I’m fairly new to videography but learning as I go along. I am looking at adding a field recorder to my arsenal. I want add recorded sound to my video during NLE and I also want to be able to record live during video recording (using an assistant).

I’m looking at a used Marantz PMD661 field recorder and a 3-Channel field audio mixer.

My understanding is that the mixer allows me to monitor each channel (mic) but does my recorder need to be able to record each channel separately? When recording with camera, I want to monitor the accessory mic on the camera, the wireless mic receiver, and a boom mic.

I’m just an amateur so I don’t need top-of-the-line equipment but I won’t buy the least expensive (unknown brands) either. Staying in the middle so to speak.

Thank you for any and all help.

With the 661 you can record a maximum of two (2) channels, using the recorder's own mic or line inputs, or via mic/line outputs from an external mixer.
Some manufacturer's field production mixers, like the Sound Devices 302/442 for instance, allow the operator to 'solo', (listen the individual input channel) through headphones in 'pre-fader' (PFL) or 'post-fader' (AFL) modes.
FWIW, The Mackie VLZ, SR and Onyx series mixer have this function, however they are not usually considered for field production. (battery powered portables)

PS: 'AFL' stands for "After Fader Listen" .. 'PFL' stands for "Pretty Fu**ing loud".

If you've got wireless and a boom, what are you using the on-camera mic for? Just curious as the other two could provide far better quality than the on-cam mic. You could always record the on-cam mic to tape, go double-system with the wireless and boom to the L and R channels of your 661, and then sync them in post. That would give you four total channels (two on the cam, two on the 661).

Thank you Rick and Nathan.

I like your idea Nathan, about using a double system for part of my idea of using a field recorder. That is exactly what I had in mind.

I’m a one-man operation in the field or in-doors right now so I’m trying to get the right sound equipment for what I can do alone, at least for now until an assistant is added as needed.

Thanks again to both of you.

That would give you four total channels (two on the cam, two on the 661).

With a nice phase shift and comb filtering between the on camera mic and the others. Not very useful.

The outputs of the PMD661 are live while it's recording. Run your mics the to the mixer, mixer to the recorder, and it's outputs into the camera. Everything is in sync and you can freely replace the in-camera track with the PMD661 recording.