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Best inexpensive recorder
I just bought a Sound Devices 302 mixer. Yay! I have a Zoom H4n but I hate it because the XLR inputs are mic only and the TRS inputs are line level but unbalanced! (the 302 xlrs are balanced)
The Tascam DR 40 looked nice and I was going to buy it but I thought I ought to consult the seasoned sound professionals here on the COW first. Can I get GREAT audio with the SD302/DR-40 pairing? Would you suggest a different portable audio recorder?
What is the best way to interface the two? 302 xlr to DR40 xlr or some other combination of outputs/inputs on the two devices?
Thanks for any help!
PS: If I wanted to output audio from the 302 to BOTH a camera with a 3.5mm jack and an audio recorder (like the DR40), how would I do it?
PPS: If these seem like dumb questions it’s because I literally have no idea what I’m doing. Just thought I’d be frank with all of you.
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21 Replies
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[Stephen Lewis] “I have a Zoom H4n”
vs
[Stephen Lewis] “Tascam DR 40”
Not a lot of difference in quality. To me a waste of money to buy the other if you have either one.
on the 302:
Line-Level or Mic-Level (or somewhere in between)
The XLR Output Level can be attenuated anywhere from a Line level signal to low Mic level signal.
See Setup Menu for adjustment.I’m pretty sure you can use the tape out with the right interconnect to go to your camera. I haven’t done that and if no one else answers call sound devices tech support. They give great support.
Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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I’ve got a DR40 that I feed from a Sound Devices 442. The DR40 line in will accept both an unbalanced or balanced input. I would suggest feeding your DR40 from the TA3 2 channel unbalanced mixout connection on the 302 to 2x 1/4″ mono tip, sleeve unbalanced plugs. Doing it that way leaves the 302 XLR’s for feeding another camera, recorder whatever.
Self serving plug follows: If you are hesitant about building the mix out connecting cable I can do it for you. I make and offer all types of audio interconnecting cables. For more info: 954-255-7628
Eric
“I push the RECORD button and hope for the best”
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Eric, is that like one of these?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293005-REG/Sound_Devices_XL_3_XL3_Mini_Male_to.html
If so what do you charge?
We use 7 mixpre-d’s under out smaller cams and the students have broken a couple of these cables. What do you charge?
Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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The cable in the B&H listing is what you want. I charge $30 each. Please call me and we can discuss exactly what you need. 954-255-7628
Eric
“I push the RECORD button and hope for the best”
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Craig,
Eric has made many cables for me.
Enjoy,
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog -
Thanks Eric. I don’t have a budget right now but will keep you on file for future needs. Is it worth sending you broken cables for repair or is it best to start from scratch? Also would you advise my learning how to do these repairs or is it best left to a pro? Our XLRs take quite a beating too.
Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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If your cables are taking a beating because of carelessness then it’s up to you to have a talk with those people and to hold them responsible for the repair or replacement costs. There is no excuse for that kind of irresponsibility. Since you seem to be on a limited budget I would suggest you learn to repair the cables yourself.
Eric
“I push the RECORD button and hope for the best”
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Craig,
Your XLRs take a beating? Please explain how and why this happens.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog -
Sorry I worded it that way. I have a pretty good track record in terms of loss and damage to production gear. However, I am lending out gear to hundreds of students day in and day out during the school year.. Every so often i find an xlr cable that seems to have a loose connection. If I had an inexpensive way to repair the connection I would. But I have never done these type of repairs. I assume I’d have to learn to solder and follow a wiring diagram.
Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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Ah, students!
Yes, got it.
Get a small Weller soldering pencil and some solder and jump right in. It doesn’t take a lot to learn and it will save your butt. I have Eric do my big jobs, but I still handle the occasional soldering chores that pop up.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leaderhttps://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3348443
Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog
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