mini disc recorder

[David Rennie]

For my application, weddings, I have not had a real problem. Most often I am using them as mics for readers or a vocalist. In these applications they have not let me down.

[Klaus]

I’m confused. Perhaps I’ve misunderstood. Does this mean you are recording your audio separately and syncing it in the edit? If so, sounds time consuming. Why not just use a radio mic and record directly to camera?

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Klaus] “Why not just use a radio mic and record directly to camera? “

I can answer in general for this one (at least from my angle.)

There are many times that one needs more sources than can be recorded directly to one or two camcorders.

Those sources can be sent to a “live” mixer and the resultant mix sent to the camcorder.
But this method to be “reliable” really requires the employment of an additional crew-member whose full attention can be dedicated to the audio mix.

And even with THAT scenario, the cost of a buying several additional RELIABLE wireless mic systems can be in the thousands of dollars.
And there are also the “headaches” associated with any non-wired technique (extra RF noise, interference, and even loss-of-signal.)

So, for many operators, a good solution is to buy several reliable, (comparatively) low-cost self-contained recording devices to use for those “extra” sources that might be needed but that are not being fed to to “main” channels on the camcorder(s).

And, another benefit of stand-alone sources… if the “unthinkable” happened and the main audio track was “flawed” in some way, the stand-alone sources MIGHT even help “save” a really bad situation.

Yes, it may take a bit of “sliding” to get those sources synced to the video in post, but the cost-savings and other benefits can more than make up for this inconvenience.

[David Rennie]

Yes I use the iRiver and sync in post, but I do this when my recording needs exceed the number of wireless systems I have (which is two). I have had events were I needed to mic 5 people and none of them were going to the same location (such as a podium). Most often the iRiver is used to mic a specific location and is primarily a backup to my shotgun mic, or wireless depending on the circumstances or venue restrictions.

[David Rennie]

wish I had read this prior to replying…. said exactly what I was trying to… only much better.

[Klaus]

Thanks guys, that makes total sense. You’ve inspire me to take my audio production quality to the next level. Could you substitute an ipod for an iriver?

[Thaxter Clavemarlton]

[Klaus] “Could you substitute an ipod for an iriver? “

iPods don’t come with mic inputs.
There are extra-cost adapters that will let you use a mic and record on the iPod, but the expense of an iPod PLUS the adapter would be much more costly than an iRiver unit (and be much more bulky.)

[Chris Dolan]

David,

I noticed the iRiver iFP 899 has 1gig of memory, whereas the 895 is 512mb.

What is the maximum recording time for the 895, assuming it is set for max quality?

-Chris

[David Chandler-gick]

I dunno… I haven’t reached it yet.

I’ve recorded about 4 hours of audio so far just in playing with it, and I haven’t come anywhere near maxing it out.

According to my calculations, about 5 hours at 44.1 / 225 / Stereo settings.

BUT, recording in stereo is redundant unless you are feeding two, discreet mics into it. Mostly you’ll only need mono recordings. (Just double-up and stereo separate in post.)

So figure upwards of 10 hours? I’d comfortably say 8 for sure.

-DJ
David Chandler-Gick
Dynamic Media Group (www.dynamicmediagroup.com)
a deveraux film (www.adeverauxfilm.com)
Event Video COW Moderator
Contributing Editor eventDV magazine (www.eventdv.net)

[Chris Dolan]

Excellent. Thank you.