Mixer - Recorder Dilema

G

ggrantly

Veteran
Over time, I have collected quite a bit of audio gear, and at this point the collection is out of sync (pun intended). So, I am considering a shakeup.

Question: If I migrated to a 744t recorder, is it realistic to control the two XLR channels with the onboard controls and meters if I were recording 4 channels? I would have a Mixpre-D to handle the two additional channels via the TA3 connection. The 744t metering looks fine and there is onboard trim for the first two channels, is that realistic?

If I sold my existing mixing and recording gear and threw down an extra one large, I could slide into this combo.

Grant
 
I do much more music recording than production recording, so others should chime in... but I find the 744t metering and control to be excellent and I think you should be fine. The 744t DOES NOT have separate gain and level controls like, say, an SD302 has... just gain... but I don't find that to be much of a limitation. I often use the 744t as a "mixer" to feed the camera (and make a backup recording). I don't see a dilemma...id say a no-brainer if you can afford it!
 
I've used just a 744t quite a bit. Never more than the 2 xlr inputs though. Personally, I like the controls and meters on the 744 and have never had any problems. Adding the mixpre-d seems like a great idea.
 
i'd look at the nomad if you're looking for an all in one unit. nomad 4 is $3600 where as a 744 is $4000. hell, even a nomad 6 is $4400. and thats a full on 10 channel mixer with amazing mic pres and unclippable inputs.
 
But if you found a good deal on a 744T or for whatever reason really wanted one, then yes, it's fine with just the trim controls. Although with the Nomad out there now, it looks like something worth looking into. I think you'll definitely get one for less than $4k. One here at $3k right now, but will prolly go up a little.
 
I haven't used the Nomad, but I have used the Fusion. They're both good in different ways. I, personally, am a SD fan, but I think it's just a personal preference based on what you're used to. I would definitely consider the Nomad over the 744T mainly because of the lack of control for 3 and 4 without a separate unit. A 442/744T combo used to be a powerhouse, but Zaxcom is spicing it up with all the bells and whistles.
 
DFWaudio said:
I haven't used the Nomad, but I have used the Fusion. They're both good in different ways. I, personally, am a SD fan, but I think it's just a personal preference based on what you're used to. I would definitely consider the Nomad over the 744T mainly because of the lack of control for 3 and 4 without a separate unit. A 442/744T combo used to be a powerhouse, but Zaxcom is spicing it up with all the bells and whistles.
Click to expand...

That was the point of my post with regard to mixing two channels on the 744. I'll always have some type of mixer, presently a 302, but considering a downgrade to a MixPre D for easier use with a video cam. On the occasions when I need four channels, I'd have the MixPre to cover that. Or, could use the MixPre with the 744 to cover two channels if that is an advantage.

Grant
 
By "easier to use with a video cam" do you mean just the form factor? For me, the extra channel of the 302 would outweigh that... I often find 3 mixed stage mics and 2 orchestra mics (or stereo board feed) is a sweet spot for my "low end" stage production recording packages.

I also found, with the old MixPre, that the input clipping level was so low as to be problematic in some music situations (orchestra and even solo piano recordings with moderate-output codensers, etc). The 302 has a higher input clipping level... I'm not sure about the newer MixPre-d? It's tricky because the dual-limiter setup in the MixPre hides the effect of the clipping well in moany situations... but for music the limiting can be very apparent.

BTW, I'd love to see nice aftermarket mounting plates for the 302 and 744t... I'd love to be able to easily bolt them onto tripod legs, etc. Anyone know of anything like that?
 
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Ullanta,

Presently, I mount my 302 on a small shelf attached to a magic arm. I Velcro the 302 down to the shelf along with wireless receivers if needed. The idea is to improve and better control the signal the cam receives, recording line in. When on stix, this works fine, but the 302 is just too much to attach to a cam hand held, at least for me. And, the 302 lacks any attachment method other than Velcro.

The new Mix Pre D has threaded bosses top and bottom, and at 2/3 the size and weight of a 302, I can imagine attaching it to a cam and giving that a try under some circumstances. I know the 302 is a lot more machine, but in my case, I hardly seem to use the third input. That's how I see it, but if someone sees this different, I'm all ears.
 
Nope, sounds like for your purposes it's a good plan.

And, yes, I use velcro and gaff tape, but would love attachment points like the MixPre has!

For anyone who's interested., the MixPre-D still specs with a -10dBu input clipping level vs 0dBu for the 302... not likely a problem for dialog, but something to be aware of for other uses!
 
John Willett said:
Really? - I always thought that the analogue side was what let Zaxcom down - unless they have new engineers who have completely redesigned the analogue side of the Zaxcom. ?
Click to expand...

yes, the inputs on the nomad were designed different from the ground up.

and yes, i've had a nomad for about 3 months now. so much better than carrying mixer/recorder in a bag.
 
yes there's a trim for channels 1 & 2, but it's not quite as handy as a mix-pre knob.

Regards,

Ty Ford
 
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