Best way to connect sound devices MM-1 to DR100 MK2 ?

L

L1N3ARX

Well-known member
I just purchased a DR100 MK2, and sold my original DR100. I did this because I was told the new version accepts line-level input. So, I'm assuming the best way to go from my MM-1 to my DR100MK2 is with a standard XLR?

When I had my original DR100, a poster here advised me how I'd have to jerry-rig a complex cable setup just to get a preamp like the MM-1 to work with the DR100... which did not seem fun.
 
Standard XLR ought to do it. The specs for the MKII list its line-level input as being for a nominal +4dBu "pro" line level and that's the sort of inputs the MM-1 was designed to feed. Remember it is mono, only feeding the one input you plug into. I think the MKII has an option setting that lets you record a dual mono track with the input signal going to both L & R channels in the recorder if that's your wish.
 
I believe the 100mkII can also record a mono track/file, which would be the preferred format for a single (boom) mic set-up. If recording in the PCM format this would also half the file size of a stereo file.
I don't have the manual at hand, but other Tascam's have the mono record option.
 
Steve House said:
Standard XLR ought to do it. The specs for the MKII list its line-level input as being for a nominal +4dBu "pro" line level and that's the sort of inputs the MM-1 was designed to feed. Remember it is mono, only feeding the one input you plug into. I think the MKII has an option setting that lets you record a dual mono track with the input signal going to both L & R channels in the recorder if that's your wish.
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Cool, thanks Steve. So with mono selected on the recorder, I can just go into either L or R channel right? Or maybe the recorder has L mono and R mono channels... can't remember right now.
 
FYI, The mono mode on the Zoom H4n, records both inputs (L and/or R) to both channels as a 2-channel mono file, (both channels having the exact same audio) even if one input is unused, it records that channel's noise as well.
The Tascam DR-40's mono mode, records the left XLR input only... as a single-channel mono file. The other DR series recorders mono record options are somewhat the same. If my brief perusal of the DR100's manual, I could ascertain that recorder's exact mono mode parameters. Maybe someone with a 100mkII can look into this and set the record straight.
 
So, just a quick question. Even though the inputs on the DR100mk2 are rated at +4dBu, how will this hold up over time? I don't record a lot of sound, but by using it in this way, will the preamp get "worn out"? Or perhaps wear out after a shorter period of time compared to other recorders? I don't know too much about audio, obviously..., so is this a dumb worry to have? At this point the very best I could possibly afford would be to step up to a second hand PMD-661.

I'm wondering if I opted for the 661, if I could possibly get sound as clear and gain-free as I would get from using a DR100 MKII + MM-1 ? So many combinations are possible... almost makes one indecisive hehe.
 
Nope, components such as preamps don't "wear out" with use, so the +4dBu sensitivity won't fade away over time. True, controls can get dirty or worn over time and that equates to noise when the control is adjusted, springs in switches and connectors can weaken, that sort of thing, and it's also true that more expensive gear usually uses more expensive components that are better sealed and more rugged but that's a different issue from deterioration due to use. The DR100MKII and the PMD661 are in the same general price category and I would expect a similar level of quality in the components used in each. Now if you were comparing the DR100MKII at about $250 with a SD702 at about $2000 it would be another story.
 
Steve House said:
Nope, components such as preamps don't "wear out" with use, so the +4dBu sensitivity won't fade away over time. True, controls can get dirty or worn over time and that equates to noise when the control is adjusted, springs in switches and connectors can weaken, that sort of thing, and it's also true that more expensive gear usually uses more expensive components that are better sealed and more rugged but that's a different issue from deterioration due to use. The DR100MKII and the PMD661 are in the same general price category and I would expect a similar level of quality in the components used in each. Now if you were comparing the DR100MKII at about $250 with a SD702 at about $2000 it would be another story.
Click to expand...

Good to know, thanks Steve!
 
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