Just Bought GH1, Need Audio Advice Please.

L

larrys

Well-known member
I am trying to decide on which audio device to buy: the h4n, the Edirol R-09HR or a Tascam DR-100.

I all ready own a great Sennheiser ME-66 shotgun mic as well as a very nice Sennheiser wireless system with a Lav mic.

Can anyone shed some light on which might be the best choice? The Tascam and the H4n both have xlr and phantom power) I will be doing a lot of documentary type video and I will be buying PluralEyes for Syncing.

Thanks!

Larry
 
Thanks Lake Films,

Have you used the H4n before buying? I know a lot of people seem to love it but what makes it better then the other two?

Has anyone used the Tascam or the Edirol for video syncing?
 
I've got an H4n and also recently picked up a Fostex FR2-LE. The FR2-LEs are starting to get blown out on the web, and could be worth spending the extra bucks on.

I like the built in mics of the H4N, but as others have noted, the sound just isn't quite as good using the XLRs. I don't know why this is, but I just haven't warmed up to it. It's not *bad*, but I think the pre-amps are a little bit lacking. I don't mind the noise, as I really don't think it's that bad, but I just find the sound a bit too compressed with not enough detail and a bit thin when using the XLR inputs, but that's me. YMMV.

It really depends on what you want to use the H4N for. It's form factor and 4-channel recording are really its biggest pluses. If you need that, then there is not much else out there that can compete at its price. The new Tascam does look cool.

If you don't need the super small form factor, 4-ch, or built in mics, I'd take a look at the Fostex FR2-LE, a couple of places are selling them for about $467 or so and sometimes they come with free mics/bags, etc.

I'm going to be doing narrative location sound, which is what pushed me towards getting something like the Fostex with more "pro" features, etc., but all in all, the more I play with the H4N, the more I think it's a very cool product with overall good sound quality (much better with built in mics, but these have limited uses) and if it's all you had, and you were shooting a movie, it could handle it, and you'd be able to get good sound if you use good mics and a good operator...but it wouldn't be my first choice. I guess I would just say that it's "good enough," for that sort of thing, but there are some better options at very near price points that are worth considering, depending on your specific needs.

If you're out in the field and doing docu-style stuff, the form factor of the H4N is sweet. Some of the better audio I've heard from the H4N (through the XLRs) has been with countryman lavs, those seem to sound pretty good on the H4N.
 
Thanks so much for the detailed report! And, as both my mics are xlr, your review on the H4n is good to know.
 
I have been using my GH1 with an H4n and PluralEyes for education documentary work.
I must say that the combo has been amazingly easy to use.

Everything about the H4n feels solid and logical to me. It's a quality product, with many useful features and a fantastic form factor. I've been using with an inexpensive xlr Azden shotgun mic. I just about always mount the Zoom on a mini-tripod or mic stand with the included adaptor, so the Edirol R-09HR's lack of these options would be inconvenience IMO (otherwise, it looks very nice).

The Tascam DR-100 does not look as good based only on the reviews I've read.

I do wish the H4n had a wireless remote like the Edirol and Tascam, but I did get the wired remote for it and have found it to be very handy.

PluralEyes has been fast and simple to use. It just plain works great , synching flawlessly so far to the GH1's audio track even in noisy classroom or outdoor environments.

Enjoy your GH1, and whatever recorder you decide on. Hopefully, we'll get to see some of your documentary work. Good luck!
 
SMD, thanks for the feedback. Well, the h4n gets so many great reviews. Happy to hear that this combo and using PluralEyes has worked out so well for you.

By the way, do you have any of your education documentary videos posted on Vimeo?
 
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