Need advice on choosing the right sound recorder / mixer...

[Dave Draper]

OK, guys. Need advice on choosing the right sound recorder / mixer for dialogue.

Initially, we were thinking we'd just go with a Sound Devices MixPre-D Mixer, then we thought "What if we're working with a camera that doesn't have an audio-in?".

Which then inspired us to check out the Sound Devices 702 Recorder, and the Sound Devices 552 Recorder / Mixer, being that both are at the lower end of the price scale.

But after reviewing their prices, started to think "Maybe a Tascam DR-680 MKII would be good enough?".

While we'd love to go down the Sound Devices route, I'm not sure it's financially feasible right now, which begs the question I'm sure always gets asked...

Does anything come close to the audio quality of Sound Devices equipment, but without the added premiums?

 

[Marc Wielage]

Yes, even the lower-end Sound Devices machines have very good sound quality. To me, the best bang for the buck is the 633, which is small, simple to run, records to several different kinds of media at one time, has very sturdy construction, and rock-solid timecode.

 

[Dave Draper]

Yes, even the lower-end Sound Devices machines have very good sound quality. To me, the best bang for the buck is the 633, which is small, simple to run, records to several different kinds of media at one time, has very sturdy construction, and rock-solid timecode.

How about starting out with a Tascam recorder of some description, then complimenting it with a Sound Devices MixPre-D later on down the line?

 

[Michael Tiemann]

Yes, even the lower-end Sound Devices machines have very good sound quality. To me, the best bang for the buck is the 633, which is small, simple to run, records to several different kinds of media at one time, has very sturdy construction, and rock-solid timecode.

I notice that when looking at the SoundDevices option at B&H, sorted by most popular, the 633 comes out on top.

 

[Jan Balster]

I just go a Zoom F8 and have to say that I'm very happy with it (big one for me was Timecode, don't really need the 8 channels. If 8 ch. is too many, they make the F4 now).

If I need anything better than what the F8 can do, I usually hire an audio professional with his/her kit.

Can't really beat the "bang for the buck" with the F8

Happy hunting!

- Jan

 

[Hugh Scully]

If you have the budget for a SD 633 then get that but if you don't, get the F8. I just did 2 projects with it, and it performed great. I used to run a SD 442 into and A Box into camera - lavs on one side, boom on the other - but Zoom F8 with the ISOs, untethered, and the noise floor are better right into the F8. Like Jan, when there's a budget and a project that needs to be bulletproof, I hire a production sound guy.

 

[Jon Dishler]

+1 for the 633, it is amazing.

 

[Stacey Spears]

I recently purchased the SD633 myself.

 

[Minu Park]

I am expanding my sound equipment for doc shootings.
Somehow, I can generate some $$ If I rent my sound equipment to the production as whole kit.

My total budget was 4000$ including mic + Boom pole + Lav

Originally I had

Zoom H4N, dr-70d, NTG2, sony UWP-D11 (2)

But, I want to buy these items below.

1. Zoom F4 (699$) [4 xlr inputs, very good pre amp, accurate Time code]
2. 1 V-mount battery 98wh ($200) - last about 14 hours recording
3. Senken Cardioid (600$)
4. NTG3 or 416 (700-1000$)
5. Lavs (G3) ($599)
6. K-tek internal xlr boom pole ($240)

Total ($2440-2740)

Good recorder is def necessary, but I think for the purposes, I am happy with this set up. entire kit is cheaper than 633 price itself. Honestly, if you want the best, you will see $6-8k without Lavs, and that's a bit too much for me as a cinematographer.

 

[Dave Draper]

Interesting you guys mentioned the Zoom F8, as I was just looking at that.

Sounds extremely clean here...

https://soundcloud.com/blaynechastain/sets/zoom-f8-initial-tests

I think the 633 is out of the question at the moment, but definitely a future goal.

With regards to the F8 and F4; are there any differences between the two that'd make you go for one over the other? Besides the obvious.

 

[David Peterson]

Currently I am using a Tascam DR680 paired with a Sound Devices 552 front:

http://ironfilm.co.nz/sound/

I had planned on upgrading to a Zoom F8 (or F4) early next year (because the F8 provides *CRAZY* good value!!!), but I've got the inside word that Tascam is bringing out something special ;-) So if you can wait, keep an eye out for that early in 2017.

Of course, if you have the budget, just go for a Sound Devices 633 instead!