Two lav mics minus one Tascam = :( at DVinfo.net

Betsy Moore · May 28th, 2013, 10:47 AM

For the majority of a micro budget feature I've been working on, I've been using two lav mics plugged into a tascam plugged into a Ninja 2 (which is also plugged into my Sony a99 camera).

Unfortunately the Tascam is borrowed and I have to return it and find a new audio solution ASAP. Do I have to buy my own Tascam or is there a cheaper way I can get two audio lines into a Ninja 2?

If any of ya'll have any suggestions, thanks in advance guys:)

Jay Massengill · May 29th, 2013, 11:09 AM

Which specific model of Tascam were you using? And what model of lav mics do you have?

Betsy Moore · May 29th, 2013, 02:32 PM

Hi Jay!

I've already returned it but I believe it was a Tascam DR-40.

I have 2 sets of Sony wireless lavs (a UTX-B2 mic UHF Synthesized Transmitter and URX-P2 UHF Synthesized Diversity Tuner)

PS: I do have a Zoom H1 and I also have an XLR adaptor that I might be able to plug into the Zoom's line in.

Jay Massengill · May 29th, 2013, 07:26 PM

Continuing with another DR-40 is probably your best bet if you have been satisfied with the results so far. You can get one for $167 currently from a reputable online dealer if you search around.

You could use your Zoom H1 if your adapter cable is properly wired to convert your two receivers to the stereo mini input. That wouldn't be as physically secure as what you had with the Tascam previously.
You'd have to test that out carefully, and possibly buy a new cable that's exactly correct for two mics into one jack if needed.

If you aren't also recording on the audio device, but just using it as a preamp for your Ninja 2, you could get cleaner results using a mixer with better preamps than the Tascam or the Zoom. However you wouldn't be able to purchase a good, small, new, battery-powered mixer for as low as a DR-40. Renting, or buying used might be possible, but not if you are in a hurry.
Plus, the sound might not match what you've already shot.

May 28th, 2013, 10:47 AM	#1
Betsy Moore Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 444	Two lav mics minus one Tascam = :( For the majority of a micro budget feature I've been working on, I've been using two lav mics plugged into a tascam plugged into a Ninja 2 (which is also plugged into my Sony a99 camera). Unfortunately the Tascam is borrowed and I have to return it and find a new audio solution ASAP. Do I have to buy my own Tascam or is there a cheaper way I can get two audio lines into a Ninja 2? If any of ya'll have any suggestions, thanks in advance guys:)

May 29th, 2013, 11:09 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Re: Two lav mics minus one Tascam = :( Which specific model of Tascam were you using? And what model of lav mics do you have?

May 29th, 2013, 02:32 PM	#3
Betsy Moore Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 444	Re: Two lav mics minus one Tascam = :( Hi Jay! I've already returned it but I believe it was a Tascam DR-40. I have 2 sets of Sony wireless lavs (a UTX-B2 mic UHF Synthesized Transmitter and URX-P2 UHF Synthesized Diversity Tuner) PS: I do have a Zoom H1 and I also have an XLR adaptor that I might be able to plug into the Zoom's line in.

May 29th, 2013, 07:26 PM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Re: Two lav mics minus one Tascam = :( Continuing with another DR-40 is probably your best bet if you have been satisfied with the results so far. You can get one for $167 currently from a reputable online dealer if you search around. You could use your Zoom H1 if your adapter cable is properly wired to convert your two receivers to the stereo mini input. That wouldn't be as physically secure as what you had with the Tascam previously. You'd have to test that out carefully, and possibly buy a new cable that's exactly correct for two mics into one jack if needed. If you aren't also recording on the audio device, but just using it as a preamp for your Ninja 2, you could get cleaner results using a mixer with better preamps than the Tascam or the Zoom. However you wouldn't be able to purchase a good, small, new, battery-powered mixer for as low as a DR-40. Renting, or buying used might be possible, but not if you are in a hurry. Plus, the sound might not match what you've already shot. Last edited by Jay Massengill; May 30th, 2013 at 06:00 PM.