Tascam DR07mkII , DR40 or zoom of some sort? and what to best pair them with?

[FiddlerMD]

I am on the verge of buying a portable recorder to use with my d7000... i'd like something on the cheaper side since I don't record THAT often. currently the audio i have is an Oktava that i used to run directly into my dvx100. I like the sound of the oktava a lot but the handling noise and ultra-sensitivity to environmental noises is a bit annoying for most of the stuff i do. What i'd like is a lavalier that'll be wired directly into the recorder and maybe a small shotgun that would work with them as well.

1 - should I go XLR all the way (thus limiting my choices of recorder)
2 - will 3.5mm mics be sufficient for my purposes
3 - will an xlr to 3.5mm adapter be ok to run the Oktava into something like a zoom h1?
4 - how does the dr07mkII compare with the dr40 in terms of sound quality/pre-amps?

I am also looking at OST mics - and the 802 seems like a good all around lav - anyone have samples of it with a portable recorder? (or even directly into a dslr?)

 

[Rick R]

I am on the verge of buying a portable recorder to use with my d7000... i'd like something on the cheaper side since I don't record THAT often. currently the audio i have is an Oktava that i used to run directly into my dvx100. I like the sound of the oktava a lot but the handling noise and ultra-sensitivity to environmental noises is a bit annoying for most of the stuff i do. What i'd like is a lavalier that'll be wired directly into the recorder and maybe a small shotgun that would work with them as well.

1 - should I go XLR all the way (thus limiting my choices of recorder)
> Base that decision on your current and anticipated equipment.

2 - Will 3.5mm mics be sufficient for my purposes?
> No. The Oktava and most 'pro' shotgun mics' require Phantom Power, that's is not an option for 3.5mm unbalanced connections which can only supply low voltage bias current. (aka, 'Plug-in power")
Regarding the Oktava, a good shock mount, like the 'Rycote Invision', is a must for even a skilled boom op. A windscreen is necessary for even the slightest air movement. It is NOT A GOOD CHOICE at all for exteriors.

3 - will an xlr to 3.5mm adapter be ok to run the Oktava into something like a zoom h1?
> No, not without an external Phantom power battery module and unbalanced adapter cables. Not a good input configuration for the Oktava IMO.

4 - how does the dr07mkII compare with the dr40 in terms of sound quality/pre-amps?
> I have not done any direct comparisons. Neither has high-end pre amps, Better than the Zoom? I have not done any direct comparisons

-- I am also looking at OST mics - and the 802 seems like a good all around lav - anyone have samples of it with a portable recorder? (or even directly into a dslr?)
> The OST-802 pick-up characteristics (and sound) is very much like the TR-50..and look almost identical ... in fact the clips and windscreens are interchangeable The OST-801 is more like the Millimic. (response curve optimized for use under clothing)