Audio Recorder and Microphone Questions! at DVinfo.net

Marty Molloy · April 15th, 2008, 12:23 PM

I need to find a good recorder that will compliment our 2 Canon XL H1's....What do you guys like to use, or are using? Timecode is a must, as is versatility. Can anyone out there give me some pointers?
Also, I'd like to find a good mic to use as a boom mic...What have you guys found that works well?
Thanks in advance, Marty

Wayne Brissette · April 15th, 2008, 01:27 PM

Since you require timecode, here are your options:

Edirol R4 Pro
Tascam HD-P2
Sound Devices 702T
Sound Devices 744T
Sound Devices 788T
Zaxcom Fusion
Zaxcom Deva 5.8
Aaton Cantar X

hmmm, who did I miss?

Of these the Tascam, 702T, and Edirol units are the least expensive. Timecode adds a lot of money into the equation.

Wayne

A. J. deLange · April 15th, 2008, 01:34 PM

I have found the Tascam HD-P2 to be a workable recorder with the big advantages being that it syncs to the XL-H1 video output and accepts time code which, with the newer firmware (HD-P2 firmware, not Xl-H1 firmware), starts recording automatically when it (the timecode) advances and stops recording when the camera is put back into pause mode.

The output is BWF files which are timecode stamped. There is no timecode track within the files themselves. NLEs must figure the timecode from the stamp and the sample number and it may be a problem getting timecode to appear within the NLE but this is true of a BWF file from any machine.

Is 2 channels enough for your application?

Marty Molloy · April 15th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Yes, right now 2 channels are fine. We have a mixer if we need to add another mic or two. :0)

Steve House · April 15th, 2008, 04:56 PM

Note that the Tascam is an external timecode reader only. If you need the recorder to generate and output timecode, to jam into a smart slate for example, you'll need to look at one of the Sound Devices or higher units.

As for a good mic for booming, there's no single best choice. Indoors in a normal reflective room a hypercardioid would be the mic of choice. Outdoors or on a sound stage a shotgun might be more applicable. To be equipped for any eventuality you'll need at least one of each. What's your budget?

Marty Molloy · April 15th, 2008, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the responses, guys...Keep them coming! We're trying to keep prices in the reasonable range, but we won't rule out anything as long as it's a good unit.

April 15th, 2008, 12:23 PM	#1
Marty Molloy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 26	Audio Recorder and Microphone Questions! I need to find a good recorder that will compliment our 2 Canon XL H1's....What do you guys like to use, or are using? Timecode is a must, as is versatility. Can anyone out there give me some pointers? Also, I'd like to find a good mic to use as a boom mic...What have you guys found that works well? Thanks in advance, Marty

April 15th, 2008, 01:27 PM	#2
Wayne Brissette Major Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 383	Since you require timecode, here are your options: Edirol R4 Pro Tascam HD-P2 Sound Devices 702T Sound Devices 744T Sound Devices 788T Zaxcom Fusion Zaxcom Deva 5.8 Aaton Cantar X hmmm, who did I miss? Of these the Tascam, 702T, and Edirol units are the least expensive. Timecode adds a lot of money into the equation. Wayne __________________ Mics: KMR 82 i, NTG-1, MKH418S, MKH8040, SR77, QTC1, QTC40, SR30 Recorder: Zaxcom Deva 5.8 & MIX-12. Wireless: TRX900 stereo, Lectro 411

April 15th, 2008, 01:34 PM	#3
A. J. deLange Major Player Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: McLean, VA United States Posts: 749	I have found the Tascam HD-P2 to be a workable recorder with the big advantages being that it syncs to the XL-H1 video output and accepts time code which, with the newer firmware (HD-P2 firmware, not Xl-H1 firmware), starts recording automatically when it (the timecode) advances and stops recording when the camera is put back into pause mode. The output is BWF files which are timecode stamped. There is no timecode track within the files themselves. NLEs must figure the timecode from the stamp and the sample number and it may be a problem getting timecode to appear within the NLE but this is true of a BWF file from any machine. Is 2 channels enough for your application? Last edited by A. J. deLange; April 16th, 2008 at 10:09 AM. Reason: Clarity on which firmware is new

April 15th, 2008, 04:56 PM	#5
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Note that the Tascam is an external timecode reader only. If you need the recorder to generate and output timecode, to jam into a smart slate for example, you'll need to look at one of the Sound Devices or higher units. As for a good mic for booming, there's no single best choice. Indoors in a normal reflective room a hypercardioid would be the mic of choice. Outdoors or on a sound stage a shotgun might be more applicable. To be equipped for any eventuality you'll need at least one of each. What's your budget? __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

April 15th, 2008, 04:00 PM	#4
Marty Molloy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 26	Yes, right now 2 channels are fine. We have a mixer if we need to add another mic or two. :0)

April 15th, 2008, 05:38 PM	#6
Marty Molloy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 26	Thanks for the responses, guys...Keep them coming! We're trying to keep prices in the reasonable range, but we won't rule out anything as long as it's a good unit.