Best Interview Mic for iRiver

[jeffoest]

I know, yet another iRiver mobile recording question...

My findings so far are that my binaural mics with mini-plugs (made for 'consumer' type of equipment with plug-in pwer) sound superb and have low noise. Excellent. My good dynamic mics with appropriate wiring to fit the min-plug sound good but not $200 good and come with a bit of noise.

My conclusion (for a simple mind) is hook up consumer-grade to consumer-grade and pro-grade to pro-grade but dont try to mix the two unless you really are an electrical/audio superstar....

So... the binaurals are very cool for stereo recording and soundseeing but not really all that great for interviews. I think I liked Craig's results with the Sony ECMMS907. I like the idea of it still being stereo yet you can point it at a source for interviewing. BUT is there anything else I should be considering. I'm going to a club in a couple of weeks where a friend's band is playing for four visiting record company execs and I want to try to capture the band's experience...

[TINKOFF RADIO]

As I mentioned in the previous post I've been using the Sony ECMMS907 for 3 years, and it's held up surprisingly well - and the sound quality is exceptional. I highly recommend it for the money - and the stereo pick up is excellent. I especially like the switch that enable you to change the pick up pattern from 90 to 120 degrees.

You can hear it on my podcast Show #01 and my LAX Sound Seeing Tour where I had the mic stuffed in my shirt pocket - pretty far from my mouth.

Adam Tinkoff

[Will-Casel]

OBEY

...sorry...I couldn't resist the avatar... :oops:

[pacopv]

I know, yet another iRiver mobile recording question...

So... the binaurals are very cool for stereo recording and soundseeing but not really all that great for interviews. I think I liked Craig's results with the Sony ECMMS907. I like the idea of it still being stereo yet you can point it at a source for interviewing. BUT is there anything else I should be considering. I'm going to a club in a couple of weeks where a friend's band is playing for four visiting record company execs and I want to try to capture the band's experience...

I don't have an iRiver, as yet. But if I did, I would use the same thing I use for field interviews with my minidisc player: Audio Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphones (two, mono) attached to a Y adapter (two mono sources, one stereo out). This would give me one mic for each channel. I then mix them both to mono, but have the option of applying different EQ to each voice prior to this.

Things would get complicated if I was interviewing more than one person and I wasn't sitting down...

Hear the Audio Technica's in action in my latest podcast:

http://www.vallartaundiscovered.com/blog/_archives/2005/5/1/634937.html

There are two interviews, one in a fairly noisy environment, and one in a very quiet one (an outdoor terrace).

Paco

[DVDTalk]

I was shopping around town today for the ECMMS907 to go with my new iRivier (thank you all for the recommendation) and SEVERAL of the stores who didn't have it were trying to push the Audio Technicha Pro 24.

Each said it had better fidelity.

Anyone have their 2cents about th eaudio technica pro 24 v the sony ECMMS907.

I'm also considering the Giant Squid Audio Lab Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone

This set up for me would be for on the scene interviews.

Thanks in advance for help/advice etc

[DVDTalk]

Well I never did hear back any feedback so I decided to take the plunge.

First I picked up the Sony ECMMS907. I have to say I was extremely underwhelmed. A lot of people talk about that mic in this forum and honestly I didn't feel it lived up to the buzz. So I returned it.

Next I picked up the Omni Directional Lapel Mics from Squid Audio. WOW. Very sensative, very clear ABSOLUTELY a keeper.

I still wanted a non lapel mic for some interviews/etc and so I picked up the Audio Technica Pro 24. A MUCH better mic than the ECM 907, it had a real clear and strong sound.

Then I got a little brave and I tried out a stero splitter and connected BOTH the Audio Technica Pro 24 and the Squid Audio to the iriver. I was BLOWN away. The iriver handled it like a pro, giving me effectively 3 mics to use (l/r on the squid and the pro 24)!!!

[RevTim]

First I picked up the Sony ECMMS907.

Next I picked up the Omni Directional Lapel Mics from Squid Audio.

... and so I picked up the Audio Technica Pro 24. A MUCH better mic than the ECM 907, it had a real clear and strong sound.

Then I got a little brave and I tried out a stero splitter and connected BOTH the Audio Technica Pro 24 and the Squid Audio to the iriver.

I would be interested in hearing a comparison. Any way we could get you to record and post a quick mp3?

[PCOSGurl]

I would be interested in hearing a comparison. Any way we could get you to record and post a quick mp3?
I'm with RevTim! :P

[jeffoest]

My experience so far with the Sony has also been a bit frustrating. You can hear my sample here.

http://www.thisandthatpodcast.com/test55.mp3

Hear the fuzz?

