Audio recorder question - Tascam HD P2, vs Fostex FR2-LE, vs Sony D50 + Preamp

[Seth Rice]

Thanks for that heads up - I've been doing some searching, and I think I've got a grasp of most of it's cons... I live in an area, where during the summer, we routinely experience >90 degree weather, oftentimes in the upper 90s, and for about a week each year, the 100+ range. If I use some chill packs in my bag, and make sure to keep it ventilated, and turn it off/let it cool down, do you think that could be handled during the occasional outdoor shoot during that time?

Second question though, as I'm looking, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a half bad idea to upgrade my NTG 1 (I'm reading that if I go so far as to buy a DR 680, or similar, I certainly oughta be putting a better mic in front of it if I can, to get that increase in sound quality I'm after,) with a used AT 4073a, (roughly $400,) and maybe hang on for a used HD P2, (closer to the $450 range on Ebay.) By the time I sell my current rig, that brings me into an affordable range... thoughts on that, anyone? I guess, if I don't see a used P2 on Ebay in the next few weeks, I'll have to spring for the DR680 regardless, but if I can get away with saving the $, while getting the maximum audio quality possible, that would be awesome... I guess, I'm wondering, if it would be better to spend some more $ on an upgraded mic, and a bit less on a recorder... but, that said, I still may bite the bullet and buy the DR 680 and work out a deal on a 4073a... or an NTG3, if I can get an insanely good deal on a used one...

Thanks again for the help!

[Seth Rice]

I guess I should clarify exactly what my question was there - do ya'll have an opinion on the comparable value of mics vs recorders/preamps? Would my money be better spent on a less expensive recorder, (e.g. even the Tascam DR100mkii, or something similar) and a better mic, like the Rode NTG 3, or AT 4073a?

Thanks again!

[nwstudios]

Just to toss some more chaos into the mix...have you thought about wind protection?

[Seth Rice]

Yeah, I have - I'm sort of a DIY junkie, I use a homemade shockmount (which looks three way decent, but not as nice as I could make it look... perfectly functional though) - I'll be building my own blimp in the very near future...

[nwstudios]

The DR-100 looks good on paper. No personal experience but if I was on a tight budget I would go for it.

[ggrantly]

Seth,

I have both a dr100 (gen 1) and a 680. Using a better mic is always a good idea, and the ntg3 for me has been a really good mic. IMHO, the dr100 is a very decent recorder, but if you are using it without a mixer (preamps) you will be limited to hotter mics like the ntg3. So at some point, if you want to use your ntg1 (reported to be not so hot) or other low output mics, like a dynamic, you might come up short. The other issue with anything like a dr100 or H4n is the limitations on bag use; they just aren't designed for that. The preamps on the 680 have much more gain and can handle a low output mic, so you can get by without a mixer for the sake of better preamps. You may want a mixer for all the other things they offer.

Grant