Audio Module Options for DSMC system

[Peter Osinski]

I would really like to have the use of full size xlr inputs for my camera, but I have no use for anything else on the pro, or even base I/O module for that matter.

I can't justify spending the about the same amount for the pro i/o as i am going to for the scarlet brain itself. Same goes for the base i/o because i just dont need all the other stuff on it.

If these were complete cameras I wouldn't even dare to ask they add something this late in the game but thanks to the modular system they can build the module whenever they have the time.

I wanted to create a poll to see who else feels the same as I do and maybe the guys at RED will see it and build the module.

 

[Ryan Patch]

I think that this would be nice to have, but the price difference between an audio module and the basic module would be only like $500, I feel, and I'm willing to pay that much to have those extra outputs, should I need this.

 

[Cedric Akins]

As long as the preamps are quiet the base module will suffice for most recording situations. You get 4 channels of audio.

 

[Quentin Brown]

A smaller audio only IO module with four full size XLR inputs at a sub $800 price would be ideal for me - I currently work at the end of the spectrum where price is always the determining factor and you try and get as much functionality for the minimal budget as possible and whilst not being the highest quality recording unit in the world a Zoom H4n has provided for my needs so far but it would be worth the extra cost to get it all recorded in sync rather than syncing in post and to have only one record button to hit to set it all going.

In most circumstances I won't need the rest of the base or Pro IO module's functions for shooting run and gun Observational Documentaries and the like, but I would need 4 channels of sync audio - two for on camera stereo mic or mono mic plus clip mic for me as interviewer plus two more for a pair of radio mics for subjects. This would also have the side benefit of keeping the weight and size down - a bonus in these kinds of shooting scenarios. Budgets are extremely tight on these sorts of projects too so the reduced shooting package cost would be appreciated and more money could go towards the gunner rig or shoulder mount needed to help keep shots steady.

 

[Quentin Brown]

In some situations, like the documentary I was possibly going to shoot last year which would have involved shooting live gigs in remote locations that probably had no mics or mixing desks, it would have been great to be able to do significantly more channels to get a multitrack recording of the live performance which was in full sync and could be mixed down in post. Whilst we could use a separate external multitrack recorder to do this weight and volume of gear was gonna be a significant factor as the musicians, storytellers and crew involved would be living on a small boat with limited space. If we could do something like this by stacking these audio modules to get more channels of recording that would be great and might come in handy in many situations.

I realise that Stuart English has stated that the brains can only record up to a maximum of 4 channels of audio but perhaps a method could be developed where an audio module can record to it's own CF or SD card, writing it into a duplicate file and folder structure to that which the camera creates, embedding timecode, shot, scene and file number metadata from the camera into the audio files. When downloading via the cameras connections like ethernet, wifi or USB or from a Red station the two separate recording media could be presented to any connected computer as one single drive with an amalgamated file structure so audio comes in with the appropriate R3d folders and Red Cine or any other app with Red support will find it and sync it automatically. There could also be an option to amalgamate onto the video shooting storage device in camera after a shoot if there is room on that device.

Just some crazy thoughts.

If you want it to do the above and be wireless so you can work with a sound guy run and gun without worrying about tripping over the wires connecting you together then read some of my other crazy ideas by doing a search for my other posts especially around the Nov 30th announcement feedback forum.

A wireless low quality video feed to a mini portable touhscreen monitor that also had high quality sound for monitoring and ppms for checking levels as well as controls for the cameras recording levels which the boom op could carry would help him see edge of frame in these kinds of constantly changing mobile shooting scenarios and allow him to make adjustments without distracting the cameraman. :wink:

Sorry to go a little off topic there...

 

[Rick Presas]

I'm a little confused about the audio-in, if any, that the scarlet will have.

 

[Bruce Allen]

Sorry, can't answer you poll because I'm not really sure what RED is including on the various modules and also what the overall audio quality will be (no use having full-size XLRs if the audio sounds bad).

I knew I'd be using double-system on RED since back in 2007 or so when they didn't draw gain pots on their RED ONE renders and put tiny XLRs on the side. They just didn't seem to take audio seriously.

So I bought a Sound Devices 702T. All I really need now is timecode (is this on the brain? or one of the IO modules?)

When Scarlet comes out I'll re-evaluate the audio and choose my options depending on quality:

- if there's digital input, GREAT. I'll send a feed from my 702T.
- if no digital input and/or preamps and DACs are super then I'd want full XLR inputs so I can plug mics straight in.
- if the DAC is great but preamp sucks then I don't care about full XLR inputs - I'll be feeding from a preamp anyway.
- if the DAC sucks too then I'm just using Scarlet for reference audio and don't care about inputs

So really my answer depends on Scarlet's audio recording quality, which is TBD.

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

 

[Ryan Patch]

There's already been some discussion on this, at:

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38293 - Specifics on Scarlet Audio Features
http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=30701 - I requested something like this a while ago.

Check it out.

 

[Ryan Patch]

As a side note, I think that the "basic" I/O module was sort of RED's trying to create something that was more affordable for people who just wanted audio. I guess the consensus of this thread is that it isn't basic enough - we just want ONLY audio, and for cheaper.

Also, Bruce - I agree that in the original RED it didn't seem like they were serious about audio, but after some of the pro reviews started coming in and saying that the audio boards weren't great, they went to all of the effort to COMPLETELY REPLACE every audio board... it seems to me like they may have overlooked it initially, but I think that they are very serious about it, now, and I expect great things.

 

[Bruce Allen]

Yep Ryan - I have read the other threads and looked at the RED Scarlet renders / photos - and still have no idea whether TC is included on the brain or not.

Also, Bruce - I agree that in the original RED it didn't seem like they were serious about audio, but after some of the pro reviews started coming in and saying that the audio boards weren't great, they went to all of the effort to COMPLETELY REPLACE every audio board... it seems to me like they may have overlooked it initially, but I think that they are very serious about it, now, and I expect great things.

Hope so!

I'm probably holding out for the FF35 anyway though - by that time, their second-gen audio system should be fully debugged too, which will be a bonus.

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com

 

[Andrew Rieger]

If you just need XLR than go with a cheap Zoom H4N field recorder. Problem solved.