Which combo?

D

denny.rm

New member
Hello,

I've been looking at some recorders/mixers for production sound on film projects. I see that with the Sound Devices 788t you can buy a controller for just under 1000.
But for about the same price one could get a 744t with a 552 mixer.

Does anyone have recommendations on which combo is better?
Thanks!
 
denny.rm said:
Hello,

I've been looking at some recorders/mixers for production sound on film projects. I see that with the Sound Devices 788t you can buy a controller for just under 1000.
Click to expand...

Probably have to add a couple of dollars to your budget for the recorder that goes with the controller.
 
denny.rm said:
Does anyone have recommendations on which combo is better?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Both.
Totally depends on your needs and wants.

Downfalls of a 744T/552 combo- Weight, only 4 tracks, having to interconnect the machines...
Upside - lots of flexibility, can use just the 552 when needed, great metering on both units...

Downfalls of 788T - no dedicated camera return inputs, small metering
Upside - 12 internal tracks, everything is in one unit...

Obviously there are quite a few to add to these lists..
but honestly if you are in a position to spend 7 grand on equipment you should be to the point of understanding most of these differences on your own.
Go to Sound devices.com and look at the differences in features and decide.

I also suggest calling a retailer like taiaudio, trewaudio, location sound, etc
and discuss your needs/wants with them. That is why they are there.
Sound devices are sold for the same price pretty much everywhere so instead of using a big box house (bh photo)
use a dedicated retailer who can help you before AND after the sale.
 
The recently released Zaxcom Nomad mixer/recorder may be of interest. I don't know if it can be directly interfaced with an external control surface. Looks like it would be a nice bag system though.
 
Thanks for the responses!

I guess I might like getting more tracks now right away so I don't have to upgrade and spend more money later if I do, in fact, ever need those extra inputs.

I looked up the Tascam Nomad. It looks fairly promising. The only thing is I've gotten the slight impression that Sound Devices may win the audio quality battle according to online discussions. But it does seem nice to have an all-in-1 machine. And it also has 6 xlr inputs for the 8 track recorder, vs only 4 for the sd 788t.


Does anyone know if there is a way to expand the number of xlr inputs on the 788t to utilize more tracks with xlr?

Another thing is that I've been doing a lot of research on different features on mixers, etc., but it sure is a web of functions, and the 788t/cl8 combo seems tempting in being a more simpler way to record while at the same time having volume controls (less complicated workflow). It seems having a mixer may have the ability to deliver the absolute best audio quality with the pre amps and numerous features, but if one doesn't know how to work all of the features, then it would prove pointless to use one. I've been trying to learn a lot online about mixers, but some of it is still mind-boggling to me with all the menus, features, etc.(besides the faders for volume controls).
 
Last edited:
denny,
You got quite a number of things incorrect in your last post. "tascam nomad", "788T only has 4xlr" (788T has 4 more "mini" xlr otherwise called TA3).
Audio quality will be right in the same ball park as each other, the 788T has mic pre's..

Also, if you're worried about a "less complicated workflow" I think these machines might be more than you need at this stage of your learning how to do sound.

What do you consider your level of experience to be with sound currently?
 
As mentioned in my prior post I really think it's in your best interest to call a Sound for Picture type audio store and talk 1 on 1
with someone who will probably be able to put you on a better path.
One where you might get a less expensive/ easier to use recorder and use the difference in money for quality mic's/ wireless, other accessories you might not have currently.
 
My bad on the Zaxcom. For the TA3 or "xlr mini" outputs, though, how would you connect a microphone with a regular xlr input?

Yeah, overall I've been realizing I probably need a lot more help and time for these things. As far as experience goes, I would say past beginner (hook up an ntg2 to camcorder with boom pole and many other accessories). Most of the other things I know have been learned online and through forums like these. I have wanted to get an external recorder for a while hearing how quality is improved by a ton. For mics also I was looking at models such as the schoeps cmit5u and mk41 (expensive, but it seems mics also outlast other equip. by a long shot, so figured mine as well upgrade to a lot better right away). It seems like mic quality might be priority over recording device, but I've still had the mentality of getting it all top quality right away. Any more suggestions feel free, and I think I shall find some help from the stores as well.
 
denny.rm said:
For the TA3 or "xlr mini" outputs, though, how would you connect a microphone with a regular xlr input?
Click to expand...

If you are doing "sound for picture" it's doubtful you will be plugging in more than 4 hardwired microphones at one time.
If you did need more than 4 you would simply use a pre-made xlr to ta3 cable or adapter.

More than likely you would be using wireless into those channels on the 788T.
Once again the cable between the wireless would simply terminate to a TA3 connection on the recorder side.

Very easy to make if you have soldering skills. If you don't, any of the regular stores out there can make them/sell them to you.

Same goes for all the outputs you might need since they are all pretty much TA3.
 
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