Since it has only line-level input for recording you will need a microphone preamplifier. SoundProfessionals makes a small one for $99, a bit expensive but less so than others. http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-PREAMP-10
They also have some small microphones. Also check minidisc.org for other choices.
I have an older iRivers T30 which I like very much for recording sessions, etc. The built-in mic does amazingly well for what I want.
Stewart - is a preamp REALLY necessary? Space and weight are a big issue for me and, according to my research, I can get a very good 320 bitrate recording with just the cradle and the mic. More info?
Duffgen - this looks like a fiddle mic? I am looking for a mic to plug into my mp3 recorder. Did I get to the wrong place? www.riml.biz
Laitch - why do you like this one opposed to a small one that might clip onto something?
Jess
You may need a powered mic, like Stewart wrote. This microphone is powered with a AA battery. It captures sound well, it fits in the bag with my ihp, and it was available when I had the money. There may be others of a more discrete size but, oh well, it's not really worth hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth because it works.
On my iRiver iFP 899 ( and other similar looking iRiver models)
there is one ' line -input' socket - but in the 'Control' sub menu this can be switched to 'line level' (high level in / low sensitivity) or 'microphone level' (low level in / high sensitivity) input.
I'm not sure if your model has this. Check the options.(navigating through them all / finding them all, is not easy on my model !)
also If I forget to switch to Mic level - I can hear the recording very very faintly - but unusable. Also if I leave it on Mic. level, and do a 'line in' recording - it easily overpowers /distorts.
With it all set properly -works great !
If you have 'Mic level' input , any mic. suitable for minidisc etc. should work.
Voltage required for condenser mics. will almost certainly be supplied by 'phantom power' from the input socket - alternatively some mics provide an option of 1.5v external battery power - but don't mistake this for amplification!
If it is 'line level' input only (as some of the later Sony minidiscs were) you need amplification.
'Archos' make mp3 players/recorders with 'line level' in only , but produce a mic complete with a very small add on pre-amp for this.
'Google' for
Archos Stereo Microphone with pre-amp
(about £25 UK)
Quality is OK - especially for the money - but if you find you want better - a better mic can plugged into pre-amp
Just read your previous posting - I've also read very conflicting info elsewhere re this model (H10). Was tempted to buy it myself - for the recording capacity - but wasn't convinced it was as capable as my iFP 889 model (only 1Gb - but records up to 320bit, with a choice of line or mic level).
Looking at the manual (on iRiver website) I see no choice of "mic level input". Also - I think a clue lies in the fact the device is formatted "FAT32". It is possible to re-format my player to this 'standard' format - but then recording is restricted to 128bit. The iFP889 and some other 'solid state' models use an iRiver format that is capable of faster encoding - up to 320bit. but I don't think your model can. There's lots of internet chat re this- and I believe some third party drivers that MAY improve performance - do some google searching.
I know the H10 manual states 'supports up to 320bit' - but I suspect this means for playback only. However, 128bit with a pre-amped mike such as the Archos should give reasonable results (better than the built in mike).
If you're struggling - maybe find some friendly 'techie geek' to sort it all out for you - then let us all know what it really is capable of (or not).
ah! this is a lot! I called iRiver when I first got the device and got a really wonderful girl who totally knew what she was talking about (after speaking to 5... well, you know)... she said that with the cradle I can record at 320... I so hope that's true. The rest of what you said might be a little over my head. I am a techie, but only with some things and this ain't one of them yet!
Microphone - iRiver H10
Microphone - iRiver H10
Hi, everyone!
So, I finally folded and got the cradle for the iRiver H10 and now I would love some microphone advice...
Looking for something something that:
- travels light
- will be good in pubs
- is inexpensive, but still works REALLY well
any help?
Smiles, Jess
# Posted on June 5th 2006 by meika2u2
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
Since it has only line-level input for recording you will need a microphone preamplifier. SoundProfessionals makes a small one for $99, a bit expensive but less so than others.
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-PREAMP-10
They also have some small microphones. Also check minidisc.org for other choices.
