Do I really NEED a mixer?

Mike have you ever thought of looking into a Edirol R4 or R4 Pro 4 track recorder.

You can record 4 tracks via XLR or 1/4 inputs in 24/96 WAV files to either a 40GB (R4) or 80GB (R4 Pro) and sync up in post later on.

Also at the same time you could take your recorded tracks and send a mixed down signal to you camera via wireless through the R4's RCA's analog line out ports.

This way you can keep the setup small and simple and get fantastic sounding audio recorded to the R4's hard drive and at the same time send wireless (backup) sync audio to one of your cameras.

I used to use a field mixer myself, but don't find the need for it anymore, since purchasing a field recorder like the Edirol series.

Michael
 
Yes, the one-man band scenario is important for myself, as well as the 302 I've been considering. Now you have me nervous! I was hoping the 'limiters' on the 302 were going to make life easier for me than my mixpre? My shoots are planned on a set...mostly training films for work. On the set I have far more control than a run and gun, so why would the 302 not be a greater aid than the mixpre? The idea of 'limiters' sounded very appealing?
 
That sounds like a great solution Vegas06. Two birds with one stone. I wonder how the pre-amps and the sound are in comparison with the 302?
Anyone?
Thanks.
 
siniarch said:
That sounds like a great solution Vegas06. Two birds with one stone. I wonder how the pre-amps and the sound are in comparison with the 302?
Anyone?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

The pre amps are pretty good in the R4, not quite as good as the 302 but good enough for most.
However there is a mod build out there for the R4 (Oade Brothers) which is fantastic and makes the unit practically silent.

There is a lot of good information and happy users on the Tapers Forums. Just do a lookup on Oade R4 mod or R4 recorder.
Michael
 
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siniarch said:
looks like I need to get to e-bay and sell some of my other equipment and get this puppy. Thanks Vegas.
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Just so you know, the battery times on the 8 AA batteries are rather poor.
There are some alternative ays to get much longer power when using the R4 in the filed with no outlet available.

One method is being discussed here lately.
Or you can do a search on the Tapers Forum for R4 battery power.
Lot's of good info there as well.

Michael
 
Christopher Barry said:
Michael, does the R4 and the R4 Pro have the same pre amps, thus the R4 Pro subject to the Oade Brothers mod (not currently offered)?
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The R4 uses the same pre amps froom what I have seen. The differences are a larger HD (80GB), SPMTE Timecode lock, Multiple power configurations (You can use any power battery that you like, just set it up in the menu. So you can now use Anton Battewry Packs and more with it if you like to run for long times.), and much more as well that I can't remember.

The reason that there isn't an Oade mod for it yet is probably due to the fact that the R4 Pro was just released and hard to get stock of them.
 
I did see in the R4 Pro PDF manual from the Edirol site referenced 9-15v input, so it appears to have a built in volt regulator, nice. I see those additional features over the R4, and thought it would be great value if it had also improved the issues you mentioned with the pre amps. So for about US$2500, including the top of the line 4 channel Oade Bros mod $450, it offers a lot in one portable box. Of course, horses for courses. Thanks for feedback Michael.
 
I just shot with the 302 all day and it never peaked even when kids were screaming, the limiters kicked in. It is the best puchase I have made (outside the HVX).
 
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Christopher Barry said:
I did see in the R4 Pro PDF manual from the Edirol site referenced 9-15v input, so it appears to have a built in volt regulator, nice. I see those additional features over the R4, and thought it would be great value if it had also improved the issues you mentioned with the pre amps. So for about US$2500, including the top of the line 4 channel Oade Bros mod $450, it offers a lot in one portable box. Of course, horses for courses. Thanks for feedback Michael.
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Chris, keep in mind that I never said that the pre amps were bad in the R4, just the contrary.
Just that the Oade mod makes the unit even better and very very quiet as opposed to very quiet.
You can contact Oade and ask them if they have plans for or can perorm a mod on the R4 Pro. I guarantee that they will have one available in the near future, since the circuitry is nearly identicle.

Michael
 
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Thanks for the clarification Michael. I am still some months away, before these types of audio items may be purchased. I will keep observing and learning.
 
saneproductions said:
I am not doing everything alone. I will have someone booming when I do b-roll .
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My bad, I guess I got confused or distracted while reading through the 3 pages of this thread. If you have someone to monitor the sound the 302 is definately a worthwhile step up.

I will try and pay better attention next time :)
 
Hi wabbit,

This thread went on and on so I don't blame you for missing something.

The really great thing is that because of the advice of everyone her, I ended up with the right thing. This is truly an amazing place.

Side note, did you get my email? I would like to talk to you about the possibilty of renting an Oktava if mine does not come in time. I also want to talk shop sometime!
 
I just had to post this... CLICK HERE

I'm sure this link won't be active for as long as this thread can be found through a search... but until that link no longer works it will make my previous point perfectly. There is no risk in buying a Mixpre... as you can see they hold their value really well.

Brand new at B&H... $665 shipped or a few months old on ebay $660 + shipping. So some guy actually paid MORE for this used mixer? Wow. I rest my case...
 
Brand new at B&H... $665 shipped or a few months old on ebay $660 + shipping. So some guy actually paid MORE for this used mixer? Wow. I rest my case...
Click to expand...

So what's unusual about this? I wouldn't sell the cables or grips you made for TWICE what you charged me. :happy: Seriously, wish some of my other gear held its value nearly as well as the audio. Helps take the sting out - ok, only a little, but every little bit helps when it comes to rationalizing new gear . . .
 
When SD was first coming out with the 744t and 722 there was a several month waiting list for their mixers. I heard of several used SD mixers going for above retail.

I haven't done it but in all seriousness you could actually save a few bucks by selling your SD mixer after the 5 years of depreciation has been used and start with a brand new one.

Cheers
 
Edirol R-44 : wireless to camera, and sync questions : buy it?

Edirol R-44 : wireless to camera, and sync questions : buy it?

Vegas06 you talked about using the Edirol instead of a field mixer. I'm close to buying the Edirol R-44 but would like to know a little more about sending mixed-down signal to camera via wireless (what's needed). Also would like to know about sync up in post. Specifically - if there are a large number of .mxf files/clips, where the camera is switched off and on etc - how to sync up easily? I always find synchronising sound to be time consuming - even using excellent sound peaks etc. Big purchase/new technology for me so would like to get it right. Thanks, Bowen
 
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