What are my options for a temporary recorder?

M

Mitch.Kear

Well-known member
Hey guys,

I am looking for advice to getting a new recorder. Pretty much I am sick of using my Dr100, all the errors, lack of usable line level, non locking cables, trying to sit it in my bag...

I only need stereo right now and in the near future I will upgrade to a SD recorder with more channels... Sound like a bad idea I know, but I just had a baby and am a little tight on the "emergency cash/gear money" right now. Unless someone has a fix for the errors on the DR100, I unfortunately need something right now. Errors: (not continued, file error) these are both during playback and while recording.

I guess we can swing about $1000 for now. I just need something very reliable and convenient (not to much to ask right!). I don't trust the 680, and haven't had much experience with other recorders outside consumer/prosumer. Though the usability of the 680 seems great the overheat issue I worry about.

I'm running usually 2/3 channels through my 302.

I apologize in advance for another "what recorder should I get?" thread, but any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks.
 
Here's the thing with the 680. I've had it overheat on one shoot, and that was running in a tight bag with the mixer sitting right next to it.. That's it. and I was working the snot out it. I've recently had another shoot, in the same environment, and all I did different was put a small strip of hard foam on each side, below the recorder where the bottom previously touched the bag, and that little bit of air space allowed the unit to remain cool. I am spoiled by having 6 input tracks to record with.
IF my reputation depended on it, and it usually does, I would still carry the 680.
That being said, the SD 744 and 788 are both great recorders, but both out of your price range.
 
No issues with errors other than that on the 680 eh. It does seem like a great deal. Though its 999 in Toronto wwhich is where I am right now. Unless its a old price.
 
I've never had a data error. I'm using PNY Optima 8gb class 6 cards in both my DR-100 and 680. I never pull the cards from the recorder unless they're full and I have to switch during a shoot (only happened once). Otherwise I plug in USB and move the files from the card to the computer. I think I paid $900 for mine. Over 900 takes so far (I don't reset the counter and use SD Wave Agent for naming).
 
Well you may have sold me on it. Maybe I will try a different card. Can't believe I didn't think to do that in the first place. Thanks.
 
Mitch, I own both the DR-100 and the 680. I like them both, but I have to qualify that with I'm not a full time sound guy.

There is some truth to what the you mentioned with regard to the DR-100. The form factor doesn't lend itself to a bag. At times, I have clamped the recorder on a boom pole (without mixer). The 1/8" line in plug is a weak link, but feeding line in via a 302 has presented zero problems for me. Are you having issues with the signal? I have never had a data error with either recorder. What brand of SD card are you using? I would be more suspicious of the card rather than recorder. If this is happening with regularity, there is a problem which might be easily fixed. I use SanDisk exclusively in both my audio recorders and one of my video cams and never have any problems.

The 680 has been solid for me, though I am less than enthused about the display and actually like the DR100 display better. Also realize that though advertised as a 8 track recorder it actually has 4 XLRs, 2 phonos for inputs. For anything other than quick takes, you will be needing external power for the 680 do to short internal battery life.

Grant
 
I have to say, $1000 is a lot to throw into a "temporary" recorder. That's an investment that you should be willing to stick with for a while. Any of the recorders that you're looking at in that price range won't hold the best resale value, so you're guaranteed to lose some cash on it. Any one of them can be a useful tool.

The FR2-LE and HD-P2 are both great two-track recorders. If Time Code is something you'll need, go for the HD-P2. As for the DR680, there are lots of folks around here who love it for a portable, baggable, multi-track recorder. If you need more than two tracks, and you understand the challenges of the DR680 and how to overcome them, consider it a viable solution.
 
Mitch.Kear said:
I only need stereo right now and in the near future I will upgrade to a SD recorder with more channels... Sound like a bad idea I know, but I just had a baby and am a little tight on the "emergency cash/gear money" right now. Unless someone has a fix for the errors on the DR100, I unfortunately need something right now. Errors: (not continued, file error) these are both during playback and while recording.

I guess we can swing about $1000 for now. I just need something very reliable and convenient (not to much to ask right!). I don't trust the 680, and haven't had much experience with other recorders outside consumer/prosumer. Though the usability of the 680 seems great the overheat issue I worry about.

I'm running usually 2/3 channels through my 302.
Click to expand...

Food for thought. Have you considered attaching a Sony low-noise line-in recorder to your 302? 680 seems a lot as a "temporary" thing. Either Sony D50 or M10 is cheaper than 680, has better (at least no worse) recording quality than DR 100, and seems enough to cover all your "temporary" needs - you don't have to have phantom from your recorder anyway, right? M10 is small, has a pair of excellent low-noise (< 17dBA) internal mics, 19 to 40+ hour recording time on two AA's. If you have wind protection like a Rode dead cat on it, you can talk right into it within 1-2 inch away for best s/n ratio, no pops or proximity effects, and the recorded voice seems to be very natural. It will be a sweetest pocket tool for recording your baby's first sounds/voice any time anywhere, too. Much more handy and less noisy than a H4n or DR 100. Many times better than a cell phone or i-Device. IMO, it's a good "temporary" thing that will also be very usable and useful for many years.
 
Thanks guys.

I have considered all of the above for all for different reasons. I'm not sure I want another hand held recorder though it seems to be a good price and quality. I don't ever use on board mics, if there was a high quality recorder with stricly line in and meters I'd get that, though the m10 seems to be the closest thing.

