2, 4, or more channel recorder?

Baker Park

Baker Park

Active member
Could I get some input on choosing a multi-track recorder? I have done a lot of non profit/community coverage which is almost always 1 or 2 channels. Now I find my self doing more corporate info and local advertising. From your experience doing this kind of bread and butter work is it worth getting more than a four channel recorder? How often do you wish you had an extra track? What kind of situation? As of now I am focused on the SD-744t.

Also while I am asking questions has anyone compared the Senn 8040 to the 8050, especially their character as they fall off axis? Is there a substantial real world difference in their performance?

Thanks everyone...especially the old hands who keep hitting these questions.
 
iam doing now 13 chapters drama for prime time mixing directly to 900r .( 3-4 wireless + 2 booms maximum )- so if i can do it with 2 channels :-)...i dont think you need more .
dont rely checked the 8040 , but the 50 is very tight pattern as the mkh-50 , 40 is cardioid and alwais would be better of axis
 
depends on if you need to by mobile. I don't do a huge amount of production work but ~7~10 shows a year or so. For over the shoulder I use a two track recorder. For sit down jobs especially I use Boom Reorder and a MacBook Pro with an interface. With enough interfaces you can theoretically record 64 inputs at the same time. This has worked very well at times I needed lots of inputs. Sometimes you do need more than two tracks. The last gig I did involved multiple simultaneous translations. These were destined for extra tracks on the DVD. Along with 8-12 discrete tracks I was doing three stereo crash down mixes for different DVD's so 14 to 18 files. We recorded two two to three hour sessions a day for a week with out a hitch. And it generates great sound reports.

If your over the shoulder then Sound Devices is probably the bang for the buck choice.
 
For the price the SD 744 is the best value for money.

I almost bought one, but went upmarket slightly and bought the NAGRA VI which is 6-track with four mic. pres (the 744 is 4-track and only two mic. pres.).

The 8040 and 8050 will be identical except for polar pattern - so choose the one with the directional characteristic you want.
 
At this point, you may also want to look at the SD 788. For the difference in price, you double up the number of tracks you can record. While I haven't used one, it's getting good feedback in the usual places.

Phil
 
ptalsky said:
At this point, you may also want to look at the SD 788. For the difference in price, you double up the number of tracks you can record. While I haven't used one, it's getting good feedback in the usual places.

Phil
Click to expand...

And quadruple the amount of pres ;)

Cheers
 
I use a multi track recorder for recording music, so I can separate the instruments and vocals, then mix it in post. What you might be wanting is a straight mixer, then you can mix several mic sources into your camera.
 
Oleg, If I put 4 lavs and 2 booms on two tracks with my skill set and sent it to post it would be a death wish. I tip my hat to you. :-}

Concerning the recorder...I am pushing through a 442 at present. The 744 seemed an obvious match. However I wonder if I should go ahead or aim higher. Do you guys find your selves using extra tracks out in the every day, non-drama world?

As for the 8000 series....the question concerns some reports that the real world differences between the 8040 and the 8050's pattern are not as different as the polar print outs might lead one to believe. Also that the falling off axis character of the 8040 is a weak point. Any thoughts??

Thanks for your patience as I clarify.
 
ptalsky said:
At this point, you may also want to look at the SD 788. For the difference in price, you double up the number of tracks you can record.
Click to expand...

Don't forget the 788 is 48kHz sampling max. - it won't do 96kHz.

It also gets hot.

The two main things why I am getting the Nagra VI - 24/96 and stays cool.
 
Baker Park said:
Do you guys find your selves using extra tracks out in the every day, non-drama world?
Click to expand...
Yes, especially for music - which is why I a now buying the 6-track.


Baker Park said:
As for the 8000 series....the question concerns some reports that the real world differences between the 8040 and the 8050's pattern are not as different as the polar print outs might lead one to believe. Also that the falling off axis character of the 8040 is a weak point. Any thoughts??
Click to expand...
I have the 8040 and have not noticed anything untowards - the polar-pattern is as in the diagram and behaves accordingly. I have used the earlier MKH 40 (and 20 & 30) for over 20 years so am well familiar wth these.
 
I got Boom Recorder for documentary work. I don't think I have gone as low as four tracks on doc.s except when picking up run and gun interviews.
If you want to be over the shoulder there are a number of options. Nagra is making a 8 track, as is SD, Fostex has a six track, DEVA has 6 or 8 now?, Cantar is six I think. None are cheap but they are also all pro gear that should work hard and live long.
 
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