Tascam DR-40x : Clip-on Mic Suggestions

[SadOldGoth]

Hi,

I'm completely new to this, um, technical field(?) and am seeking some advice. I've just purchased the above piece of kit and with the internal mic there are no problems. I also purchased an external clip-on mic, the MOSOTECH Lavalier Lapel Microphone with Omni-Directional Condenser Mini Hands-Free Clip Microphone, and can't get it to work on the Tascam at all, regardless of the settings I choose (all combos of line/mic/mic + Phantom, and both external Recording Modes - and yes, I've made sure the input level is raised).

I've used the mic on an ipad and it's fine, and I've connected to the Tascam with a 3.5mm adaptor that I know works, but still no joy.

So, I have to assume that the mic itself is not compatible.

I'm keen to have a clip on mic as I will be doing external broadcasts filmed from a drone, and don't want to be carrying a mic around (nor having the Tascam peeping out of my pocket).

Can anyone suggest a mic that would be suitable, please? I'd be most grateful. (If you know the mic I've got works with the Tascam and that I've missed something obvious, a slap round the head as you correct me is not a problem ) And, as a student, guidance pointed at the cheaper end of the market would be appreciated.

Thanks for any advice.

Jes

 

[SadOldGoth]

I think I might have solved the issue but will need to find out on Monday next week.

The 3.5->6.5 adaptor I was using for the mic I've got is a stereo Jack (2 black bands). I've tried a stereo output from an ipad into two mono 6.5 jacks and that worked absolutely fine. So, I've got a 6.5 mono jack on order.

Let's see how that goes

 

[-mjk-]

My lav mic has 2 available interconnect cables from the power supply to the audio device. one is TRS and the other is TRRS. I use the TRRS on my mobile phone and TRS on everything else. It sounds like the iPad can deal with a mobile phone style TRRS connection, but the recorder can't (which is normal if that's the case).

 

[SadOldGoth]

Thanks for that; I'll look into it.

 

[tzdvl]

Is the MOSOTECH microphone a balanced mic?

Any microphone you use with the DR-40 MUST be a balanced microphone. The DR-4o will not work with a single-ended mic, no matter what kind of connector or adaptor you use.

See here:

https://www.tascamforums.com/threads/dr-40-with-external-microphone.4841/#post-23511

and here:

https://www.tascamforums.com/threads/dr-40-recording-volume.6051/#post-31196

 

[SadOldGoth]

Hi Tzdvl,

Thanks for the above - and you're absolutely right; the adaptor arrived today and it still doesn't work - boo!

Can you suggest either some specific mic's or appropriate search terms for me to use so I can find the right type? Thanks in advance. (Again, just to say, I'm interested in clip on mics and am on a budget).

Jes

 

[SadOldGoth]

Hi,

I've been passed the following links as a place to start - any recommendations from within this lot? Are these all suitable? Again, it's about knowing what to specifically look for in the product description.

https://www.thomann.de/gb/lapel_mic...idl0pW1SnhIALYmvIxRgRhkfcL_8Ou-3AeaVYjjlkcT0M

https://www.gear4music.com/PA_Equip...qq-AMOVdaHz2iJHjbygasG3U6dGbyFLIhGgz8o_E-Wt78

Many Thanks,

Jes

 

[-mjk-]

Hi Tzdvl,

Thanks for the above - and you're absolutely right; the adaptor arrived today and it still doesn't work - boo!

Can you suggest either some specific mic's or appropriate search terms for me to use so I can find the right type? Thanks in advance. (Again, just to say, I'm interested in clip on mics and am on a budget).

Jes

I'm sorry to hear that. I did not know about the balanced line issue on that recorder. I've been though the TRS/TRRS issue many times and thought that might be the case. Sorry you spent money unnecessarily because of my input.

 

[tzdvl]

Hi,

I've been passed the following links as a place to start - any recommendations from within this lot? Are these all suitable? Again, it's about knowing what to specifically look for in the product description.

Sorry I took so long to respond.

You need a microphone with a standard-size xlr connector, and balanced output.

The description should include “balanced output”, a standard-size xlr plug, and will probably require phantom power. Most mics of this type are high quality, intended for “professional” applications, and are fairly expensive.

I haven’t been able to find a really inexpensive one, but this is the type of lavalier mic you need to use with the DR-40X:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1500882-REG/movo_photo_lv8_c_xlr_premium_48v_phantom.html

Notice in the description: "Balanced 3-Pin XLR Output Connector"

Every mic I have found so far that is suitable for use with the DR-40X has been a condenser mic, which is why they are more expensive.
I would not consider buying ANY mic unless the description states the output is balanced.

 

[tzdvl]

I just saw that the LV8-C cardioid condenser lavalier microphone (with balanced output and XLR connector!) is now available from B&H for 69.95.

Not exactly a cheap mic, but a good price for a balanced-output clip-on type.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1500882-REG/movo_photo_lv8_c_xlr_premium_48v_phantom.html

 

[-mjk-]

Not exactly a cheap mic, but a good price for a balanced-output clip-on type.

I like it because for a lav, it looks like the capsule is large.