outfitting Marantz PMD430

[ceibatree]

Hello Everyone,

I am requesting help in outfitting my Marantz PMD430 tape recorder to record bird and frog vocalizations. What I want to obtain is:
1) a sufficient microphone with wind sock
2) a hand-held parabola for the mic
3) an in-line pre-amp.

I am looking to obtain these as cheaply as possible.

I would very much appreciate if somone could tell me:

a) what exact models of these items I should be looking for (please be specific as possible)

b) where, (in the new-world) I can locate and purchase these products.

I know this is a lot to ask for, but so far I have had zero luck with google searches trying to find what I need. From my experience in college I know I need these accesories to get good, scientifically usefull recordings.

I'd appreciate any info anyone can supply me with.

[ermine]

http://www.wildlife-sound.org/equipment/newcomersguide/index.html

for general kit overview

Telinga

http://www.telinga.com/

make good dish systems which are active so you don't need a mic preamp



The dan gibson mic may be easier to get in your part of the world

http://www.trewaudio.com/rental/canada/microphones.htm

word has it the supplied mic is rubbish so budget on swapping that. May be too small for frog recordings. Also sold by too many stores catering to 007 wannabees, at a corresponding markup to part fools from their money. beware their other spy listining products - the laws of physics determine dish size requirements and if you are frog recording you need something about three feet in diameter.


Otherwise you are in the realm of DIY.

http://www.suffolkbirds.co.uk/article/42/poor-mans-telinga

learning to solder helps reduce the cost, as cheapie electret inserts work well in parabolas

I used to own one of these cassette recorders. Apart from its general unreliability needing to replace the motor and resolder the circuit board I recall its mic preamps were at least in the class of Sony HiMD preamps if not slightly better, and miles better that the sort of rubbish fitted to low-cost CF card recorders these days. You should evaluate whether you actually need a preamp self-powered with electret mics before purchasing one.

[ceibatree]

Ermine,

Thank you very much for the info. I'll look over your supplied links and look forward to putting this to use.

Yours,