iRiver Question at DVinfo.net

Joe Allen Rosenberger · May 14th, 2006, 08:11 PM

If you use iRivers for "ceremony's"....which model are you using?

How reliable has it been for you?

What mic are you using with the iRiver?

Any trouble known with "certain" models?

Much thanks in advance for your remarks!!!

ps. We currently have (3) Sennheiser EW100's w/ Tran Mics but are looking into iRivers as back-ups.

-Cheers, Joe

Fred Foronda · May 14th, 2006, 08:18 PM

700 and 800 seires..but they are like dinosaurs...extinct.

look here also:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...sony+mini+disc

Vincent Croce · May 14th, 2006, 08:34 PM

Just picked them up on EBay a couple of weeks ago, a 1gb and a512m. Then a couple of Giant Squid mics designed just for them. So far just tested them at home and they sound really good. Will be using them at a wedding this coming Sat. I'll let you know how they work in the field. I've heard a lot of talk about not being able to get them anymore, but I had no trouble at all.

Patrick Moreau · May 14th, 2006, 10:08 PM

Without being able to see the recording levels or hear anything your recording, I would say there is more chance for operator error. If you forgot to set your Sennheiser right, you often notice it before anything starts and it can be fixed. It is fairly easy to hit the play rather than record button on an iriver, or plug the mic into the headphone jack, or even set the levels wrong.

As for quality, I am very happy with the sound when the levels are set properly and your only micing one person. To pick up the brides vows with a mic on the groom would be very poor compared to the Sennheiser, in my opinion, but provides excellent quality when micing a podium or officiant.

As for defects, a couple giant squid mics have known to have minor problems resulting in a minor clicking noise ever once in a while but this is rare, and you can notice it in your testing and have it fixed very quickly.

Hope that helps.

Vincent Croce · May 15th, 2006, 12:50 AM

Like Patrick says, they may not have the quality to replace a good wireless system--I'll be using them in addition to my Azden dual channel system...
Vin

Joe Allen Rosenberger · May 15th, 2006, 01:23 AM

So......from further research, I am hearing that the newer(current) iRivers' do not have an external mic input. Is this true??? I'll get to some stores tomarrow to check out in person, but any help is greatfully appreciated!

Yes, these units will be (back-ups) to our current wireless set ups. We are audio freaks for sure and always like back ups to the back ups.

Fred Foronda · May 15th, 2006, 01:33 AM

from what I recall the new ones have a mic input but don't work with the mic that everyone is using for the 700/800 seires.

Peter Jefferson · May 15th, 2006, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Allen Rosenberger

So......from further research, I am hearing that the newer(current) iRivers' do not have an external mic input. Is this true??? I'll get to some stores tomarrow to check out in person, but any help is greatfully appreciated!

Yes, these units will be (back-ups) to our current wireless set ups. We are audio freaks for sure and always like back ups to the back ups.

I was looking at these to as a backup to the G1/2's and of all teh models i saw, none had mic inputs... which was a shame..

One thing i have been testing with though, is my Navman PDA. It records mp3 and even uncompressed and at 44.1, the inbuilt mic is surprisingly clean. Nice low end Freq and high end plsovies withought too much compression. im gonna give it a go at teh next job, if only for the podium readings...

Maurice O Carroll · May 15th, 2006, 08:40 AM

Peter,

Where on the podium/pulpit will you place the device?

I ask because I used to do this with my iRivers when I just relying on the internal mic. I used to to tape the iRiver to the base of the microphone stand (wouldn't dare ask the priest if I could go higher and it would look awful!). The sound from the iRiver's mic was surprisingly good but I found that the priest/readers had a habit of rustling any form of paper lying on the podium. If there wasn't any paper or such they would resort to tapping/scratching the podium surface, etc... these factors often rendered the audio as useless.

Mossy

Jonathan Jones · May 15th, 2006, 09:51 AM

I have a couple of iRivers, and I have been very happy with them. Couppled with the Giant Squids, the sound is quite good....but take this with a caveat....the recording is highly compressed, and therefore may be very limited in its scope, but I find that for vows and other spoken word audio, it is quite acceptable.

I have two 790's (I think only 256 MB), but with ample time for all I need as backup for weddings and such, this has worked very well for me. I expect that I will soon get a few more (just to have) and I may go for 512 or 1 gb. These are quite easy to find on ebay, though used or reconditioned is the norm. One of my 790's was brand new (not reconditioned) and the other was used but it very good shape.

You can go for the brand new models iRiver sells, but you can't use these with the same mic that is used for the 700 and 800 series. Instead you will need a powered mic to achieve the correct input level. You can get the GS and add on an in-line battery pack, but these add a little bulk to the kit and my not end up quite as diminutive as one would wish.

Mic placement and recording settings are important when using the iRiver for great audio, but there are many threads in the forums that offer great tips, so run a search and you will find a bounty of info.

