Nice Mic-Preamp (aka RNP) by FMR Audio goes for about $500 and performs equal to units 3 or 4 times the price. It can also accept AC or DC power, I believe.

- Paul Artola
Ellicott City, Maryland

trumpet manor · Veteran Member Joined: 26 Jun 2003 Posts: 102

Keep in mind that if you want a stereo recording, then you need a stereo preamp. The low end preamps are mono. Using a preamp sort of takes the charm out of minidisc recording. Using only a stereo mic with a MD recorder is a convenient way to make a decent reference recording.

Tootsall · Heavyweight Member Joined: 05 May 2002 Posts: 2952

The Sharp units take a stereo mic input directly and record in stereo. I'm using a Sony mic on an MD99CS.