Maybe Dumb Question....Need Help Setting Up Tascam DR-100mkII asap

[ChadAndreo]

I am a former Zoom H4N user who just bought a Tascam DR-100mkII after doing a ton of research comparing the two. So far I like the unit and its features, but I am unable to figure one thing.
How do I record multiple channels at once? I have looked through the manual a fews times and tried google, but I am still unable to figure out how to record multiple channels at once. (i.e. recording from a board and lav mic at the same time)
with the zoom it was just a matter on hitting the button corresponding to which channel you want to use, but the tascam only has a switch.

I have an event tomorrow in which I would like to give the tascam a test run.

Thanks in advance

 

[Jema]

I don't think that's an option on the DR100mkII. The thing that enabled it on the Zoom H4n, and one of the reasons that it's popular, is the 4-track operation which enables two different input sources. The Tascam can only record 2 tracks, and I think they must be the same type (XLR, internal, or 1/8 in, not a mix).

Hopefully, I'm wrong.

 

[Alex H.]

The H4n is designed to be used as a 4-track recorder for traveling/hobbyist musicians. The DR-100mkII is not. Hence the difference in controls.

Select your inputs using the sliding switch on the front of the recorder, connect two different sources (1/L and 2/R), and then you're ready to set recording level and record. Both signals must be matched at any given time, though... so if you're recording a board feed and a lav, you need to pad the board feed from line level down to mic level.

 

[ChadAndreo]

Thanks for the replies.
I am a little confused with the whole padding thing seeing as this kind of audio recording is new to me.
If I was to pad the feed from the board with something like THIS i am assuming, would I plug the board into one XLR and the mic into the other and get separate tracks recorded or would I have to separate them in post?

 

[Alex H.]

Thanks for the replies.
I am a little confused with the whole padding thing seeing as this kind of audio recording is new to me.
If I was to pad the feed from the board with something like THIS i am assuming, would I plug the board into one XLR and the mic into the other and get separate tracks recorded or would I have to separate them in post?

Okay, let's clear up some terminology here.

First, "separate tracks" refers to recording two sources apart from each other. In other words: not mixed. The DR-100mkII will generate a linked stereo pair from this, but they are still individual tracks (L and R). Depending on your NLE, it can be as simple as selecting the stereo audio file and using a one-click deactivation of the stereo pair (may also be called "unlink stereo pair" or similar).

The H4n, in 4-track mode, generates 4 independent, mono files. If you were to exit the 4-track mode, you'd end up with stereo pairs.

Second, mic-level vs. line-level is a difference in the electrical signal. Mic-level is generally somewhere around -60dB or -50dB. Consumer line level (unbalanced) is -10dB, and professional line-level (balanced) is +4dB. If you feed a line-level signal into a mic-level input, you're going to have massive distortion and possible damage to the circuits. Hence the need for a pad.

The difference between balanced and unbalanced, by the way, is the number of signal leads in the cable. Balanced audio is a 3-conductor (positive signal, negative signal, and ground). Unless it's wired for a stereo signal or something else, XLR and 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) generally carry balanced audio. Unbalanced audio is a 2-conductor (positive signal, and negative/ground). 1/4" TS (tip-sleeve) carries this, as does RCA.

Last, that pad might do the job, but -25dB may not be enough. You may need something closer to -50dB. Testing will tell you what works the best. The thing is, you can only run two mic-level sources OR two line-level sources at the same time, and not a mixture of the two. If the lav is plugged into a wireless transmitter, there's a chance that the wireless receiver can output line-level, negating the need for a pad on the board feed.