4-Chan Audio recorder at DVinfo.net

Lloyd Claycomb · February 7th, 2008, 10:17 PM

Is there an audio recorder with four XLR inputs that works for ENG situations? I mean, instead of recording into the camera feeds (which are only 2 with my camera), is there a portable recording devise for 4 mic lines available?

Jack Walker · February 8th, 2008, 12:47 AM

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

I am sure there are others.

Michael Nistler · February 8th, 2008, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd Claycomb

Is there an audio recorder with four XLR inputs that works for ENG situations? I mean, instead of recording into the camera feeds (which are only 2 with my camera), is there a portable recording devise for 4 mic lines available?

Hi Lloyd,

If you're flush with money, here's what the big boys use:

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/744t.htm

Happy hunting, Michael

Steve House · February 8th, 2008, 02:58 AM

I might mention, while the 744 Michael referred to records 4 channels, it only has 2 mic level inputs. The other 2 are line level only. The solution for more mics is to add an outboard mixer, even a basic one like the MixPre, to take the other 2 mics and feed them to the recorder's inputs 3 & 4. An even more sophisticated arrangement is to use a SD 442 mixer in front of the 744 recorder. The mics feed to the mixer channels 1 thru 4. On that mixer each channel has a line level direct out that can go to the 4 recorder inputs, while the main stereo mix can be sent to the camera's audio inputs if desired. In fact, that mixer can feed the main stereo mix independently to 3 different cameras at once plus send each input channel to a 4 channel iso recorder as well if you really needed to do something that complicated.

Hsien Yong · February 8th, 2008, 04:29 PM

You could also consider the Fostex PD606
http://www.fostexinternational.com/d...ts/pd606.shtml

Lloyd Claycomb · February 8th, 2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hsien Yong

You could also consider the Fostex PD606
http://www.fostexinternational.com/d...ts/pd606.shtml

How much is THAT thing? I couldn't find it on B&H, but it looks like it could control the space shuttle!

Lloyd Claycomb · February 8th, 2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Nistler

Hi Lloyd,

If you're flush with money, here's what the big boys use:

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/744t.htm

Happy hunting, Michael

I guess I'm not that big! I'm looking for something about a quarter the price OR LESS. $800 range?

Jack Walker · February 8th, 2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd Claycomb

How much is THAT thing? I couldn't find it on B&H, but it looks like it could control the space shuttle!

I found it here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_DVD_RAM.html

This looks like the best option for your needs. Portabrace makes a nice case for it, so you can get two and sling one over each shoulder, keeping you in balance.

Lloyd Claycomb · February 8th, 2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Walker

I found it here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_DVD_RAM.html

This looks like the best option for your needs. Portabrace makes a nice case for it, so you get get two and sling one over each shoulder, keeping you in balance.

Yeah! Especially with my wallet having no weight whatsoever, I would need the added stability!

Mark A. Foley · February 9th, 2008, 03:34 AM

I believe the new-soon-to-be-released Edirol R44 is going to be a hot ticket for videographers who, maybe on a smaller budget, but yet want the flexibility of a small/battery powered 4 channel recorder. The R44 incorporates many of the features of its big brother (the R4 Pro) at a very affordable price.... A simple sync cable and you can slave one to the other and have 8 channels.

February 7th, 2008, 10:17 PM	#1
Lloyd Claycomb Major Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 208	4-Chan Audio recorder Is there an audio recorder with four XLR inputs that works for ENG situations? I mean, instead of recording into the camera feeds (which are only 2 with my camera), is there a portable recording devise for 4 mic lines available?

February 8th, 2008, 02:58 AM	#4
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	I might mention, while the 744 Michael referred to records 4 channels, it only has 2 mic level inputs. The other 2 are line level only. The solution for more mics is to add an outboard mixer, even a basic one like the MixPre, to take the other 2 mics and feed them to the recorder's inputs 3 & 4. An even more sophisticated arrangement is to use a SD 442 mixer in front of the 744 recorder. The mics feed to the mixer channels 1 thru 4. On that mixer each channel has a line level direct out that can go to the 4 recorder inputs, while the main stereo mix can be sent to the camera's audio inputs if desired. In fact, that mixer can feed the main stereo mix independently to 3 different cameras at once plus send each input channel to a 4 channel iso recorder as well if you really needed to do something that complicated. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

February 8th, 2008, 12:47 AM	#2
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t I am sure there are others.

February 8th, 2008, 04:29 PM	#5
Hsien Yong Regular Crew Join Date: May 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 111	You could also consider the Fostex PD606 http://www.fostexinternational.com/d...ts/pd606.shtml

February 9th, 2008, 03:34 AM	#10
Mark A. Foley Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bonaire, Ga. Posts: 356	I believe the new-soon-to-be-released Edirol R44 is going to be a hot ticket for videographers who, maybe on a smaller budget, but yet want the flexibility of a small/battery powered 4 channel recorder. The R44 incorporates many of the features of its big brother (the R4 Pro) at a very affordable price.... A simple sync cable and you can slave one to the other and have 8 channels.