My GUESS is the fuzz is the sound of the cheap mic pre-amp in the iRiver (not a knock, but what can you expect for $150 (the preamp section is probably, what? $40?), right? I have $1200 worth of real pre-amps in my studio and that's just "beginner" stuff according to the audio.rec.pro guys).

However, that fuzz becomes a larger part of the sound since the Sony's output is known to be low.... This is just my hunch. Which would lead one to conclude that if one is using the iRiver, your best off with a mic that has a pretty healthy output.

Other than that, the mic itself I think sounds really good for the price.

Let me ask another question - for remote stuff, is this fuzz acceptable or unacceptable from a listenability point of view? I think I've been playing with it too much to be objective anymore.

[PCOSGurl]

Hear the fuzz?
Can't hear it...

[jeffoest]

Hmmm.....

well I'll admit that if you are playing it through a stock sound-card it's not as obvious since these tend to be kind of noisy anyways.... but if you play it through an audio interface or soemthing, it jumps out as a somewhat obvious low sound of white noise.

Well, I'm maybe I'm being super sensitive... if no-one else (I played this clip for someone else as well (also with "good" ears) who also wasn't too concerned... Maybe the fuzz is the demons talking to me.... hmmmm

Well, i suspect that the quality is ok for podcasting, but I'm kind wishin' I would have got that AT now...

[Noebie]

i found that adjusting the sample rate, etc. on the iriver makes a big difference

i've been using the sony and getting great results...also, in a pinch the built-in does well for mono "stealth" soundseeing

[TINKOFF RADIO]

The grass is alway greener...

Clarity does matter, but I think what makes a recording most interesting is it's relevance - not the mic you use. Some of the best Sound Seeing Tours I've listened to were recorded with lo-fi "what ever fits your budget" equipment. You can fill a room with the best equipment money can buy - but if you have nothing relevant to say...

uh... ahem... well... like... you know...

you have nothing worth listening to - regardless of the mic.

Adam Tinkoff

[RevTim]

Well, i suspect that the quality is ok for podcasting, but I'm kind wishin' I would have got that AT now...

Does ANYONE know of a small portable XLR to 1/8" converter that would work with the iRiver? You may not even need to have a built in transformer like a direct box has.

Has anyone tried something like this? I have a lot of choices for pro-type mics, but they are XLR connectors and things become real bulky with all the adapters.

[jeffoest]

Try this $15 cord

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-XLRF3-MINI-1

I have one and I used it for two dynamic mics (obviously for a condensor you'd need a preamp with phantom power) that I had laying around (that I used to record guitar cabinets with) - a Shure SM58 and a Sennheiser MD-421.

It sounds good but with the same relative amount of 'fuzz' as in my previous example with the Sony mic. (which again leads me to conclude that the culprit source of the fuzz is the iRiver preamp as these mics sound very clean when used with more professional gear).

Honestly though, to use a $200 dynamic mic like the Sennheiser with a cheap mic preamp like that provided in the iRiver just seems silly. If you are commited to go that route, I might suggest a portable preamp like this (or something similarly mobile). I haven't tried this, but I'm sure the sound would be better.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSB-5

Speaking of which - the one piece of advice that is not very well spread here in these forums but pervades the do-it-yourself audio forums is to spread out your 'microphone' money between a pre-amp and the mic itself. A $200 microphone can sound pretty dull using the preamp found in most cheap mixers or computers (in fact most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a $200 and $1000 mic without a decent preamp) but connect it to a $200-$500 preamp and you've got gold.

I know most podcasters don't put the same kind of money towards their gear as audiophiles but it's still relevent advice for those looking out into the future as they step up their gear.

[Craig]

Honestly though, to use a $200 dynamic mic like the Sennheiser with a cheap mic preamp like that provided in the iRiver just seems silly. If you are commited to go that route, I might suggest a portable preamp like this (or something similarly mobile). I haven't tried this, but I'm sure the sound would be better.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSB-5
Actually, that's a battery box, not a preamp. A battery box just provides power to the mic to increase the dynamic range and reduce the drain on the recorder. Sound Professionals has a decent portable preamp that sells for $179 (or $209 with built-in mics):

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=SP-PREAMP

Craig

[DVDTalk]

OK here's an audio sample using the 2 mics. First seperately and then together with the spitter.

this is the raw file from the iriver:
http://www.dvdtalkradio.com/dvdtalkradiomictest.mp3

[jeffoest]

Whoops - sorry I said preamp and showed you a battery box, doh! Thanks Craig!

Honestly though, to use a $200 dynamic mic like the Sennheiser with a cheap mic preamp like that provided in the iRiver just seems silly. If you are commited to go that route, I might suggest a portable preamp like this (or something similarly mobile). I haven't tried this, but I'm sure the sound would be better.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSB-5
Actually, that's a battery box, not a preamp. A battery box just provides power to the mic to increase the dynamic range and reduce the drain on the recorder. Sound Professionals has a decent portable preamp that sells for $179 (or $209 with built-in mics):

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?item=SP-PREAMP

Craig

[Cinci Sean]

Next I picked up the Omni Directional Lapel Mics from Squid Audio. WOW. Very sensative, very clear ABSOLUTELY a keeper.

I went out and bought that/those when I heard Craig's BTS review and I am really happy. I have an MPIO player with a line-in and the powered omni's work well.


Then I got a little brave and I tried out a stero splitter and connected BOTH the Audio Technica Pro 24 and the Squid Audio to the iriver. I was BLOWN away. The iriver handled it like a pro, giving me effectively 3 mics to use (l/r on the squid and the pro 24)!!!
THAT is interesting.

[DVDTalk]

Did my first real podcast with this set up. I'm pretty happy with the audio quality:

http://www.dvdtalkradio.com/DVDTalkRadioEVPinterview.mp3

- G

[macguy]

This is my first post to the Podcast Alley forums. I was wondering if the Omni Directional Lapel Mic from Squid Audio would be good for doing sound seeing tours on an iRiver outside. Is it to sensitive to be outside and will the background noise make it impossible for listeners to hear me? I really need a lapel mic that will pick up some ambient noise, but listeners will still be able to hear me. What lapel mic do you guys suggest? I don't know if I have the right site for the Squid Audio mike either, is it http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-micline1.html? Thanks for all the help.

[Craig]

This is my first post to the Podcast Alley forums. I was wondering if the Omni Directional Lapel Mic from Squid Audio would be good for doing sound seeing tours on an iRiver outside.
They would be perfect for soundseeing tours, with the possible exception that the cables are not the most discrete...make sure you order the high-sensitivity mic elements (ask for the "61" elements when you place the order). You'll need to order windscreens elsewhere...Radio Shack has them:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=33-4006

They're a pain to put on but they do fit! And yes, you have the right site.

Craig

[s]

Jeff,
I could hear your hiss on the Sony recording (even more so on Tinkoff's podcast), so count me among the sensitive ears. Of course, I'm listening through my biggests, bestest honkin' Koss studio heaphones, so I probably wouldn't have noticed on my iPod earbuds. Plus, if you're really "remote" recording, background noise would probably wash it out.

Everyone else,
Has anyone tried the Delta unidirectional stereo mic from Reactive Sounds? I know Ferg has used the mono Reporter mic from them directly into his iRiver, and despite his complaints I think it sounds really good for the price. I'm just curious if going stereo would start pushing the edge of the iRiver's mic in power capacity and get into the high noise-to-signal regime. I've got the AT Pro 24 on my wishlist now, but I'm also interested in something smaller so I don't look like the dork with the microphone out at the pub. Anyone have a Delta? Opinion? Many thanks.

[audiocollective]

Has anyone tried out the GarageBand Microphone Cable?
http://www.griffintechnology.com/images/products/prod_gb_xlr.jpg
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/garageband_cables/gb_xlr.php

It is a cable that has a 3-pin XLR connector to a standard stereo mini jack! This could be a good way to connect some of the pro gear mic’s to you iRiver.
Sometime we use a Shure VP64AL and it works really well.
http://www.dvshop.ca/audio/images/shurevp64al.jpg
This would work well for extremely professional interviews and would make you look pretty hot! The mic is what my wife uses at here radio station.

[ambiz]

I'm new to the Alley (my first post) and podcasting, but I'm interested in getting a podcast (with some soundseeing tours) up and running for my site at http://www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com. After reading through the Alley forum I've settled on an iRiver and either the Audio Technica Pro 24 or the Squid Audio mics. Not all of my podcasts will be sound seeing tours so I'd like to have a mic that is suitable to be used on the road as well as for recording on my computer at home. I'll be using Audacity to do home recording and for editing. This is just my startup gig and in future I may be able to afford both mics and perhaps a more professional setup.

Any advice on which mic would suit my purpose. Can I purchase these mics offline? If so where?

NB- I live outside of the US but will be visiting the NYC area soon so any advice on if and where I can purchase any of these mics in NYC will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Zany Aguirre]

Did my first real podcast with this set up. I'm pretty happy with the audio quality:

http://www.dvdtalkradio.com/DVDTalkRadioEVPinterview.mp3

- G

First time poster, long time reader.

