Tascam DR40 or Zoom h4 or H4n.

N

n1c02

Well-known member
I am looking for an external recorder... Id like advice from anyone that has used or compared these models.. and which you would prefer and why...

Thanks
Terry
 
There was a thread further down the page where there was some links to a review of both the DR-40 and the DR-100 mkII. From what I gathered in that review, either recorder knocks the socks off the Zoom. The DR-100 being better for separate mics than the DR-40 though since you can only do the same gain to both channels on the DR-40 while on the DR-100 you can gain the channels separately.
Mind you also, people on DVX and other forums have mentioned that they are getting helicopter sounding noise on the DR-40, but I can't figure wether this is a general fault or something that is cause by certain types of mics and/or preamps.

The thread I mentioned:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?268970-Another-Tascam!-DR100MII
 
From what I've read on hv20.com, the Zoom are generally prefered and here it's the Tascam.
I've used both brand (H2 and currently a DR-05) and both are quite similar in terms of quality. Different functions for sure, but overall they're pretty similar, but that's only "entry-level" models. I actually prefer the Tascam though: simpler and feel less like a toy compared to the Zoom.
 
I like the zoom - quick and easy to set up in a wedding situation - I've stuffed up on the tascam a couple of times forgetting to set level - I'll be selling my 2 tascams soon
 
tired said:
I like the zoom - quick and easy to set up in a wedding situation - I've stuffed up on the tascam a couple of times forgetting to set level - I'll be selling my 2 tascams soon
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On the Tascam (DR-05) you simply press record twice to start recording and it has an "hold" button to avoid stopping the recording by accident, something very useful. Other than this, both devices are quite similar, once you've set the levels one time, unless you'd change it, it simply remain set.
 
Thanks.. Ive been looknig into them both.. Im selling my M2 and rails to purchase one.. but.... does how do you guys record strait into the tascam with an xlr mic? use an adapter or? the tascam dr-05 seems to be a good choice and at a really good price but im worried about the xlr inputs... right now my setup in my mics going nito a mixer and then into the recording device... I believe using the tascam or zoom will eliminate all the wiring that I have now?

Thanks
Terry
 
Audio seperate from DLSR

Audio seperate from DLSR

I have a canon t2i and want to use it to do shorts, features, etc.... I want to use seperate audio for this .. I have been looking around and want advice on how most any of you that have made features using hardware such as a zoom H4n or a tascam dr40,05. and so on use this... Are you still running your mics through a mixer and then into the device or do you simply use the mics through the zoom,ect...

If a mixer is still involved, I am thinking of saving some money right now and using my already in place mic - to - mixer - to dvx100a for recording audio... any advice?


Terry
 
Terry I believe you can skip the need for a mixer with the Tascam DR-680. It has clean pre amps making a mixer redundant. Good luck.
 
n1c02 said:
I have a canon t2i and want to use it to do shorts, features, etc.... I want to use seperate audio for this .. I have been looking around and want advice on how most any of you that have made features using hardware such as a zoom H4n or a tascam dr40,05. and so on use this...
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Hi Terry, I've done a couple a little short films using at first the mic plugged directly into the camera, then using a JuicedLink preamp to an Zoom H2. I'm currently using a Tascam DR-05 and I'm still using the JuicedLink preamp with it to "bypass" the recorder internal preamp. That's unfortunately something that comes with entry-level recorders. But using something like an H4 or a DR-100 would give you more quality straight from the mic to the recorder. It won't compare to a kit using a field mixer, but with basic knowledge of microphone placement, you should get a decent audio out of it.
Or, you can always get an entry level recorder and use Lav with it. I've done a quick test using a cheap lavalier that I've bought on B&H for like 19$ here:
It's basically the mic plugged directly in the T2i for a quick test. I also recorded another test comparing both boomed microphones with the same lavalier mic here:
The Lavalier is the left channel while the boomed mics are in the right channel. Be sure to listen with headphone or mute one speaker in order to hear the proper mic only.

That being said, good audio can be achieved with entry-level gear, with basic knowledge of audio, like microphone placement, which is the key.
 
Again, there are tons of similar threads around here. In the mean time, I'm moving this over to your other thread, since they're along the same lines. This will keep the conversation in one place.
 
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legrevedotcom said:
There was a thread further down the page where there was some links to a review of both the DR-40 and the DR-100 mkII. From what I gathered in that review, either recorder knocks the socks off the Zoom. The DR-100 being better for separate mics than the DR-40 though since you can only do the same gain to both channels on the DR-40 while on the DR-100 you can gain the channels separately.
Mind you also, people on DVX and other forums have mentioned that they are getting helicopter sounding noise on the DR-40, but I can't figure wether this is a general fault or something that is cause by certain types of mics and/or preamps.

The thread I mentioned:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?268970-Another-Tascam!-DR100MII
Click to expand...

FYI, with the recent firmware update, the Tascam DR-40 can now set levels for each external source separately. I was also shocked to see it's only $158 on Amazon and B&H now.
 
Terry I believe you can skip the need for a mixer with the Tascam DR-680. It has clean pre amps making a mixer redundant. Good luck.
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While this is not a bad suggestion for those who want to save money, I just want to point out that a mixer is still not redundant since it offers more than just clean gain. There's also analogue low cut filters and limiters, good headphone amplification, metering, and more in-out choices. I would always use one if the recorder doesn't have these things (which almost none at this price point does, except maybe the new DC-302).

Also, the DR-680 might be a bit overkill since it was originally about two-channel units. In that case a PMD671, HD-P2 or maybe FR2-LE and PMD661 are viable choices.

I would personally go for a small 2-3 channel mixer, like the mixpre, and a recorder able to take a +4dBu line input.
 
skyy38 said:
Reviews talk but Action walks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRG-4bxLlVg&feature=relmfu

Recorded on Zoom H1

:)
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It's like you're saying the opinions of people above about devices they use - in many cases to earn a living - don't stand up to the example you provided.

Or are you trying to say that the Zoom H1 is crap? Because your recording was terrible. With that kind of "Action" (with a capital A no less) people should cross the H1 right off their list.

sound.jpg
 
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keylight said:
It's like you're saying the opinions of people above about devices they use - in many cases to earn a living - don't stand up to the example you provided.

Or are you trying to say that the Zoom H1 is crap? Because your recording was terrible. With that kind of "Action" (with a capital A no less) people should cross the H1 right off their list.

View attachment 51408
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Opinions are like pie-holes-everybody's got one. Besides which, I was NOT referring to the "people above" and their choice of gear-whatever works for them, works for them. I was referring to the countless arbitrary reviews that have been published before. The reviewers could have been having a bad day when they reviewed "Brand X" and maybe their opinion was more than just a bit biased.

Reviews should only be used as a guideline NOT the final word. The final word belongs to everyone of us who possesses a set of ears and our own personal taste, even in a sea of standards and standard bearers.

I never said the H1 was crap either. I love it, 'cause it kept me from spending more on potentially *less*.

And what precisely was so terrible about my recording? A little more "air" than what you're used to? According to your lovely green waveform, I might be running a little bit outside of the edges, but no signs of heinous distortion, which I don't like and therefore, do not include.

Perhaps you don't care for Indiana Jones inspired music. No accounting for taste, I suppose but I 've always thought IJ music was real cool.

I don't tell people what to listen for when I post links to examples. I just pot it and then , it's up to them.
 
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