I have an older iRivers T30 which I like very much for recording sessions, etc. The built-in mic does amazingly well for what I want.
# Posted on June 5th 2006 by Stewart
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
Jess, Look at Steve Reads site at www. info@riml.biz
Fulfils all your requirements AND it's made in
Lancashire --'nuff said ?
# Posted on June 5th 2006 by duffgen
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
Sony ECM-MS907
# Posted on June 5th 2006 by joesmith
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
thanks everyone! a few follow up questions...
Stewart - is a preamp REALLY necessary? Space and weight are a big issue for me and, according to my research, I can get a very good 320 bitrate recording with just the cradle and the mic. More info?
Duffgen - this looks like a fiddle mic? I am looking for a mic to plug into my mp3 recorder. Did I get to the wrong place? www.riml.biz
Laitch - why do you like this one opposed to a small one that might clip onto something?
Thank you everyone... smiles!
# Posted on June 6th 2006 by meika2u2
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
Jess
You may need a powered mic, like Stewart wrote. This microphone is powered with a AA battery. It captures sound well, it fits in the bag with my ihp, and it was available when I had the money. There may be others of a more discrete size but, oh well, it's not really worth hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth because it works.
# Posted on June 6th 2006 by joesmith
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
Laitch... why do I need a powered mic?
# Posted on June 6th 2006 by meika2u2
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
On my iRiver iFP 899 ( and other similar looking iRiver models)
there is one ' line -input' socket - but in the 'Control' sub menu this can be switched to 'line level' (high level in / low sensitivity) or 'microphone level' (low level in / high sensitivity) input.
I'm not sure if your model has this. Check the options.(navigating through them all / finding them all, is not easy on my model !)
also If I forget to switch to Mic level - I can hear the recording very very faintly - but unusable. Also if I leave it on Mic. level, and do a 'line in' recording - it easily overpowers /distorts.
With it all set properly -works great !
If you have 'Mic level' input , any mic. suitable for minidisc etc. should work.
Voltage required for condenser mics. will almost certainly be supplied by 'phantom power' from the input socket - alternatively some mics provide an option of 1.5v external battery power - but don't mistake this for amplification!
If it is 'line level' input only (as some of the later Sony minidiscs were) you need amplification.
'Archos' make mp3 players/recorders with 'line level' in only , but produce a mic complete with a very small add on pre-amp for this.
'Google' for
Archos Stereo Microphone with pre-amp
(about £25 UK)
Quality is OK - especially for the money - but if you find you want better - a better mic can plugged into pre-amp
# Posted on June 7th 2006 by Col Arco
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
Just read your previous posting - I've also read very conflicting info elsewhere re this model (H10). Was tempted to buy it myself - for the recording capacity - but wasn't convinced it was as capable as my iFP 889 model (only 1Gb - but records up to 320bit, with a choice of line or mic level).
Looking at the manual (on iRiver website) I see no choice of "mic level input". Also - I think a clue lies in the fact the device is formatted "FAT32". It is possible to re-format my player to this 'standard' format - but then recording is restricted to 128bit. The iFP889 and some other 'solid state' models use an iRiver format that is capable of faster encoding - up to 320bit. but I don't think your model can. There's lots of internet chat re this- and I believe some third party drivers that MAY improve performance - do some google searching.
I know the H10 manual states 'supports up to 320bit' - but I suspect this means for playback only. However, 128bit with a pre-amped mike such as the Archos should give reasonable results (better than the built in mike).
If you're struggling - maybe find some friendly 'techie geek' to sort it all out for you - then let us all know what it really is capable of (or not).
# Posted on June 7th 2006 by Col Arco
Re: Microphone - iRiver H10
ah! this is a lot! I called iRiver when I first got the device and got a really wonderful girl who totally knew what she was talking about (after speaking to 5... well, you know)... she said that with the cradle I can record at 320... I so hope that's true. The rest of what you said might be a little over my head. I am a techie, but only with some things and this ain't one of them yet!
i appreciate your help.
smiles, jess
# Posted on June 8th 2006 by meika2u2