As far as podium/ambo/pulpit setups, one thread has included a tip about hiding an iRiver in a eye-glass case. I have done this with great results. Many priests won't allow additional objects near this space, but generally, no-one messes with an eyeglass case, especially if they assume that the glasses belong to whoever might be reading or speaking after them, so if there is enough room to place this someplace that it will pick up a good signal without being a hindrance, it might be a great idea. I use a slightly roomier eye-glass case that looks a little more distinguished but might appear as though it belongs to an older person...in othe words, don't go down to the sunglass hut and buy the snazziest chic eyeglass case you can find, it defeats the purpose.

I don't rely soley on the iRivers or even use them as a main source, however..especially since it can't be monitored live for ajustment and so forth. I also use a Senn G2 system, an AT897 shotgun, and several on-board camera mics (to get room audio wherever the cams are setup). I also use a Sony minidisc recorder, but generally not as a body pack because it is a little heavy. It works well placed near musicians and such for pretty good live music audio for choirs or string quartets, etc., as well as audio dump from a sound system.

Giroud Francois · May 15th, 2006, 10:22 AM

i got three 799 (1 gig), that are really nice for the all purpose recording.
whatever sound you need to get, you can set up one in few second to pick sound from a conference table, a line out mixing table...etc.
it is pretty nice , like launch and forget , because the huge recording capacity, so you can leave them unnatended for a very long time without worrying for tape change or battery exhausted.

Janice DeMille · May 15th, 2006, 11:03 AM

Giroud, what mic are you using with the 799s? I have found a couple on eBay.

thanks

Joe Allen Rosenberger · May 15th, 2006, 11:05 AM

Thanks everyone for all your input. I'm not sure where we would place the iRivers because we use 3 Senn EW100's right now. Have to think about this one.

Thanks again for your advice!

-cheers , Joe

Giroud Francois · May 15th, 2006, 01:55 PM

i got a giant squid for lavalier takes, some cheap tabletop conference microphone (from sony).
in the case of the iriver, the quality of microphone is not really important since mp3 will not anyway give you the best you can get from a professional mic.
placement of mic is more important, and the big advantage of the iriver is you can leave it almost anywhere because it is so small.
and you do not have to worry about pushing the rec button at the right moment , since you can start recording hours before if necessary.

Janice DeMille · May 15th, 2006, 02:15 PM

I feel stupid but I do not know what a giant squid lavalier mic is. Is this a brand name or a type? Thanks so much for your help. Also, I found the 799 on eBay for $159.99 plus 17.99 shipping in like new condition. Is this a reasonable price?

May 14th, 2006, 08:11 PM	#1
Joe Allen Rosenberger Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA Posts: 419	iRiver Question If you use iRivers for "ceremony's"....which model are you using? How reliable has it been for you? What mic are you using with the iRiver? Any trouble known with "certain" models? Much thanks in advance for your remarks!!! ps. We currently have (3) Sennheiser EW100's w/ Tran Mics but are looking into iRivers as back-ups. -Cheers, Joe

May 14th, 2006, 08:34 PM	#3
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	Ifp 895 & 899 Just picked them up on EBay a couple of weeks ago, a 1gb and a512m. Then a couple of Giant Squid mics designed just for them. So far just tested them at home and they sound really good. Will be using them at a wedding this coming Sat. I'll let you know how they work in the field. I've heard a lot of talk about not being able to get them anymore, but I had no trouble at all.

May 15th, 2006, 12:50 AM	#5
Vincent Croce Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 263	using them as extras/backups... Like Patrick says, they may not have the quality to replace a good wireless system--I'll be using them in addition to my Azden dual channel system... Vin

May 15th, 2006, 09:51 AM	#10
Jonathan Jones Trustee Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Healdsburg, California Posts: 1,138	I have a couple of iRivers, and I have been very happy with them. Couppled with the Giant Squids, the sound is quite good....but take this with a caveat....the recording is highly compressed, and therefore may be very limited in its scope, but I find that for vows and other spoken word audio, it is quite acceptable. I have two 790's (I think only 256 MB), but with ample time for all I need as backup for weddings and such, this has worked very well for me. I expect that I will soon get a few more (just to have) and I may go for 512 or 1 gb. These are quite easy to find on ebay, though used or reconditioned is the norm. One of my 790's was brand new (not reconditioned) and the other was used but it very good shape. You can go for the brand new models iRiver sells, but you can't use these with the same mic that is used for the 700 and 800 series. Instead you will need a powered mic to achieve the correct input level. You can get the GS and add on an in-line battery pack, but these add a little bulk to the kit and my not end up quite as diminutive as one would wish. Mic placement and recording settings are important when using the iRiver for great audio, but there are many threads in the forums that offer great tips, so run a search and you will find a bounty of info. As far as podium/ambo/pulpit setups, one thread has included a tip about hiding an iRiver in a eye-glass case. I have done this with great results. Many priests won't allow additional objects near this space, but generally, no-one messes with an eyeglass case, especially if they assume that the glasses belong to whoever might be reading or speaking after them, so if there is enough room to place this someplace that it will pick up a good signal without being a hindrance, it might be a great idea. I use a slightly roomier eye-glass case that looks a little more distinguished but might appear as though it belongs to an older person...in othe words, don't go down to the sunglass hut and buy the snazziest chic eyeglass case you can find, it defeats the purpose. I don't rely soley on the iRivers or even use them as a main source, however..especially since it can't be monitored live for ajustment and so forth. I also use a Senn G2 system, an AT897 shotgun, and several on-board camera mics (to get room audio wherever the cams are setup). I also use a Sony minidisc recorder, but generally not as a body pack because it is a little heavy. It works well placed near musicians and such for pretty good live music audio for choirs or string quartets, etc., as well as audio dump from a sound system. __________________ "Are we to go on record, sir, with our assertion that the 'pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, and green clovers' are, in point of fact', magically delicious?" - Walter Hollarhan before the House Subcommittee on Integrity in Advertising - May, 1974

