4 Channel Output Mixers? Or mix with the 4 Channel Recorder?

A

Avenger007

Well-known member
Looking at the R4 Pro, I think it would make for an affordable jump into 4 channel recording. However all my mixers are 2 channel (PSC M4/Wendt X4) and to my knowledge they are only 2 channel output.

What kind of 4 channel output options are out there? Or does the R4 Pro have good enough preamps for mixing?
 
The R4 Pro is an affordable investment into 4 channel recording. There will be times when you want to record 4 separate sources and having those additional channels available to you is priceless, however, I would not use it as my primary preamp+mixer combo. It's already hard enough to mix 4 channels of audio while doing bag work let alone getting smooth and accurate recordings at the same time. I am not sure what your works are, but one suggestion I would give is to send two sources from your mixer out to the R4 on channels 1+2, and channels 3+4 for additional microphones or wireless transmitter outputs.

To keep the budget low, there's the Sound Devices 442 with 4 discret direct outputs. Again, what is the sole purpose in needing a 4-channel recorder?
 
Thanks for the input. The 4 Channel option is for simply having more options with location sound. I prefer 4 clean channels rather than down mixing a lav with plant mics, ect. Going 4 channel will allow better channel separation for post.

The 442 is a great option. Tough seeing how expensive 4 CH recording/mixing becomes. How would a DEVA II stack up against a R4-Pro with regards to mixing and possibly working as a mixer/recorder replacing the 442/R4 combo?
 
If I was in your shoe, I would choose the DEVA II over the Edirol R4 Pro. Several production sound mixers are still using the DEVA II as their backups or running alongisde their DEVA V's or MC/BR setups. I also support Glen Sanders (Zaxcom) for their immense support behind their products and customers. The Edirol R4 Pro is still a considerable option as it is newer with more of today's features and requirements.

The DEVA is less bulkier (about 70 cubic inches less), but 22 ounces heavier.
 
Thanks for all the input.

How efficient is a Deva II as a mixer? I like the LANC feature of the R4 (not sure if that is compatible with HVX though) and the connections are more common (BNC type ect) along with the USB options. But the Deva's built in burner is great for clients and I think it would work fine on a cart. How well can it work in a bag based setup? Using 2 mixers would get a bit complicated for location cart based work so I'd prefer one 4 CH recorder.
 
deva 2 doesnt have internal burner .
if you need 4 channel recorder you will be more then happy with 744 and use your wendt as 4 to 2 mixer to channel 3 and 4 , way better optin then other 2 you mention .
hvx doesnt have lanc , it sony and cannon only protocol .
 
Which Deva model had internal burner?

Only thing with 744 is that it is nearly 2x price of a used Deva II. Is the main issue with the Deva II the pre's for mixing?
 
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