I am looking into an external sound recorder to go along with the Z1. Most of the projects we do have talking heads, so we need to protect the audio. Also, I am not always thrilled with the sound quality of the Z1.

We are not sound pros and operate in the middle of nowhere. No real location professionals exist in Baku.

Just wondering what everyone thinks would be good.
Will probably be looking at a mixer and a recorder (definitely.)

Note: We consistantly record split tracks from a shotgun and wireless lavs.

Price not that big of an issue but do not want to spend thousands.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Kevin Sullivan
Lead Dog Productions

I would purchase the mixer of your choice and run it Line In on the Z1. That way you are bypassing the cameras preamps and using the cleaner preamps of your mixer. That way you won't have to deal with the headache of synching up all of your audio in post, but you will still have good, clean audio for your project.

I would recommend picking up a Sound Devices 302 mixer. One of my favorites for sound quality and ease of use. It also has great audio level meters.

I have done nearly all of my shoots this way and have never had a problem with audio.

I second John's advice.

The Sound Devices 302 is a very nice mixer and a very good investment.

Also, John's advice to record into the camera at line level via the 302 is what I would recommend.

Later, if you want to record double sound, the Sound Devices "7 Series" of records are excellent.

That actually will solve my issues.

Thanks for the info.

Kevin

I hav'nt used it... but the zoom h4 looks promising.

This is another possible alternative... worth a look, considering the price...

http://www.studio1productions.com/xlr-mix_pro.htm