Location Sound / Post Audio

The $300 Recorder Question, Part II. The $300 Recorder Question, Part II. Continued from above. BAG RECORDERS Here we enter the standard and, honestly, preferred form factor for location sound recording. Bag recorders come in different shapes and sizes, but they all share the same design principles: a face panel that features a clear display screen, tactile transport and menu navigation controls, and rotary level controls for input sources; flexible inputs and outputs on the left and right side panels; and (ideally) external powering options. This is also the category that has the biggest range of prices and features. The term “bag recorder” comes from the design fitting easily into a traditional sound bag that places the display...

Thanks you much. I motion for a sticky. Do I hear a second? PS I now have a un-uber-techy bookmark to share when friends and family call me.

Some advantages and disadvantages of various microphone schemes... Option Advantages Disadvantages Built-in camcorder microphone * No extra cost * Built-in, no extra gear, wires, etc. * Typically default recording source * Convenient one-an crew "run-n-gun" * Usually way too far away from subjects * Typically poor ambient noise rejection * Sensitive to camera /operator noise External microphone mounted on top of camera * All advantages as above * Choice of better mic than built-in * All disadvantages as above * Need very short cable Boom or lav or hand mic Hard-Wired to Camcorder * Least things to go wrong * Likely lowest-cost * Ability to monitor while recording * Many camcorder mic preamps low quality * Low-end...