I also like the way the 680 looks and I mainly use my 302 meters anyway. I don't think I would have an issue figuring out the layout of it and more channels to me adds that much more versitility just incase.

HDP2 also seems like a great option with timecode and build. A bit of a dated look but that doesn't matter to me.

I considered the FR2-LE simply because its not tascam and I'm a bit frustrated with them right now. I honestly don't know much about this recorder other than its quality is pretty good and the meters aren't.

I am starting to think it is my card that needs to be changed. Though I still want something better. Line in from my 302 I can't get the level high enough in the tascam to be usable.

I appreciate your help with this guys.
 
I think someone should make a meter/record panel for the DR100. Line out for meters, remote in for record/stop... Just saying
 
I think the 680 will be your recorder, not just your temporary recorder. Though you have aspirations to get an SD, the reality of having a child, not just a baby, will most likely keep you from dropping 4-6 grand any time soon. Just try not to do all day shoots in 105º whether with a dumb bag that has no room for the unit to breathe. Look around and see if you can find a 680 for 800.00 - as they go for that at B&H. Maybe if you are on the Eastern side a little trip to New York may be in order? Then you can put another couple hundred into powering the thing. It is a sweet recorder! I have a modified one. That costs 300.00 more from Busman Audio. He mods the 6 analog inputs to have less noise (which there isn't that much of to begin with) and more transparency.

All I know is I have not heard any "error" reports like you mention on the DR-100. Maybe you need a faster card? Anyway, I'm sure there is some 2 channel recorder out there for 600.00 -sh from Mirantz but I don't have any experience with those.
 
Mitch, if you aren't getting enough volume from your line-in recording from a 302, then you have a setup problem. This should be a non-issue.

Grant
 
Thanks for the tips Chad, you know of an external power unit that costs 200? I've been putting it off cause I don't want to drop 600/700 on it.

Grant. I have the 302 Ta3 f to 1/8th line in, though I've also tested xlr to line in and same issue. All output limiters on 302 are off. My tascam set to line in.

Tried different cables no change. My line in is uneffected to the "mic gain" on the back but I assume it is supposed to be this way.

Any idea?

Also my card is sanDisk 8gb sdhc. Should be fast enough.
 
Hi Mitch.

I have heard some good things about this battery: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/503090-REG/Tekkeon_MP3450_MP3450_myPower_ALL_Universal.html/
It's 119.00. It was mentioned in a giant thread about the DR-680 over at taperssection.com. I can't say how well it works, because I have not gotten it yet, but there are a lot of tapers who get stuff like this that lasts a long time, but is't as pro as the video world's NP-1 batteries and battery distribution units that can get pricy. Sam Mallary has the latter method he uses, and can give you specifics on that.

Cheers!
 
I just made a quick video to show you the problems with the recorder.

I forgot to turn on the computer mic so I just put some tunes on.

 
Chadfish said:
Hi Mitch.

I have heard some good things about this battery: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/503090-REG/Tekkeon_MP3450_MP3450_myPower_ALL_Universal.html/
It's 119.00. It was mentioned in a giant thread about the DR-680 over at taperssection.com. I can't say how well it works, because I have not gotten it yet, but there are a lot of tapers who get stuff like this that lasts a long time, but is't as pro as the video world's NP-1 batteries and battery distribution units that can get pricy. Sam Mallary has the latter method he uses, and can give you specifics on that.

Cheers!
Click to expand...
This looks decent for an affordable external source I will look more into it. So that means you use a hell of a lot of AA batteries eh Chad.
 
I've seen that error. And yup, it was an incompatable SD card. While I will try to use non-listed cards, when I get a malfunction, especially a data malfunction, I drop in sandisk card and wala, problem is solved. The incompatable card gets delegated to my point and shoot camera. Try it with a card listed in manual, it it works, then the problem was never with the recorder. IF it doesn't work, you've got a dinked recorder.

Mitch.Kear said:
I just made a quick video to show you the problems with the recorder.

I forgot to turn on the computer mic so I just put some tunes on.

Click to expand...
 
gpforet said:
I've seen that error. And yup, it was an incompatable SD card. While I will try to use non-listed cards, when I get a malfunction, especially a data malfunction, I drop in sandisk card and wala, problem is solved. The incompatable card gets delegated to my point and shoot camera. Try it with a card listed in manual, it it works, then the problem was never with the recorder. IF it doesn't work, you've got a dinked recorder.
Click to expand...

Perfect, thank you for confirming this. Well worth taking the time to make the video... haha. I see you use PNY Optima or Sandisk. I have been using this recorder for 3 years nearly with a Sandisk 8gb class 2 sdhc card. I guess it's just had it's time.

How about the issue with the line level? any clue? Still could be a dinked recorder?

Thanks again for confirming this.
 
Actually Mitch I don't use the 680 very often. I shoot my own ads, and for the most part I plug straight into my EX1 and get awesome results. The 680 is used for live performance recordings where I'll put up 4 - 6 mics, or 4 mics and a board feed. In those cases I just use DC power. If I do get a long boom-op/mixer job that needs a recorder, then I'll flip for the big battery. Money is a tad tight to say the least!
 
Fair enough. I guess I assumed most regular posters were strictly audio guys, I thought wrong haha. Thanks Chad. I am quite involved in the underground music scene in the Toronto area so this is another reason why the 680 turns me on.
 
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