NTG3/ Sennheiser lavs + Mixpre + Field recorder or NTG3/ Sennheiser lavs + XHA1?

A

aursondigital

Member
So, this is the question:

What of these combos delivers better quality sound (low noise for mics) ?

1) NTG3/ Sennheiser lavs + SD Mixpre + Field recorder

2) NTG3/ Sennheiser lavs + XHA1
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If you've chosen (1) what recorder would you consider?

a) Zoom H4n
b) Fostex FR2LE
c) Tascam DR100
d) Other (which?)
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Is SD Mixpre the same as Mixpre-D in terms of low noise and clear quality sound?
 
You're definitely going to get better quality audio with less noise from the SD MixPre/Field Recorder question. If you have the budget, go for it! I currently use a MixPre with a Tascam DR40 and it's a fabulous combination!
 
I can't vouch for the audio section on the HDV based Canon. I often use a SD302 (same or similar pres to the mixpre) in front of a HPX170 and the results are very good using line in. I speak of audio for video; such as interviews and dialogue. Keep this in perspective, we are talking handycam projects. Using an external recorder should yield better sound, and for things like music, would be better for sure. But in the context of dialogue for video, I record to cam when it is possible and appropriate. It is easier in post, and when working by myself, pretty much the only way.

Whenever I use stix, I put the mixer on a shelf mounted on a leg. If your Canon is anything like the PannyCams, it is pretty difficult to ride levels when shooting do to the size and position of the pots. The mixer is about more than better pres, it is about better control while recording which is important. Also, the new Mixpre has a optional mount for beneath the cam, so it might (?) be possible to use handheld. Another option for handheld would be to mount the mixpre next to the cam on a shoulder rig. So, my recommendation, regardless of recording device, is to start with the Mixpre. You can always add a recorder later. Your mileage may vary according to what you shoot, which you didn't specify.

Grant
 
The audio quality is not really going to improve much, if at all using a cheap field recorder instead of feeding XH-A1 straight from the mics. Using a good mixer like SD302 would make things easier to controll (great limiters and meters) and might raise the quality slightly. Cheap field recorders do not make better than 16 bit files even if they advertise 24 bits, as the electronics and ADCs are so noisy. XH-A1 can record clean signal with over 92 dB dynamic range* when fed from SD302 and that is more than enough for everything. Using the camera takes care of the inevitable sync & drift problems you would get with a separate recorder. For some strange reason people love to make things too complicated. Getting more cheap stuff is not going make any difference, just a mess.

*) I have measured this myself with ultra quiet mic and SD302 to XH-A1 line in. Peak to quiet RMS was over 92 dB, and that was with home made test equipment (steel dog bowl, potato smasher, quiet room...)
 
Hi all,

I'm shooting serious short movies and (as good recordings as possible) personal trips mainly. Apart of this, I'm considering to sell the XHA1 because I'm using Panny GH13 much, much more, I don't like the use of tapes and I need to upgrade other stuff (Sachtler/Vinten tripod, for example). That's the reason why I'm trying to look for a combo, mixer plus field recorder that delivers (at least) as decent sound as XHA1 does.

How can you know that if you have no XH-A1 and have not tested the audio it provides as is?
Click to expand...

Petrus...

I read a lot in this forums and some people states that is much more important the mic preamps than the recorder.

-> You are talking about 16 bit (cheap recorders)... Do you think that MixPre+Tascam DR40 is not delivering better or similar sound than mic+XHA1?
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Getting more cheap stuff is not going make any difference, just a mess.
Click to expand...

-> Is (f.e.) FR2LE cheap stuff? If so, why so many people like and buy and use it for short movies?

-> Is Sound Devices 702 (or even more expensive recorders) the ONLY way to go to get better sound than XHA1?
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I know that separated sound and video files make the work more laborious but many people in these forums recommend to record the audio in separated devices... maybe not for video purposes but yes for shorts, documentaries...
 
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