Malcolm Matusky
Forum Replies Created
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I own the DR680 and bought it because it’s a 6 track recorder, not just a mixer. You do have the option of sending a 2 track mix back to camera if you want, or recording it internally, much more functional than a 2 track mixer. Busman audio does have a 4 or 6 track preamp upgrade for this recorder, but so far I am fine with the quality I have been getting with the stock unit, but then my work does not play in theaters. If it did, I would probably spend a few $$ for the upgrade.
Comparing a multi track recorder to a two track mixer is not really a “comparison” but two different ways of working, choose that first and then the gear. For the doc/industrial work I do the DR680 is a fantastic buy and has more features than I need.
Good luck,
MMalcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
“How badly” ? Not at all.
I have a C100 and use it without a mixer, one shotgun and one lav. The gain controls are easy enough to adjust, but will be noticeable if you are hand holding. Naturally if you want more than two mics going into this camera, you have to use a mixer or a multi-track.
I have a 6-track Tascam, and probably would use that for my primary audio and just record a “scratch track” on the C-100 for pluraleyes to synch up, I did this on a round table interview with 6 people and it works fine. You could also use a wireless unit to feed the output of the multi-track and record the mixed scratch track on the C100, I have a spare wireless unit but have not had the time to test this yet.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
I have been using “luggage” the largest bags with wheels I can find, I use Masonite and rigid foam to protect the contents, I have been using nylon semi hard luggage and am thinking of upgrading to polycarbonate bags with 4 wheels on the bottom. Luggage looks like luggage, not expensive equipment cases. Wheeled luggage (4 wheel spinner) is also not as abused as cases while loading the plane as the handlers push it (info from a travel website on what is the “best” luggage to get)Naturally if you are moving large delicate equipment you have to use custom air shipping cases. I am using led lights and some umbrellas with CFL’s so far so good, just use a lot of bubble wrap on the bulbs! 8′ stands work in large cases, 12 footers use golf bag cases.
Cheers,
M
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
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It’s “relative sync” not frame accurate. I use date/time on my recorder and camera, just to have a back up, but use plural eyes all the time. You have to have a scratch track on camera for this to work.
If your cameras are too far away from the mic’s, it’s possible to use a wireless to transmit a scratch track to you camera from the mixer.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
I shoot with a 7D & 60D, same issue as to what recorder? I Have a Zoom H1 & H4, they work, but I hate using them in production, wrong form factor and difficult to quickly adjust volume. I used to mount the H1 on a shotgun mic with rubber bands and mount both on camera. The H4 I made a mount out of a flip style flash bracket for the recorder and shotgun. A bit top heavy, but worked, still too tough to adjust while working.
Now I have a Tascam DR-680, large, but I am able to keep it off the camera or rig and sling it over my shoulder or have it in front of me so I can look down and adjust levels as needed. I can run a shotgun on camera and a couple of radio mics all at once, nice unit. I primarily shoot alone and this does work, If I did not already own the DR-680 the DR 60D looks great. You do not have to mount it on the camera or rig, keep it slung over your shoulder and look down to adjust the levels. Only 2 tracks, but it has 2 knobs to adjust volume, the DR-680 only has one, but is reasonably quick to switch between tracks. One huge feature of the DR 60D is that you can “split tracks” and record one lower than the other in case of a transient loud sound, nice feature.
I also have a Rode VM Pro, and a small pre-amp to feed sound to my 60D (camera) when I need a very small rig, quite light weight, and with the Magic lantern, I have audio meters in the viewfinder and am able to adjust volume using the camera’s rocker switch. A bit crude but it works, also there is a way of monitoring with headphones if you rig the Canon 60D AV cable with an audio jack.
Working alone is tough, but if you use multiple mic’s and recorders, it’s possible to do a good job, most of the time. There is no real substitute for a competent soundman.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
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I have not used the Tameron, could be good, but most lenses are not “sharp” till you stop down a bit. With the C100 an f4.0 lens is not really a big deal for most work. If you are shooing in the dark, use fast primes.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
I often respond to “how much to make a film…” with; “how much are you willing to spend to make your company look good?” If it’s an unrealistic number, it usually is, at least I know not to waste much time “working” with them for free trying to convince them that they should spend 10x more than they want to. If their number is close to mine, at least it’s worth continuing the conversation. I do refer unrealistic people to call the local community college to hire students, at least the students are subsidized and will be happy with anything they get. If the “client” get’s a good job, great for them, generally though, they don’t.
I try to “pre-qualify” prospects as quickly as possible, most people are too cheap to spend money on a decent productions, though I do notice they generally drive nicer cars than I do and live in more expensive neighborhoods. It’s all a matter of “perceived value” if “anyone” can make a video and put it up on You-tube, why should they pay me $xx,xxx to do it? They should not…unless they want something good. I don’t “compete” with DIY, or employees children who have a DSLR and an I-pad. That’s not a viable business for me, and the sooner I find out this is all they are willing to pay for, I can drop them like a rock and find a real client.
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com -
I have had the c100 for a week, it’s great. I use the 17~55 f2.8 IS, and 24~105 f4.0 IS. Love the IS features for hand held!
Buy a zacuto Z-finder eyecup and foam cover for the viewfinder, a must have.
I also use the Hoodman loupe with the extender for the LCD, works well.
Have fun!
M
Malcolm
http://www.malcolmproductions.com