Field recorder suggestions?

[Kriminal]

what does a field even sound like

[BBFG#]

The more I look at Simon's Tascam, the more I want it.

But I have to be honest, since I know I don't like carrying around objects that size much. For starting out, I think a handheld is probably the best route and see if that propels me to further madness in capturing sound.

Sure, carrying all the gear around when field-recording is less spontaneous and people notice you, ask you silly questions or stop being themselves (animals don't cars, although dogs react to my big gear...), so I also always have a Zoom H2 with me and it's very valuable.

But sound-quality-wise there is just no comparison between smaller handheld recorders with built-in mics and the big gear, so it totally depends on what you want to use the recordings for. Of course the audio from smaller recorders can be pimped, but you can't add the frequency resolution some really good mics and good A/D converters provide.

Thoroughly agree! I bought one of the first Sony Readers and wouldn't you know it? No one would leave me alone to read until I got a book-like cover for it.

Likewise, since I go to competitions that don't allow camcorders or sound recorders they can see, but are never concerned with handheld devices they're not sure of. It would be a good tool to keep in the 'toolbox'.

I've noticed different crowds for varied, but specific events do make different sounds; all relative to the background noise they feed on.

[BBFG#]

what does a field even sound like

It does have a sound... each its own.
In fact, I often hear during a certain season, every fifteen minutes over the loud speaker, "You may take the field..."

[optofonik]

You can also find noise floor comparisons here:

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable- ... ml#samples

[BBFG#]

I am an oldster that tends to sway to names I've known since my teens.
(oh wait, Otari doesn't seem to make one.)
But I do try to keep an open mind, especially to others that experience them first hand.

[Luftrum]

I use a Sound Devices 702 with DPA-4060 mics in a stereo configuration - it's a beast, expensive (some $4000) but probably the best 2ch setup regarding preamps and signal to noise, but when that is said PCM-M10 is one of the most used among tapers, the Zoom H4 is aldo quite popular. There's also a new Sony portable out there: PCM-D100, not sure it's released yet and if it got preamps better than the D50 then it will be a killer!

When all is said, check this recorder test / preamp chart before deciding anything: http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

[BBFG#]

You can also find noise floor comparisons here:

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable- ... ml#samples

I found that information, very helpful!

[goldenanalog]

Marantz PMD-671 with virtual 3rd head confidence monitoring

Fostex FR-2 (not LE)

Korg MR-1000 (out or production)

Sound Devices stuff....

I dunno-I'd probably go for the D-1 and give it a thorough try if you don't want to be Mr.Obvious Sound Guy when you go recordin', you'll probably get most of your $$$ back if it doesn't work out for you (just resell it)

[BBFG#]

I use a Sound Devices 702 with DPA-4060 mics in a stereo configuration - it's a beast, expensive (some $4000) but probably the best 2ch setup regarding preamps and signal to noise, but when that is said PCM-M10 is one of the most used among tapers, the Zoom H4 is aldo quite popular. There's also a new Sony portable out there: PCM-D100, not sure it's released yet and if it got preamps better than the D50 then it will be a killer!

When all is said, check this recorder test / preamp chart before deciding anything: http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

This stuff is great for a tech-head in denial like myself!
I eat this kind of information up!

Thanks!

[optofonik]

I use a Sound Devices 702 with DPA-4060 mics in a stereo configuration - it's a beast, expensive (some $4000) but probably the best 2ch setup regarding preamps and signal to noise, but when that is said PCM-M10 is one of the most used among tapers, the Zoom H4 is aldo quite popular. There's also a new Sony portable out there: PCM-D100, not sure it's released yet and if it got preamps better than the D50 then it will be a killer!

When all is said, check this recorder test / preamp chart before deciding anything: http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

Sound devices is an industry standard in the world of production audio; preferred by many over the DEVA.

[optofonik]

You can also find noise floor comparisons here:

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable- ... ml#samples

I found that information, very helpful!

I might also suggest having a look around here:

http://jwsoundgroup.net/index.php?app=c ... mMainBar=1

JWSound is where some of the best production sound mixers in the world share ideas and advice. Many of them are Academy and Emmy award winning professionals with decades of experience recording "in the field" while being held to the highest standards possible.


