Sound recorders round up

So I dindnt go H4n because the batt dies you lose the clip (AFAIK) and (AFAIK) you cant output backup sound to the camera in

Unlike the Tascam (2 batts - OP to camera)

But the build quality is just flimsy - how about the H4n ?

S
 
all those low end recorders are plastic. yeah they can record great sound but you're not going to get longevity out of them. if you're going to buy a zoom h4n or any other of those cheaper recorders then buy from somewhere that you can get one of those warranties that will cover it no matter what. they are plastic consumer devices that will not stand up to the wear and tear that professional gear(sound devices, fostex, etc..) are designed for. so you can either baby them, which is what i do with my h4, or pay the price.
 
What Im after doesnt have to be cheap

But it does need to be light to be incorporated a lone operator RnG rig - probably mounted on the back of the rails or in a pocket maybe in one of those stupid snapper jackets

Can you recommend such a device ?

S
 
morgan_moore said:
So I dindnt go H4n because the batt dies you lose the clip (AFAIK) and (AFAIK) you cant output backup sound to the camera in
Click to expand...

I didn't lose the clip on my h4n. It shuts itself down when the battery finally gives in and saves the clip. As for output sound to camera, that's also possible using the headphone/line out. To monitor and record to camera I just needed to get a cheap dual headphone adapter.

It does feel a bit cheap and it wouldn't survive a drop onto concrete without cracking but neither would a lot of things.
 
Hmm I think its build quality Im after - something that will last

This looks nice but its not a recorder

sound-devices.jpg


S
 
mhood said:
I have the Roland Edirol HR-09 and it has been rock solid...no sync problems at all. I use a SignVideo XLR-Pro when I need to input a couple of XLRs.
Click to expand...


I agree-I love the R-09.
My only gripe is the missing 1/4-20 socket on it to mount it like the Zoom has.
 
My vote is for the Marantz PMD-661 - I've had one since it was introduced and it still works like a champ. It is reasonably priced at $599, has XLR inputs, it's lightweight, has a bright OLED display, a 1/4-20 socket, very quiet preamps, phantom power, battery life is above average, it records .wav and .mp3 and is very easy to operate. It's also one of only three recorders that received an "EXCELLENT" in the Wingfield Audio Review. I use mine with an SD MixPre and NTG3 Shotgun to get great results.

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/marantz-pmd661-review.html
 
Ahh..I love the Marantz too. The size is a drawback, but it is a great recorder with XLR's.
 
Jeffyr said:
I agree-I love the R-09.
My only gripe is the missing 1/4-20 socket on it to mount it like the Zoom has.
Click to expand...

The 1/4-20 socket is on the leather case. I actually prefer it being there instead of on the actual unit...I think it cuts down on the operator noise.
 
I dont really have the budget but I just have the feeling that making a silent movie for a paying client could cost me a lot more in the long run

Especially as Im in this weird place of trying to persuade people to hire me and my funny little camera rather than the local 'corporate video' people - Sound Devices - a couple of G - reputation - priceless

And of course if you consider that the 5dmk4, Scarlet or something has proper onboard sound the SD would probably actually have a resale value unlike a shredded plastic fantastic

Buy cheap buy twice - ive made that mistake again !

S
 
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