Mixer/recorder options for film

[Eric Toline]

Seriously look at the Zoom F8N or the Zoom F4. Both are proven professional quality units.

\”I push the RECORD button and hope for the best\”

[Joe Loria]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I haven’t looked into much audio stuff in a while so im a bit out of date. The F8 and F4 really look like great options. Im just a little hesitant to sell my Sound Devices 302. If I sell the 302 I would definitely like an all in one mixer/recorder.

[Rob Neidig]

Which unit you get may depend on how many channels of audio you normally work with. Right now you have a great 3-channel mixer in the SD302. Unfortunately I don’t think there’s a way to output the three channels individually to a recorder like the Zoom F4. If you really want something that is more of an all-in-one, the MixPre-6 is definitely something to consider. Both the Zoom F8 and F4 CAN be used as mixers and recorders, but I believe they are best utilized as multi-track recorders with a good mixer in front of them. I find the small knobs can sometimes be an issue and the output routing is not as flexible as mixers like the SD442, SD552, etc when sending audio to cameras. Many people seem to be using just a Zoom F4 or F8n as combo mixer/recorders in indie film production however, so that may work for you.

Have fun!

Rob Neidig
R&R Media Productions
Eugene, Oregon

[Ty Ford]

Hello Joe,

I’m with Rob. If you actually need to mix, the f4 and f8 knobs are too small for me.

If you’re just setting levels, you’ll be OK.

Regards,

Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader

Want better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog

[Joe Loria]

Thanks for the in depth reply. I probably won’t need more than 4 channels but I suppose too many is better than not enough lol. Yes the Zoom F4/F8 are both on my radar as a combo mixer/recorder for sure, and yes I will be using it primarily for film. I know the issue with some of the low budget recorders is in their preamps. From my “understanding” the mixpre-6 has the better preamps as well as better limiters so that is definitely an option if it can get me closer to pro level sound. I feel as if I am defeating the purpose of owning/using my 302 which is such a great little mixer and sending it into an h5 :/ as many on the web have already pointed out. I was looking at some of the Tascam low budget recorders too as I heard they work better than the Zoom H series for line level signals fed from the 302?

[Joe Loria]

Thanks Ty, im getting great input here. I will need to mix at times, yes indeed. I have been fine with 3 channels so far but as I already stated, 4 or more channels would just be a safe bonus I think. Also, thanks again to Rob.

[Robert Withers]

Hi Joe,
I wonder what are the reported issues since they’re not in this thread on the CCow web site
“defeating the purpose of owning/using my 302 which is such a great little mixer and sending it into an h5 :/ as many on the web have already pointed out”
The H5 nobs are large and easy enough for me for two channels.
Thanks,
Robert

Robert Withers

Independent/personal/avant-garde cinema, New York City

[Joe Loria]

Hey Robert,

From my understanding (or lack thereof), the 302 has quality components and preamps, but this is offset by sending it into a low budget digital recorder like the H5. If say I use an MKH 416 mic, into the 302, then send that signal into a cheap recorder, im wondering if that somewhat defeats the purpose of having such a good mic and mixer? The signal now has to pass through the lower quality preamps with a low quality analog to digital conversion at the end of the chain. I know I could always rent a sound devices 702 for pro level jobs, so that is an option I suppose.

[Bruce Watson]

[Joe Loria] “…and yes I will be using it primarily for film. I know the issue with some of the low budget recorders is in their preamps. From my “understanding” the mixpre-6 has the better preamps as well as better limiters so that is definitely an option if it can get me closer to pro level sound.”

Not closer — you’ll get “pro level sound” from a MixPre-6. Many pros use these devices.

I realize you are trying very hard to avoid this, but… smart money says to sell your 302 and put the money into a MixPre-x and move on.

[Joe Loria] “I feel as if I am defeating the purpose of owning/using my 302 which is such a great little mixer and sending it into an h5 :/ as many on the web have already pointed out. I was looking at some of the Tascam low budget recorders too as I heard they work better than the Zoom H series for line level signals fed from the 302?”

If you insist on using the 302, you’ll probably want to find a recorder that can accept pro line level inputs (+4 dB). Make sure this will bypass the recorder’s mic preamp stage (some line-ins are just -40 dB pads that turn around and feed the mic-preamps, which you really should avoid if you can). There are, I think, some Tascam units that will do this. Marantz used to have some I think. Any recorder that was designed to be used with a mixer as a front end should do this, but you have to check to make sure.

But really, why use the extra box with the extra cables, power/batteries, setup, and faffing about required? The reasons to move forward are better sound and more convenient and reliable operation. Which is why I say the smart money is on selling what you have and putting that money into a modern single device mixer/recorder, be it from the SD MixPre line, the Zoom F line, or something else.

[Ty Ford]

Bruce,

You had me at “faffing.”

Regards,

Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader

Want better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog