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SouthernJ

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#179371 5-Sep-2015 20:57
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Hi

I've got a Tascam DR40 and it's been recommended I get a couple of (matching) lapel mics.

Who can recommend what, please?

Either XLR or TRS (although if it doesn't come with either of those my wonderful husband can wave his magic wand and fix that problem).

I've been told that around the $50/mic should get me something that will do the job...?

I've visited the Rock Shop here in Hamilton (where I bought my Tascam) and they couldn't help me (they're usually great, but not this time).... 

Then I trotted down the road to JB HiFi and they were totally unable to help.

I've looked online at PBTech and Richard Smith (DickSmith) and again, come up blank.

I'd rather purchase locally if possible.

All and any input greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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richms
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  #1380428 5-Sep-2015 20:59
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Jansens are your best bet if by local you mean in NZ. Surplustronics have also started a new store that has more audio stuff, not sure on lapel mics tho.





Richard rich.ms



SouthernJ

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  #1380433 5-Sep-2015 21:15
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Thanks for responding so promptly ... I've looked at both of those places ... and if I had a bottomless purse I could do a lotta damage!



paulspain
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  #1380457 5-Sep-2015 23:12
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Where are you recording? Is it quiet? Whats the format - is it for video, audii podcast, etc?




Paul Spain
Founder: Gorilla Technology, NZ Tech Podcast




Fred99
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  #1380518 6-Sep-2015 10:21
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I'm a bit confused when you say "lapel mic" then XLR/TRS cables. An XLR female mic plug (what you see plugged in to the back of the ubiquitous Shure SM58 dynamic mic used in live performance vocals) is bigger than what I'd think an entire "lapel" mic might be expected to be.  The recording device has combo XLR/TRS balanced inputs. For the plug into the device - use XLR - TRS is an antiquated abomination in any form. Ideally you'd want mics with balanced output, as they are very low noise (hum/interference) unlike the standard unbalanced shielded cables used for cheap mics, connecting cables for home-hifi etc.  That recorder has 48V phantom power, so you can use condenser mics - some of which can be very small and high quality.  Not sure if the inexpensive - and some not so inexpensive - mics sold for video recording would be ideal, it seems you've got a specific need for high quality audio, and a device capable of being connected to professional quality studio microphones.  The recording device may be inexpensive, but high quality microphones aren't.
So - the same question as others have asked - what are you trying to do?
If you're planning to do something "home studio" with vocals/instruments, I might be able to suggest something within budget of $50/mic, but they won't be "lapel" size.

SouthernJ

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  #1380531 6-Sep-2015 11:14
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Thank you for the questions :)

What am I recording?

Interviews:
These sometimes take place in rooms / spaces where I cannot control the AC.

Also, my interviewees aren't used to being recorded so it's been suggested that going the lapel mic way will be less intrusive and obvious them... that they will forget they're being recorded wearing a lapel mic faster than the fact the Tascam is sitting between us.

Podcasts:
Monologues.  Although the lapel mic may be used for these I may also just stick to my single external mic (with XLR) for these.  


By the way, not sure if it makes any difference but I record in .wav format and edit in Adobe Audition, saved to MP3.

I don't understand any of the terminology: all I do is press the "record" button. My skills (?) are in the interviews; certainly not the equipment or tech.

A radio studio sound engineer tweaked all the settings on my Tascam for me.  So as far as that side of the production goes, I'm good-to-go.



Fred99
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  #1380538 6-Sep-2015 11:31
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OK.  This is the high-price version of what you'd ideally need:
http://www.rockshop.co.nz/shop/akg-c417l-lavalier-condenser-microphone.html
(the model would be a C417 "PP" type, with standard XLR - not the C417 "L" displayed - which has mini XLR)

Note that they're called "lavalier" (lapel) mics.
Start there to google for cheaper alternatives.  Stick with XLR / balanced cable and a condenser mic which uses the 48V phantom power, then it should be noise-free, simple to connect, and the mic won't need batteries like some "electret" condenser mics.

US price for that AKG mic is about US$100.

SouthernJ

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  #1380558 6-Sep-2015 12:31
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Thank you.

Given I'm after a matching pair I'll be looking for something a little less disruptive to the bank account than this :)

Gives me a starting place.  Thanks!

 
 
 

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Fred99
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  #1380562 6-Sep-2015 12:48
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Here's a start - should ship to NZ at low price:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002A3KSZW?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002A3KSZW&linkCode=xm2&tag=tecn00-20

Note that kit has one omnidirectional, one cardioid (directional).  Onmidirectional is probably what you'd want if you're recording in quiet place, less hassle to your interviewee setting it up and with volume changing if they move, perhaps use the cardioid mic for recording yourself.

Mixed reviews.  

hyperman
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  #1380563 6-Sep-2015 13:26
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SouthernJ: Hi

I've got a Tascam DR40 and it's been recommended I get a couple of (matching) lapel mics.

Who can recommend what, please?

Either XLR or TRS (although if it doesn't come with either of those my wonderful husband can wave his magic wand and fix that problem).

I've been told that around the $50/mic should get me something that will do the job...?

I've visited the Rock Shop here in Hamilton (where I bought my Tascam) and they couldn't help me (they're usually great, but not this time).... 

Then I trotted down the road to JB HiFi and they were totally unable to help.

I've looked online at PBTech and Richard Smith (DickSmith) and again, come up blank.

I'd rather purchase locally if possible.

All and any input greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


Hi,

Hopefully it wasn't me that you asked at JB (I don't recall getting asked about lapel mics recently)
unfortunately it's not something I would expect any high street electronic retailer to carry
however have you tried shearersmusic?





 The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer


SouthernJ

36 posts

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  #1380568 6-Sep-2015 13:57
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Hi Hyperman

Are you in Barton Street, Hamilton?  

I doubt it would've been you - you've been a lot more helpful - I was walked to the microphone section (which was more headphones than mics) and told "nope - don't see anything here - sorry" and that was that.

hyperman
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  #1380570 6-Sep-2015 14:04
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SouthernJ: Hi Hyperman

Are you in Barton Street, Hamilton?  

I doubt it would've been you - you've been a lot more helpful - I was walked to the microphone section (which was more headphones than mics) and told "nope - don't see anything here - sorry" and that was that.

 


Yes I am :)

unfortunately we do have a few staff members that at times seem to lack customer service skills ....
We do stock a few mics mainly Samson USB desktop ones but no lapel or RF :(




 The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of my employer


Fred99
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  #1380595 6-Sep-2015 15:05
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hyperman:
have you tried shearersmusic?



I just took a quick look there, and they don't seem to have anything.
Closest is a pair of Behringer "C2" mics for $199, but they're not really what the OP needs, too big, cardioid, no lapel clips etc.

Cheap consumer or av type mics might be able to be adapted and be used, with some potential issues - including noise, especially if they're on a long cable.
This explains how to do a bit of a butcherous job to wire it - which may work.

I even took a look at the DR40 instructions, the XLR/TRS input jacks can be set to either line or mic level, so a cheap mic run through something to give a line level output - say a cheap mixer with unbalanced mic inputs - might be able to be used - then line output via XLR to the DR40.
One thing I don't know and couldn't see in the DR40 instructions is that some some devices have TRS input sockets which are either balanced or unbalanced and automatically switch.  If a "TS" (with tip and sleeve - not tip, ring and sleeve) phono plug is inserted, those devices will automatically switch to unbalanced input impedence, levels etc.  If the DR40 has that feature, then any cheap mic with an adapter from probably a 2.5mm "mono style" mini TS phone plug to a 1/4" TS plug may work in those sockets.

SouthernJ

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  #1380665 6-Sep-2015 16:20
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thank you - thatsalottainformation to take on board ;)

I have a Technica which I bought for doing videos with a couple of years ago ... maybe I'll just buy another one of those ...

I like to be able to buy local if I can.

Who would've thought that in a day when podcasting is starting to really take off it would be so hard to find a lav / lapel mic, eh?



Fred99
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  #1380678 6-Sep-2015 17:14
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Yes - it is a can of worms.
I presume that Technica mic that you refer to is a consumer grade mic.  If you adapt it to use either 1/4" TRS or XLR to plug in to the DR40 inputs, as per the link I posted above, then it's essential to make sure that the phantom power is not accidentally turned on in the DR40. Keeps the leads as short as possible.
I'd still urge you to search for affordable condenser mics with balanced output.  They are much more immune (almost totally) to clicks and pops from electrical interference from anything else being used nearby or in your house when you're recording (even light switches etc), and electrical hum - even if you don't need the "sound quality" of the pro-grade mic.

SouthernJ

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  #1380741 6-Sep-2015 19:35
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pro grade would be great ...!

But in the meantime I'm sure it will be an improvement on the DR40s inbuilt mics - which is what I've been relying on for the last year or so.

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