step up from in-camera audio

[Bruce Watson]

I want to make a step up from recording audio in camera. For my second system audio, I'm looking at two paths. One is a SD MixPre-D field mixer feeding a Tascam DR-100 recorder, about $1140 from B&H. The other path is to use just the new Tascam DR-60D mixer/recorder, about $350 from B&H.

Much of the time I'll be feeding whichever option I choose with one or two Sennheiser G3 wireless lavs. I'm a OMB so for most of my work I won't have time to ride levels closely; therefore the digital pots of the DR-60D don't worry me much, but I do recognize the analog pots of the MixPre-D being an advantage when I do need to ride levels.

For the record, most of what I film ends up being presentations, demonstrations, class room lectures, etc. It's all dialog, but it's not professional actors.

I'm fairly sure that I'd get somewhat better quality sound from the MixPre-D path. But would it justify the more than 3x price premium? Especially given that it's looking at Sennheiser G3s, not a Sanken CS-3E?

 

[davefisk]

This is an interesting dilemma, for sure. Both set ups will serve you well. I have all of the equipment you mention. My first thought is to lean towards the DR-60D. You can split one channel internally, and have one of the audio signals lower in level as a safety channel should the main channel overload. Also, the advantage of using the DR-60D is that you only have one piece of equipment to deal with.

That being said, the MixPre-D is quite an incredible unit, and that combined with the DR-100 leaves you very flexible for other types of shooting.

If you are able, I'd recommend getting to a dealer that sells all of this and try it all out. If that is not possible, then talk to a rental house that may rent all of this equipment, and rent it. Some of them may allow you to put the cost of a rental towards a purchase if you let them know ahead of time of your intent.