A worthy Upgrade? H4n to Marantz 661

[Boon]

My audio gear are mainly use for interviews and short films.
I'm currently recording externally to the H4N thru the Sound Device Mixpre D.
Microphone used are the AT 4053B, NTG-3 and Sanken C11D.
I have some funds available to upgrade my recorder. Is the Marantz 661 a good upgrade?

thanks!

 

[ggrantly]

My experience, though not with the recorders you mention: if you are using a good preamp like the Mixpre in front of the recorder, it won't make much difference in the audio quality. There might be a bunch of other reasons to upgrade, but quality of the audio probably isn't one of them.

Grant

 

[8string]

I left the H4n. For the 661. Much better product. You'll like it, i think.agreed that it's not enormously better but some. Better build quality. Less complex.

 

[Boon]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Appreciate!

Let's say all things equal and I practise proper miking technique, good cables, good boom etc.
Which of the upgrade listed below will I hear a 'significant' increase in sound quality?

1) upgrade my microphone
2) upgrade my recorder
3) upgrade my mix pre D
4) upgrade to the Sound Device 633

 

[Alex H.]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Appreciate!

Let's say all things equal and I practise proper miking technique, good cables, good boom etc.
Which of the upgrade listed below will I hear a 'significant' increase in sound quality?

1) upgrade my microphone
2) upgrade my recorder
3) upgrade my mix pre D
4) upgrade to the Sound Device 633

The Marantz 661 is fine and all, but the form factor for me is just clumsy and unmanageable. If you're running with an external mixer, the recorder should be in a bag-friendly format. In a similar price range, the Fostex FR2-LE is worth a look. It plays very well with the Mixpre-D. Whatever you do, moving on (and up) from the Zoom will be great in the long run.

Your microphone selection seems fine. You have all the bases covered, so assuming proper technique (and support like boom, shock mount, and windscreening) you should be good there. The only possible addition you might want would be a wireless kit... but those can be rented inexpensively as needed for now.

If the SD 633 is even a possibility, I'd say go for that. It's a mixer and recorder in one, and the MixPre-D can be used to add two more mic preamps if you need them. As far as hearing improvement in sound quality, all other things being equal, it really comes down to quality of preamps. Sound Devices is your friend there, for sure.

 

[silyn]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Appreciate!

Let's say all things equal and I practise proper miking technique, good cables, good boom etc.
Which of the upgrade listed below will I hear a 'significant' increase in sound quality?

1) upgrade my microphone
2) upgrade my recorder
3) upgrade my mix pre D
4) upgrade to the Sound Device 633

I used 661 for several years though without mixer - it's a pain in ... if you want good sound and convenient workflow. I started using good mics - that helped. Finally, several weeks ago I switched to 663. Huge difference in everything. For you, since you have already Mixpre-D it may not be so. Mixpre-D is a good mixer. But for small team indy production, 633 is the way to go IMHO.