May 15th, 2006, 11:03 AM	#12
Janice DeMille Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nebo, NC Posts: 111	mic? Giroud, what mic are you using with the 799s? I have found a couple on eBay. thanks

May 14th, 2006, 08:18 PM	#2
Fred Foronda Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 337	700 and 800 seires..but they are like dinosaurs...extinct. look here also: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...sony+mini+disc

May 14th, 2006, 10:08 PM	#4
Patrick Moreau Still Motion Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,186	Without being able to see the recording levels or hear anything your recording, I would say there is more chance for operator error. If you forgot to set your Sennheiser right, you often notice it before anything starts and it can be fixed. It is fairly easy to hit the play rather than record button on an iriver, or plug the mic into the headphone jack, or even set the levels wrong. As for quality, I am very happy with the sound when the levels are set properly and your only micing one person. To pick up the brides vows with a mic on the groom would be very poor compared to the Sennheiser, in my opinion, but provides excellent quality when micing a podium or officiant. As for defects, a couple giant squid mics have known to have minor problems resulting in a minor clicking noise ever once in a while but this is rare, and you can notice it in your testing and have it fixed very quickly. Hope that helps.

May 15th, 2006, 01:23 AM	#6
Joe Allen Rosenberger Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA Posts: 419	So......from further research, I am hearing that the newer(current) iRivers' do not have an external mic input. Is this true??? I'll get to some stores tomarrow to check out in person, but any help is greatfully appreciated! Yes, these units will be (back-ups) to our current wireless set ups. We are audio freaks for sure and always like back ups to the back ups.

May 15th, 2006, 01:33 AM	#7
Fred Foronda Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 337	from what I recall the new ones have a mic input but don't work with the mic that everyone is using for the 700/800 seires.

May 15th, 2006, 08:40 AM	#9
Maurice O Carroll Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 32	Peter, Where on the podium/pulpit will you place the device? I ask because I used to do this with my iRivers when I just relying on the internal mic. I used to to tape the iRiver to the base of the microphone stand (wouldn't dare ask the priest if I could go higher and it would look awful!). The sound from the iRiver's mic was surprisingly good but I found that the priest/readers had a habit of rustling any form of paper lying on the podium. If there wasn't any paper or such they would resort to tapping/scratching the podium surface, etc... these factors often rendered the audio as useless. Mossy

May 15th, 2006, 10:22 AM	#11
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	i got three 799 (1 gig), that are really nice for the all purpose recording. whatever sound you need to get, you can set up one in few second to pick sound from a conference table, a line out mixing table...etc. it is pretty nice , like launch and forget , because the huge recording capacity, so you can leave them unnatended for a very long time without worrying for tape change or battery exhausted.

May 15th, 2006, 11:05 AM	#13
Joe Allen Rosenberger Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA Posts: 419	Thanks everyone for all your input. I'm not sure where we would place the iRivers because we use 3 Senn EW100's right now. Have to think about this one. Thanks again for your advice! -cheers , Joe

May 15th, 2006, 01:55 PM	#14
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	i got a giant squid for lavalier takes, some cheap tabletop conference microphone (from sony). in the case of the iriver, the quality of microphone is not really important since mp3 will not anyway give you the best you can get from a professional mic. placement of mic is more important, and the big advantage of the iriver is you can leave it almost anywhere because it is so small. and you do not have to worry about pushing the rec button at the right moment , since you can start recording hours before if necessary.

May 15th, 2006, 02:15 PM	#15
Janice DeMille Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nebo, NC Posts: 111	giant squid? I feel stupid but I do not know what a giant squid lavalier mic is. Is this a brand name or a type? Thanks so much for your help. Also, I found the 799 on eBay for $159.99 plus 17.99 shipping in like new condition. Is this a reasonable price?