Tascam DR-03 + Radio Shack Tie Clip Microphone= Hisssssss

[Chris Watson]

Just got 2 Tascam DR-03 recorders after good experience with the DR-07 and reviews. One issue I'm having is what I think is quite a bit of hiss when using a lavalier powered mic with it. I'm using the Radio Shack brand mic and my record settings are manual gain at 6 with no low cut filter on. I can clean it up in Soundbooth but would love to figure out if other people can share their tips on getting the best sound from these recorders as a wireless lav replacement. Thanks in advance!

 

[Chadfish]

The key is to get a decent lav. Radio shack? Not anything you should waste money on. You may bet by with a Giant Squid Lav, but really you need a professional lav if you don't want hiss. I have been talking a lot about the Rode lavs that go for 250.00. But the Giant Squid is like 30 bucks. I have heard good things for the price, but I have never actually heard one. But your problem is definitely your Radio Shack mic. Mics often cost as much or more than the recorder, and sometimes even the camera. If you get a good mic you have good audio forever. Get a bad one and everything you do is tainted. It's worth the money to just get something nice and never worry about that part of your kit again. You can try the Giant Squid, and if you don't like it, you're not out a lot of money.

Sale ends in 2 days: http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/


Got a link or model number for your Radio Shack mic?

 

[Chris Watson]

Well out of all the possible answers of what it could be, that's actually the most positive outcome. I did a little test plugging in my wireless mic system via an XLR to mini input and no more hiss. My guess is that it's a cheap Radio Shack model and the cord is something like 20 feet which probably degrades the signal. The Giant Squid mics sound like a good deal and I'll probably pick those up. Thanks for the heads up!