I was very impressed with the Omni Directional Lapel Mic from Squid Audio. I'll be doing a few casts from music festivals this summer and have been trying to figure out the best setup for the iRiver and this was the best audio test I've heard. Thank you.

What splitter were you using when you tested with your Pro 24? Could I also ask which iRiver you were using?

Thanks again.
Allan

[shepdave]

Anybody have experience with the Sound Professionals stereo T-microphone?

Here:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSM-1

I nosed around the forum a bit and couldn't find specific reference to it. Looks sort of like that Griffin lapel mic thing. I'm wondering if the sound is better. The Griffin really leaves me cold.

Dave

[JesusGeek]

I'm going to have to give a huge thumbs up for the audio technica AT822. I picked one up last weekend for $250 when I couldn't find the $70 sony anywhere local, and I have no regrets whatsoever.

After figuring out how to switch the input to ext mic, the result on the iriver was pure stereo zen. i monitored on some sony MDR-7506s and the iPod white earbuds and the results blew away a Marantz 670 with a big honking studio mic (don't remember model).

It comes with the XLR to mini cable and you can have your whole remote setup wrapped around your wrist with the mic in your hand. Amazing!

[jsotkin]

I just got my IFP-799 which I tried with my Sony ECMMS907 as well as two other sony lapel mics. I love the 907 with my DAT recorder, but with the 799, it sounds like I'm in a cavern. Any suggestions?

Joan Sotkin

As I mentioned in the previous post I've been using the Sony ECMMS907 for 3 years, and it's held up surprisingly well - and the sound quality is exceptional. I highly recommend it for the money - and the stereo pick up is excellent. I especially like the switch that enable you to change the pick up pattern from 90 to 120 degrees.

You can hear it on my podcast Show #01 and my LAX Sound Seeing Tour where I had the mic stuffed in my shirt pocket - pretty far from my mouth.

Adam Tinkoff

[Craig]

I just got my IFP-799 which I tried with my Sony ECMMS907 as well as two other sony lapel mics. I love the 907 with my DAT recorder, but with the 799, it sounds like I'm in a cavern. Any suggestions?
Do you have the 799 switched to Ext Mic? If so, can you post a sound sample?

Craig

[ferg]

I'm going to have to give a huge thumbs up for the audio technica AT822. I picked one up last weekend for $250 when I couldn't find the $70 sony anywhere local, and I have no regrets whatsoever.

After figuring out how to switch the input to ext mic, the result on the iriver was pure stereo zen. i monitored on some sony MDR-7506s and the iPod white earbuds and the results blew away a Marantz 670 with a big honking studio mic (don't remember model).

It comes with the XLR to mini cable and you can have your whole remote setup wrapped around your wrist with the mic in your hand. Amazing!


I agree...the AT822 is phenomenal. It's probably the best sounding mic I have overall for speech. However, since it costs so much, I think most people will stay away.

It's particularly great for recording live music.

[jsotkin]

Craig,

Thanks for the offer. I put up a clip with the two test I did for myself, both with the line setting to External Mic. (The results were the same when it was set to Line In, which is what the manual suggested.)

http://ProsperityPlace.com/audio/voice002.mp3

Joan

[Craig]

Well, first thing is your recording levels are way too high and you're clipping as a result, which is what's giving you the distorted edge to your voice. Second, how close to the mic are you? You want to be no more than 6 inches, ideally around 4-6. Finally, what kind of room were you recording in? Was it bare walls, bare floor? That makes a big difference in the amount of echo you'll get.

Craig

[jsotkin]

I thought the recording level was too high, but wasn't clear as to how to adjust that in the iriver.Do you know how to do this?

I really appreciate your help.

[shepdave]

When you push the joystick straight down, you can go into the various control menus. Go to the one that says "Control." There, among many other options, you will find an option called "Line In Recording Volume."

That's where you can set it.

Dave

[shepdave]

Hey, yo! With that post I suddenly became an "Alley Regular"!

Woo hoo!

Dave

[jsotkin]

This is getting a bit frustrating. I uploaded another clip with the record volume down to 2, in a carpeted room. Still not right. I had tried changing this control before I posted the first time but since it didn't seem to make much of a difference, I figured I had the wrong control.

The second clip I loaded was with the same mic recorded directly into my computer in a room with no carpet, just tile.This one sounds fine.

http://ProsperityPlace.com/audio/test/voice001.mp3

http://ProsperityPlace.com/audio/test/welcome.mp3

Joan

[jsotkin]

This morning I upgraded the firmward. This appears to have provided a solution. The whole thing sounds much better now.

Thanks for your help.

Joan