Radical Amazement - Zoom Recorders

Media Loan

• www.evergreen.edu/medialoan
• Located in 2504, past the Library and Computer Center entrances.
• Bring ID card with current quarter sticker to checkout equipment.
• Reserve equipment in advance, check open hours.
• Test equipment before leaving
• Late fees, renewals, and appeals process.

Late Fines assessed daily, per item
Equipment valued over $250 — $20.00 per day
Equipment valued under $250 — $10.00 per day
Keys and all equipment and accessories valued over $50 — $10.00 per day
Equipment and accessories valued under $50 — $5.00 per day

• Media Loan Microphone Guide
• Media Loan Zoom Recorder Guide

Microphone Types

• Dynamic Mics
  • Can withstand louder noises, rugged pickup elements.
  • No power needed
• Condenser Mics
  • More sensitive to quieter noises, and more delicate pickup elements.
  • Needs power supplied through a battery, or through phantom power on zoom recorder.

Microphone Pickup Patterns

• Omni: picks up sound from all directions.
• Cardioid: picks up sound from front:
  • Proximity Effect: low frequencies are boosted as mic is closer to the source.
• Super-Cardioid: Picks up from front with a narrower pattern.

Microphones Categories

• Handheld
• Lavaliere: small clip-on attaches to clothing for vocal only recording.

Connector Types

1. XLR = used at the bottom of the recorder for an external microphone (1 & 2).
2. Mini or 1/8 inch = will not work with zoom.

Mic Usage Tips

• Use a stand if possible to reduce noise (table, or floor)
• Listen for:
  • handling noise
  • proximity effect
  • popped p's

Media Loan Shopping List

• Zoom recorder
• Mic cables
• Headphones
• Extension cables
• Desk stand, floor stand, microphone handle
• Microphones:
  • Recommended for vocal recording > SM-58, SM-57, Sennheiser 421, ECM-50 Lavolier
• Extra AA batteries

Zoom Recorder

Digital audio recorder that records to flash memory cards. No moving parts. Copy files off just like using a USB drive.

• Format memory card before use, and before returning to Media Loan.
• Record Settings: Review settings on Zoom Recorder Guide

Notes

• Install fresh batteries when recording, or use ac power when available.
• Turn off stamina switch inside battery compartment when using AC power - this will limit settings.
• Always record as WAV 44.1/16bit or higher. Stay away from MP3.
• Mono vs. Stereo
• Setting Levels: have levels around -12dB. If sound is too quiet or too loud adjust record levels, and/or mic placement to sound source.
• Always have headphones to monitor sound and watch levels on the recorder.
• Record room tone.
• USB Mode

Recording Checklist for Single Narrator Recording

1. Turn on recorder
2. Format card
3. Plug in headphones
4. Connect an external mic to recorder, press 1/2 button on the front panel. If using a condensor mic turn on Phantom Power (+48v)
5. Set to record to WAV, 48kHZ, mono, manual record levels
6. Confirm all filter settings are turned off
7. Make a test recording:
   1. Press Rec button once - this will go in record pause mode
   2. Test the microphone placement, confirm if you are hearing the built in mic, or the external, any crackles, or hums, too close, too far away?
   3. Set levels - record level controls on the right of the recorder
   4. Press Rec to start recording (counter will be running, record light will be solid)
   5. Listen on headphones through entire recording
   6. Press Stop to stop recording
   7. Playback recording

Copying Files

1. Connect the zoom recorder to ac power, connect provided USB cable to the computer.
2. Turn on the recorder, select USB mode.
3. On the desktop a device icon will appear, copy files to the local computer and save into a folder with your name. Do NOT use special characters (!@#$%^&*?).
4. When finished click and drag the device icon to the trash before turning off the recorder.

Get proficiency sign in sheet.