Shure FP33 and Fostex FR-2le or Sound Devices 302 and Tascam DR-100

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Amphibian200

New member
I am purchasing audio equipment for a film I am making this summer. I have about $1200 that I can spend on sound if I need to and I already have the following:
  • Tascam DR-100 Recorder
  • Sony C-74 Shotgun Mic (17" long)
I can get an used FP33 for $500 or I can get a used Sound Devices 302 for $800-900.

So my question is, for the amount of money I have, is it worth it to buy a 302 or could the money be put to better use in other places?

The most tempting use for the money saved by purchasing the FP33 I can think of is purchasing a used FR-2le to replace my DR-100(which I can also sell for $150 or so). Which combination would likely provide the best sound?

There may be some other aspects of sound recording that I am overlooking as well.

The project will be shot primarily outdoors in the woods or in open fields and I already know the importance of a shotgun blimp for that type of recording.

Thanks!
 
Get the 302 and a DR 40 (should be cheaper than a DR 100). Most important is the mixer.

At the end of the day, equipment is one thing, but experience is another.
 
Why do you feel you need a mixer when you only have one mic? get the MM1 for the pre and spend the rest on boom pole, wind / shock protection, headphones, cables, a sound bag, and save the rest if any to rent wireless if the situation wont let you use the shotgun.
 
I second the need for one or two good mics, a boom, wind protection, shockmount etc. Unless you are thinking about renting those things (you may need wireless too, which might be better to rent than buy), I would look at mic and accessories first, then the rest of the chain. If you then are going with one of those mixers (the MM-1 is also good value if you only need one channel) then there's not much need for an FR2-LE, you'll be fine with a handheld that can take a balanced line signal.
 
I am going to purchase a matched pair of hypercardioid mics for indoors and sound effects recording. Eventually I will need three inputs and I would also like the high quality preamps of the sound devices 302. My main concern if I get the SD 302 is whether using the Tascam DR-100 (which I already own) to record will negatively impact the audio. The Tascam does have a line input through a 3.5mm jack so I think it will probably record fine.
 
Amphibian200 said:
I would also like the high quality preamps of the sound devices 302. My main concern if I get the SD 302 is whether using the Tascam DR-100 (which I already own) to record will negatively impact the audio. The Tascam does have a line input through a 3.5mm jack so I think it will probably record fine.
Click to expand...
I occasionally use a 302> DR-40 for 'low budget' clients, the sound quality between this set-up and my 744 is negligible,. (all other input parameters and track count being equal)
I use the DR-40's +4 line level balanced inputs, but an unbalanced -10dB input can sound good as well. You could simply attenuate the 302's XLR output level in the sofware menu .. OR.. use the 302's 'Tape out' TA3 output connector.
PS- the DR-100mkII has +4dB balanced inputs, don't know about the original DR-100.
 
Just did some quick reading on the FP33 and SD302, and even though the FP33 is a proven work horse, many claim to hear an improvement in sound quality in the 302, and it also has more options and arguably better meters.

If you can spend the money, I'd say go for the 302, if not, there's nothing "wrong" with the FP33.

Regarding the DR100, you shouldn't get any noticeable decrease in quality as long as you adjust the levels well with the mixer. If you get the 302, then you can lower the output if the DR100 can't take a balanced line signal.
 
The 302 is the way to fly on this one. The FP33 was great in its day, but they are noisy. I've used the 302 a TON, and I love it.
 
I agree the sd302 is the way to go and you should keep your dr100 and use the remaining money on other audio items.

Best,
Andy
 
I too would opt for the SD302, but then again it really doesn't matter if a mixer is used or not, if for example... the person booming has poor technique, or a crappy boom was used which transmitted all the handling noise from the operator, or you lacked proper wind protection, or lacked a good pair of cans to monitor with. If it were me, I would take your $1200 and invest in the basic building blocks needed before I blew all my budget on a mixer.

All the best!

Dave
 
David W. Jones said:
I too would opt for the SD302, but then again it really doesn't matter if a mixer is used or not, if for example... the person booming has poor technique, or a crappy boom was used which transmitted all the handling noise from the operator, or you lacked proper wind protection, or lacked a good pair of cans to monitor with. If it were me, I would take your $1200 and invest in the basic building blocks needed before I blew all my budget on a mixer.
All the best! Dave
Click to expand...
+1.. A truckload of top shelf gear in the hands of the inexperienced will not help. If I buy a vintage Les Paul and a Marshall will I play like Slash. (or other guitar god)
 
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