Tascam 680 or Zoom H4n? Advice needed. To be paired with a Sound Devices 552

[derbrocks09]

So I am finally a proud owner of a Sound Devices 552 mixer which also has an on board 2 track recorder. I would like to be able to record all my channels individually as a back up and to offer more options in post. The SD552 has 5 channels FYI.

So my question is, should I go with a Tascam 680 or would a pair of H4n's work as well?

FWIW. My very first recorder that I owned was a Zoom H4n and I was pretty happy with it but eventually I upgraded to a Marantz PMD660 for the cleaner preamps. If I recall the Zoom will not take line in but my SD552 can be set up to output all 5 channels as mic level too so I would think it would work with the Zoom.

I'm really leaning toward getting the Tascam 680 for the 6 tracks and the ability to record Line in. However the flexibility of possibly getting two Zoom H4n's for less money and having the second Zoom only being needed in my main bag for the rare cases when I will need all 5 channels of the SD552 recorded when it can be available as a stand alone back up or simply a smaller lighter option for certain jobs is appealing to me. In most situations having only 4 tracks vs the 5 I would get from the Tascam will be fine. I really like the idea of having the second H4n available for smaller odd jobs.

The biggest factor I am considering is sound quality. Will I suffer a quality hit recording mic levels on the Zoom out of my SD552 vs recording Line level into the Tascam 680? The Zoom pre's aren't the best but would they be alright recording the Mic output of the SD552?

I'm really torn so any advice or comments or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[Alex H.]

I'm really leaning toward getting the Tascam 680 for the 6 tracks and the ability to record Line in. However the flexibility of possibly getting two Zoom H4n's for less money...

If you've invested in a 552, don't cheap out elsewhere.

The biggest factor I am considering is sound quality.

Then there's no question. Get the TASCAM. Why even consider having to send mic-level out just to pass it through lesser pre-amps? Plus, having to wrangle two recorders for recording 4 sources is going to add a logistical PITA both for you in the field and for whomever is working post.

And I'd also say that the multi-track recorder would offer you more flexibility than a couple of H4n recorders. If you think you might want something in the kit to be a plant mic for tight/risky spaces, grab an H1 in addition to the DR680. You'll get built-in mics, and a device that can be used to record ambient sound beds in strange places. And if you need to get a recording of something that could damage or destroy the recorder, the H1 is, in the grand scheme of things, pretty cheap to replace.

 

[recordingwhiz]

X2 what C2V said...

 

[Steve House]

Tascam would be the way to go given the options you listed. But even better, pair the 552 with a SD788t and keep it in the family.

 

[derbrocks09]

Tascam would be the way to go given the options you listed. But even better, pair the 552 with a SD788t and keep it in the family.

That is the eventual plan. Might take me two years though.

LOL

Ok Great. Thanks guys. I kinda already knew in my gut that the Tascam was the way to go but wanted some input. I really did like my Zoom when I had it but it was also my first recorder.

Unless a few people chime in advising going with the Zoom in the next day or two, I'm gonna pull the trigger on a Tascam 680.

Thanks again

 

[Justyn]

Nice.... Report when you do... I'm also looking into the 680... I liked that Fostex 4 track one but it's like 400 bucks more and only 4 tracks. I think that this unit with a nice bag is a real winner...

Looking forward to hearing about your findings.