Sonic Studios DSM MIC + Pre's?

[data]

I was just called away to do some work in the Middle East and am looking to do some field recordings of my travels. . .to use in some art projects when I get back to the US.

I need to travel light..and have very little gear (Im only bringing a small backpack/bag for 10 days. . . I will be traveling mostly as a tourist...

I just sold my DAP-1 ...Loved it but only used it for 1 project in costa rica....I found it WAY to big to carry around....

I would like to go the hard disc recorder/MP3 way very soon....but I don't know if I can charge it up (i dont want to bring an adapter for Russia....) Looking at the iRiver 40gig recorders/players....

It looks like my best choice/low cost would be a mini disc.....still looking at models...

Has anyone used the SONIC STUDIOS DSM MIC's .....the stuff looks interesting and but kinda expensive...and I don't know how much of it is 'FLUFF' . . .

What do you guys think of his mini mic pre? worth $1000?

http://www.sonicstudios.com

what do you think would be the best DSM Mic choice for filed recording in a semi-urban setting?

[GuySonic]

Originally Posted by data

I was just called away to do some work in the Middle East and am looking to do some field recordings of my travels. . .to use in some art projects when I get back to the US.

I need to travel light..and have very little gear (Im only bringing a small backpack/bag for 10 days. . . I will be traveling mostly as a tourist...

I just sold my DAP-1 ...Loved it but only used it for 1 project in costa rica....I found it WAY to big to carry around....

I would like to go the hard disc recorder/MP3 way very soon....but I don't know if I can charge it up (i dont want to bring an adapter for Russia....) Looking at the iRiver 40gig recorders/players....

It looks like my best choice/low cost would be a mini disc.....still looking at models...

Has anyone used the SONIC STUDIOS DSM MIC's .....the stuff looks interesting and but kinda expensive...and I don't know how much of it is 'FLUFF' . . .

What do you guys think of his mini mic pre? worth $1000?

Sonic Studios HRTF Baffled/Headworn Ambient Stereo & Surround Microphone Systems

what do you think would be the best DSM Mic choice for filed recording in a semi-urban setting?

Speaking from experience of being the owner (of the company) and user of this gear since creating the product line in 1985, I might make some suggestions to this very dated post with no replies.
First, words are hardly descriptive of how mics consistently perform or estimate of their actual value to a specific requirement.

So for this I have posted hundreds of recording samples in all catagories on two pages:
Sonic Studios MP3 Page 1 with Ambient Stereo-Surround Composer, Nature Sounds, Musicology Recordings and http://http://www.sonicstudios.com/mp3_2slp.htm

There are two types of mic models/capsules used for DSM mics.

One is for very low noise nature/natural/rural-urban ambient sounds having limit of ~110 dB SPL and is the sole DSM-1S/H model usually ordered configured inside the WHB/N windscreen so usuable recording in up to ~50 mph winds is practical.

The second type of capsule has five sensitivity rating models handling 120 ~ 135 dB SPL. Sound designers for film/games/documentary projects usually choose DSM-6S/EH and /H models for having good sensitivity and more versatile for handling louder sounds than possible with lowest self-noise DSM-1S model.

Now being 2010 and newest flash recorders (especially from Sony/Olympus) having very low noise mic inputs have arrived at most affordable prices.
My own DSM mics can only be directly powered by Sony models PCM D50 and newest PCM-M10 which turns out is smallest, lowest cost, longest running on batteries, and lowest noise mic input on a < $500 deck to date.

My current small deck favorite is the Edirol/Roland R-09HR having 88.2K sampling rate option, and very low noise/excellent A/D LINE input operation. Very compact and capable with external PA-3SX preamp Velcro'd to the back as depicted in the tech review.

Those involved in Film/Advertising/Game sound might find the http://http://www.sonicstudios.com/cinema.htm page with some familiar names and credits using DSM mics for project resource sound.

Since most need specific recording gear configurations fitting existing equipment or upgrades, it is best to call or email for custom solution suggestions. Please include most current project specifics and intended deck models or upgrade logistics so a working system fitting a budget and your requirements might be suggested.

[IMR]

If I can add a late addition to this short thread.

I've been using Sonic Studios DSM-6S/EH mics with headband windshield and preamp for the last two years, and can recommend them as a versatile field recording system.

The before-the-ears mounting position for the mics gives results that sound impressive over both headphones and speakers, and the windshield is the best solution for headworn mics around.

Plenty of recordings made with that setup on the London Sound Survey website.

[Gaston69]

have also a look at DPA SMK4060