DAT recorders?

[Jamie Havill]

Hey,

We need a solution for recording our location audio. We have a Sound Devuces mixer, and originally had a 744t planned for rental, but that fell through. We've been offered a DAT recorder free of charge. To be precise either the HHB PDR 1000 TC or the Fostex PD4. I'm no sound guy, so I'm just asking if it's even worth persuing before I let my sound recordist know exactly what the situation.

I just wondered if anyone had any experience with these machines, and as essentuially first time users of DAT recorders if this is a viable and quality option? Is DAT antiquated now, or will it actually allow us to record quality audio?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob Gruen]

I run a SD 302 directly into the Red with excellent results. Sound is automatically synched, makes post a lot easier. Why fool around with DAT?

Bob

 

[Marc Wielage]

I just wondered if anyone had any experience with these machines, and as essentially first time users of DAT recorders if this is a viable and quality option? Is DAT antiquated now, or will it actually allow us to record quality audio?

Both machines came out in the early 1990s. I still own a PD4, and while it was a workhorse back in the day, the reality is that it's slow, clunky, heavy, and a big battery-eater in 2010. I haven't touched it since getting a Deva 5.8 (and a 744t for backup).

Renting a 744t won't cost you more than $100 a day or $400 a week (in any major city). Better yet, hire a good sound mixer and rent his gear.

Don't forget, once you have it on DAT, you still have to get it resolved and captured for the edit. If you're recording digital files, it's far easier to just copy the files over and import them into the edit session.

 

[Nicole Hankerson]

Stay away from the dat if you can help it. I suggest look for a different rental company or as mentioned hire a sound mixer/recordist and you can just rent his or her equipment. It saves you time and also they have tools they can easily use/manage and should be more reliable in the means of recording the audio.

Nicole