I would also recommend you look at the Nagra line:

Nagra pretty much invented modern field recording although they have struggled a bit in the digital age.

http://www.nagraaudio.com/pro/index.php

A bit of Nagra history:

http://www.nagraaudio.com/pro/index.php

I use a Sound Devices 702 with DPA-4060 mics in a stereo configuration - it's a beast, expensive (some $4000) but probably the best 2ch setup regarding preamps and signal to noise, but when that is said PCM-M10 is one of the most used among tapers, the Zoom H4 is aldo quite popular. There's also a new Sony portable out there: PCM-D100, not sure it's released yet and if it got preamps better than the D50 then it will be a killer!

When all is said, check this recorder test / preamp chart before deciding anything: http://www.avisoft.com/recordertests.htm

This stuff is great for a tech-head in denial like myself!
I eat this kind of information up!

Thanks!

I think you can pick up that Sound Devices for around $2000.00 now.

[BBFG#]

Well, more than I want to spend ATM, but the PCM-M10 is interesting. I think I did see a Sound Devices on one of the sites but since no one had mentioned it until now, didn't give it anymore than a scan.
(Also because I'm actively looking at drum pad controller/triggers. I have to keep an overall budget in mind.)

So two Zoom, Two Tascam and a Sony...

I noticed on some of those demos, depending on which of these units used with, the Heil sometimes sounds more transparent, but don't see anyone mentioning it.

[Luftrum]

I got a Zoom H2 and it has served me well, very portable, more than I can say about my SD702 but if I were to buy a new budget portable field recorder, with my experience, today, I would have chosen a Sony PCM-M10 or I would wait until February to check the reviews of the PCM-D100: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1 ... field.html

Which I expect to beat the D50 in preamp tests and thus close to the high end gear out there.

[optofonik]

Well, more than I want to spend ATM, but the PCM-M10 is interesting. I think I did see a Sound Devices on one of the sites but since no one had mentioned it until now, didn't give it anymore than a scan.
(Also because I'm actively looking at drum pad controller/triggers. I have to keep an overall budget in mind.)

So two Zoom, Two Tascam and a Sony...

I noticed on some of those demos, depending on which of these units used with, the Heil sometimes sounds more transparent, but don't see anyone mentioning it.

Dynamic mics aren't generally considered suitable for field recording. Even explosions are recorded with condenser microphones although post really just uses such tracks as a guide for the sound designers and editors.

If you want to forgo the internal mics of any of these units then I would try to find an MKH60 or MKH70 used from a reputable vender who caters specifically to the motion picture industry such as Location Sound Corporation. in Toluca Lake http://www.trewaudio.com/ or Trew Audio http://www.trewaudio.com/. The MKH series mics are workhorses of the industry, they can stand an extraordinary amount of abuse and just keep going. I would also try to find, again used from a reputable vendor, a Sound Devices MP1 portable preamp http://www.sounddevices.com/products/mp1/. It sounds great and is built like a tank.

You may eventually upgrade your recorder as technology moves on but a Sennheiser MKH mic and Sound Devices MP1 preamp will stay with you for life.

An excellent budge mic option that will give you some choice of mic pattern, IMO, is this one from The Sound Room where I bought mine:

http://www.oktava.com/inc/sdetail/475

The drawback is that the tightest pattern you'll get is hyper cardioid but that's not a horrible thing in that it will make for a complimentary mic when you can afford an MKH. When the Oktavas first started becoming available in the U.S. I did a comparison of the Oltava MK012 (hyper capsule), the Schoeps MK41, and Neumann KM84 on the set of "American Splendor" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0305206/ and was pleasantly surprised. If I didn't have the Schoeps or the Neumann available to me I would have no trouble using the Oktava if budget constrained me to it.

[BBFG#]

I do like the apparent size of the Oktava as being less conspicuous.
I think for the price per quality though, the Rode everyone has mentioned so far would be more to my liking (I'm sure where I live though, I would get some activist screaming at me for the 'dead cat' on a pole idiocy).