Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: georgeward
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 05:27 PM

An aggravating truth about the Walkman Pro - one of which I still have, use and would recommend (if they still made 'em) - is that the mic input is a 1/8" stereo phono plug.
That means you need to use a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter for some mics you might otherwise choose, or some other cobble-up solution. Adapters are just one more thing waiting to go wrong, IMHO.

If it is still made (I got my latest one a couple of years ago), the Sony ECM-MS957 is a stereo condenser mic, battery-powered (single AA), that ships with a detachable cable sporting a 1/8" stereo phono plug. So far, I've had good luck with both sound quality and durability, though I do worry about the possible lifespan of the proprietary cable.

That was my solution, after some digging. So far, so good.

- George

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: EBarnacle
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 02:03 PM

The unit is a stereo cassette recorder [sony walkman pro] which creates a top quality field recording as well as being comparable to console units. It used to be the standard unit for reporters and others who needed high quality field recordings. You still occasionally see them at news conferences and concerts. They have largely been superseded by minidisk recorders and have been discontinued by Sony.

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: open mike
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 01:23 PM

external power source--also known as phantom power...
usually either having a battery or a current supplied
through the microphone cord...for this i believe it is
necessary to have XLR connections...with 3 prongs...
a "phone" or "phono" input plug probably will not suffice
for power transference.

good luck and let us know what you find.

is this a cassette recorder, or disc/mini-disc?

some have optical inputs which is not a mic at all.
this is just for down loading an already recorded
signal...presumably already digitized...

radio shack has some condenser mics with battery
but one i have turned out to be monaural..no stereo.

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: s&r
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 11:03 AM

ecm-ms907 looks right

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 09:59 AM

What may be more important is to know what type of analog mike you need. Dynamic and crystal ones will generate their own electrical signal but condenser and some diaphram types require an external power source.

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: s&r
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 05:19 AM

Jon's right in that the output from a digital mic isn't an analogue signal, and won't work unless the equipment is designed to use digital.
However, the use of the term digital as applied to mics is rather loose, and many analogue mics are described as digital if they are intended to be used with equipment that records a digital signal, even though the mic output and the equipment input are analogue.

Why? Some perceived sales advantage I suppose

Stu

Subject: RE: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: Jon W.
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 12:56 PM

A digital microphone is simply an analog microphone with a built-in Analog to Digital (A/D) converter (AKA a digitizer). I'm 99.9% certain it will not work with an analog recorder. The .1% is that you may be able to find one of these with a separate analog output that you could plug into your Walkman - but I doubt it. Most of the inexpensive ones appear to be made to plug into a computer's USB port.

Subject: Tech: Differences digital microphone v analog
From: GUEST,EBarnacle
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 12:14 PM

The mic that came with my Sony Walkman Pro is getting tired, so I went on EBay to find a replacement. There are a lot of digital mics listed at reasonable prices that seem a reasonable match. The question is: How well will they work with an analog recorder? I don't know and don't wish to waste my money.