I am looking for a digital recorder, on that will record at least 4 tracks simultaneously in at least 16 bit audio. One that records to a hard drive and is also somewhat easy to use. And has at least 4 XLR inmputs with phantom power.

And it won't break the bank:)

Does such a beast exist?

I'm using Sony PD170's and have a need to record from more than two seperate mics at once at high quality.

Thank you so much for any help.

Check out the Edirol R-4 due out in Jan-2005

http://www.edirol.com/products/info/r4.html

Just played with the Edirol at DV Expo, and DANG but it's impressive.

Some people use a laptop with a sound interface (i.e. M-audio 410). It doesn't cost too much and is a great way to get lots of inputs, but laptops aren't designed for field recording.

Another option is to record onto your cameras so you will not have to bother syncing up your sound recorder with your video. If the PD150's A-D converters aren't good enough, you can get the Greg Winter mod for them (or the BBC mod).

Hi,
I know I'm sort of borrowing the thread, but I would really like to find out from Douglas if you think the Edirol R4 is going to be a great product? We're thinking of replacing our Tascam DA-P1's
with either the Marantz PMD 670 flash recorder or the R4.

Having seen the R4 firsthand do you think it would stand up to the rigours of location audio?

So the Sound Devices 744 is too expensive?

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/7.htm

It's VERY sweet.


Regards,

Ty Ford

Hi Ty,
Yeah the Sound Devices 744 looks very sweet = ), but it's almost double the cost.

For about $1000, you could get a KORG D-12. It has a 20 gig HD, 4 XLR-1/4" inputs, a few more 1/4" inputs, 12 channels, and more. Downside is, it has no battery power.