[cma-l] Portable Recorders

[CMA-L]

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Daniel Finnan <dan at custom-made.org.uk>

Hi David,

Almost all conventional microphones are mono i.e. they only record a
single channel. There are stereo microphones out there - and yes these
will record in stereo. But this is only necessary for recording things
with a stereo field - an orchestra or ambience for example. Stereo
mics are usually a bit more expensive.

For interviews and one-to-one Q & As you aren't going to need anything
other than Mono. You can then mix this with other stereo sounds i.e.
pieces of music, etc - when you edit your piece.

In the case that it is recording on the Left channel rather than
giving you a balanced right and left - once you import this into
Audition or Audacity or another editing suite you can ensure that your
mono Mic track is balanced in the centre of the track you use.

I don't know the particular settings of the recorder you are using.

You may of course want to plug a mic into both your Left and Right XLR
sockets - and then you will have achieved your own crude Stereo mic
setup. Just pay attention to what you are using it for - because there
would be little point in recording a standard interview in stereo if
it is just a single voice.

Hope that is clear and helps somewhat,

Best Wishes,

Dan Finnan