[David C jones]

I didn’t realize the H4 had XLR inputs. That’s strange though, that it’s not switchable to line.

The Microtrack II seems to have the most options (minus XLR inputs, though they are balanced). It also has a 1/8″ TRS mic input, as well as a S/PDIF for digital recording. The “built-in” mic is actually detachable; it plugs in on top via 1/8″ stereo plug. It does feel “plasticy” cheap, though. And I’m not a fan of the meters. There’s no indication where -20db is. Or 0db for that matter. After some chatting on the Microtrack website, I did get some info about them.

[David C jones]

Well…

You shouldn’t put any more money into anymore tape decks; tape is dead, my friend. My understanding is, even Panasonic is coming out with a new Varicam which shoots to P2. If you go on their websites and check out their cameras, I think you’ll see it’s clear, both Sony and Panasonic are phasing out tape.

As I see it, there are three formats emerging: XDCAM, SxS, and P2. With each format, you’re buying into an entire system. At this point, I’m not really sure one is better than the other; it really comes down to the specs of the camera [head] and what the technical requirments of the production are.

[David C jones]

Hi Greg

I agree with Ty on the Sound Devices 422. You won’t find a better, more rugged mixer.

As to the Lectrosonics: it depends on what you’re using them for. If it’s just for in-class/video/audio non-broadcast type projects, then you’ll probably be fine with the 100’s. I use the 411a’s which are almost the same as the 401’s, and they sound hard wired!

As another sound mixer put it (somewhere on another forum), with everything going HD/digital, including consumer TV’s, it’s time to step up the audio as well; people will expect the sound to be as clear as the picture and digital is the only way to go anymore.

As far as Feb. 2009, just don’t get freq. blocks 27, 28, or 29 and you’ll be fine :o)

[David C jones]

Hi Jack

Well, you’re pretty much correct in your findings; you’re not going to find the recording device with everything you’ve described and in that price range.

I have an M-Audio Microtrack II, which has balanced inputs w/48v power, switchable mic/line, but are not XLRs; they’re 1/4″ phone jacks. It records up to 24bit/96K, but has meters with no numbers and probably feels as cheap as the Zoom H4. I got it mostly to provide transcriptions for producers.

It seems everybody-and-their-brother is coming out with these small recording devices, most lacking something a professional would want. The bottom line is that you’re most likely not going to find something that has XLRs and a built-in mic.

Probably the overall best one out there, is the Sony PCM-D1. But it’s $1,800! You might as well get the Sound Devices 702 and use your own mics. Sony does have another one out…the PCM-D50 at $599 (or less). Again, probably the best built one in that price range but not all the features you want.

Hopefully this helps.

[David C jones]

Hi Jessica

I would recommend ether the Countryman B-6, or Sankin COS-11X for your lav mic.

For a wireless system, it would depend on how much you’re willing to spend. One system to look at is the Audio Technica 1800. It comes with a dual receiver and two belt pack (lav) transmitters. If you have even more money to spend, then I can always recommend the Lectrosonics 411a’s.

For a boom mic, you want to get a true condenser shotgun mic like the Sennheiser 416 or Sennheiser MKH-60. You might look at the Audio Technica AT-4073a, too. They will set you back a pretty penny, but they’re the only way to get good sound, and not just sound :o)

[David C jones]

As I understand it, you risk melting the imaging block if you leave the camera pointed at the sun for very long. As Steve said, just keep it short :o)

BTW: short in my opinion, is less than a minute. If you’re wanting to shoot an eclipse, you can use exposed x-ray film or (I think) mylar.

[David C jones]

I use the new PSC Elite pole (med. intrn. coiled cable), and love it. I’ve owned an Vdb, LTM, and an “old style” PSC and this is my favorite. It’s extremely well made.

I’m not sure what you’re using it for, but whatever you decide, I would consider getting one that does have a cable inside.

[David C jones]

Hi John

I don’t mean to dump on, but to anyone else reading this: echo is NOT something you can “fix in post”. It must be controlled in the field using things like sound blankets, and proper micing techniques. This DOES NOT include using the built-in mic on the camera or even a shotgun mic mounted on the camera.

[David C jones]

If you’re shooting at 30p then set the shutter at 1/60. I’m not sure with that camera, but it might have a default setting of that anyway, if you choose the 30p setting. If you shoot 24p then set it at 1/48. These settings are if you are trying to get a true film look.

The higher the shutter speed the more light you will need. Also, the high you set the shutter speed the more “frozen” any movement will seem. Sports progamming uses high shutter speeds which gives almost a strobe effect during motion. It’s the same effect you see in “Saving Private Ryan”. I only notice the effect when going 1/250 or higher, though.

[David C jones]

That’s funny you sould mention those; I saw two national broadcasts last week, as well: one from the hurricane and one from the olympics, both in VERY windy conditions, and both were horrible. The guy in Florida was using a RE-50 and you could hardly understand him. The girl at the olympics had a lav, where the wind was causing all kinds of noise.

Anyway, to your question; there are a couple of possiblities as to why you didn’t hear any wind: one, the reporter was positioned so the wind wasn’t (for the most part) hitting the mic. I’ve actually been able to achieve this before, but it usually isn’t fool-proof. Two, the sound person (probably at the last minute) decided to boom it with a shotgun mic, blimp, and windjammer just out of frame. They just kept the lav on the reporter or, in the case of the handheld, just told the talent to keep holding it.

What can you learn from this to help with your productions? Don’t always believe what you see :o) Be prepaired.