Field Recorder

Colleagues

I am looking to add a field recorder to our current set-up. We record short films (3 to 10 minutes) in even shorter scenes. We use a variety of camera gear but as so often they have wonderful video but poor audio capability. We often use a studio condenser mic but also sometimes a shotgun and lavalier mics. The recorder would have to double as a field unit for recording sounds without the video rig - like waves crashing on the sea shore, squeaky gates or whatever is needed. It would be a bonus if the built-in mics would service that need but it is not essential.

From what I have seen on-line the Tascam DR-100 MkII fits the bill. We need the phantom power and XLR balanced connection. I like the fact that so many functions are on dedicated switches. I prefer the old-fashioned rotary but individual volume controls (we would mostly record mono and when the second input is used it could well be a back-up mic). Apart from setting the record level most functions will be left the same for every recording and all the unit will do is record. Pretty simple requirements I think. Much of the time the unit would be powered from the mains and I would buy the power supply but still would appreciate the flexible power choices for the times when we are out of the studio (for studio read any room we can commandeer).

Anyone NOT think that this would be a great unit for our needs? If so why?

The display looks a bit crude - but does that matter? The meters do not look as sophisticated as one might hope but I guess they let you know the basics. Some people talk about it having noisier pre-amps but I am struggling to get a sense of whether that is significant or not. Finally, just so you know, then no I cannot aford something lots more costly but I could afford say 50% more if that is what was needed. More spend on this unit will mean less on new microphones.

As ever I am really grateful for your help so your thoughts are very much appreciated.

Richard Schiller

Working amateur

Panasonic Camcorder 1080p, Nikon SLR with video acquisition 720p, Sony Vegas editing software.

As Ty said, while you have given us a bunch of good information, a bit more can really help pinpoint your needs.

For example, you don't mention if you need more than two XLR mic inputs. That could be crucial. Nor if you need it to have timecode for multiple camera shooting/synching.

There are a variety of really nice semi-pro decks out there under $1000.00. I have owned a Tascam DR-1 (great audio, but no XLRs, a consumer product), a Zoom (XLEs, but no real line in, which in the music business is essential for great audio), a Tascam HD-P2 (a bit of a dated unit, but my sound engineer loved it.

I would *highly* recommend considering either the Marantz PM661 (which I currently own and love), or the Edirol R-44, needed for more than two XLR in's. Both are high quality pro level units (at the lower end of pro). The Marantz is often standard equipment these days for news gathering on radio. I've used a Edirol, and they are excellent units.

And as Ty said, a field mixer, if you have someone that is a good sound guy, is a great addition to getting clean, low noise input to the deck. Almost all decks improve with one.

Al

Richard,

Again, which microphone?

Regards,

Ty Ford


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