Hi-MD tips
Hi-MD tips |
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| [Hi-MD low noise mics home] | ||
| USB Uploading Directions & SonicStage Upgrades | Dex Otaku's HiMD Uploading FAQ's with comments about OMA files, recording do's and don'ts |
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| Most file error problems, though uncommon, can usually be traced to weak batteries, excessive jostling or power connection interruption. | Always start recording with a fresh alkaline or NiMH rechargeable battery. The initial voltage of NiMH batteries is lower, so avoid using these if the situation calls for long takes or using "hold" mode. Avoid using the "hold" mode for long duration recordings. If you are using a battery sled, make sure the coax power connector is securely attached. Be patient when stopping the recording process., Wait until disk writing has completed before moving the unit or pressing any buttons. Even a very momentary disruption in power can render the disk unusable. Consider using a 3 - 5.2 volt battery sled when recording long takes. John Hartog has the best battery sled solution I know of. | ||
| Avoid formatting the 1GB HiMD disks. | Use "Erase All" instead. | ||
| Be aware of disk writing "clicking" when recording in quiet locations | A dense material like leather or heavy canvas around the recorder will prevent the disk-writing "clicking" from being recorded in quiet locations. | ||
| Always use manual record mode. | Using "Pause" instead of "Stop" between recordings will prevent the rew recording from being created in new folder (group). It is wise, however, to save your files occasionally by using "Stop." | ||
| For highest recording quality, use PCM mode. For special, lonh-duration recording needs, use Hi-SP mode. | PCM mode is 44.1K 16 bit. You can mix record modes on the 1GB HiMD formatted disks should you need to squeeze in some additional minutes at HiSP mode. HiSP is ATRAC3+ which is comparable to, some feel significantly better than MP3. quality. | ||
| "Saturate" Hi-SP mode recordings | ATRAC3 compression can produce better recordings when the record gain used produces higher saturation, or bit depth in the original. | ||
| Future of the format. | The March 2006 announcement of the "Pro" model MZ-RH1 has breathed hope into the future of the format. All of the models release this far apear to share the same high quality mic preamp . The ~$6 each 1 GB HiMD dsks hold 92 minutes of uncompressed sound and nearly 8 hours of ATRAC 3+ quality sound. Even if Sony should stop production of HiMD years down the road, the units are very durable and one can continue using these disks over and over. | ||
| How low is the mic preamp noise in the HiMD recorders? | The mic preamp quality in these units has been estimated at -116 dBu EIN or better. This is comparable to most moderate cost "pro" recorders currenttly avaiable for less than $1500. For discussion about the high quality Asahi Kasei AK5356 20 bit ADC mic pre component that is used in all current Hi-MD recorders, start here. Asahi Kasei AK5356 spec sheet [pdf] | ||
| Does the HiMD mic pre have sufficient gain for recording soft sounds or quiet locations? | The built-in mic preamp has 75dB gain which is higher than that of the Sound Devices 722 -- known for high gain. For recordists who typically use higher gain settings to capture soft events, the additional 12-30dB of gain can result in 16 bit recordings with considerably more resolution than 24 bit recordings made with low gain mic pres. | ||
| Avoid multi-tasking tasks that involve file writing when uploading data from a Hi-MD disk. | SonicStage warns against interrupting the USB transfer process and it seems that attempting to write to the same disk SS is writing to with another app can cause data loss on the HiMD disk. [message 22599 naturerecordist list] | ||