Micro BR recording levels, any help appreciated

[EnzoB]

Hello,

I am going crazy trying to record voices with this device, the BR. I have tried every possible combination I can think of, from expensive phantom-powered studio mikes, using the built-in mike, using Roland's Edirol mike, boosting the input levels to max (+8db), etc, etc., etc. I'm not a professional by any means, but I do know my way around sound and recording equipment as an amateur musician/recording engineer.

Here is the problem. No matter what I do the sound is recorded at barely perceptible levels. In order to hear the voices on the recordings I make, I have to turn volumes up to maximum. Then I can hear the voices recorded, accompanied by a horrible blasting hiss, naturally.

What I am doing wrong? I would really love for this thing to actually work. it would be great to have a small device that fits in my pocket that I can take with me when I need to record a voice interview in decent quality audio. Or are my expectations too high for this device?

Can anyone help?