[Peter Groom]

HI
I dont know where you live but if i were you Id talk to a Pro Audio speciallist supplier in your country. They should have a range of options from different manufacturers and prices that will fit your needs and will have the necessary bg understanding to ensure it all works the way you want it to.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Hi Ty
Dont really understand that. Must be a UK/US thing.
Doest that mean you agree or not?
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Just to add a final point.
If youre going to attempt to mix it live, and youre not 100% sure of your ability in that area, then it might not the best idea.

in mixing 3 mics you have to be able to
balance the levels of people live, whilst never missing the start of a comment from another BUT you cant have all mics open all the time or youll end up with
1) lots of background noise, and hiss
2) horrible colouration (where the sound from people is heard through more mics than their own)

Speaking as a post production mixer, Id rather have 3 separate tracks of good recordings of 3 mics that i can balance out in the mix. I know I can get it right as I can wind back as many times as necessary to get it right. Without that I am totally at the behest of the skill (or lack of it) of the recordist in mixing.
Actually id like 4 tracks (3 personals on sep tracks and a rifle mic on a stand about 6 ft away to allow some air to be mixed in as i prefer in the studio.

The question is
Do you equippe correctly for the job, or force the job into your existing equipment.

This is probably a key difference between a non Pro and a Pro.

Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Ask them for the session.
It will probably have been done ibn a Pro Tools, so the copmplete pt session will have everything.
Peter
Thet might ask why you want it. Just say for archive. Its a requirement in your contract.

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

You dont have to buy unless youre doing it regularly, and then spending the money on the right kit wont be a problem

Id suggest hiring in 3 wired personal mics, or radios, but wired will be much cheaper and then recording them separately (say to the 2 camera channels and another camera for more tracks or a zoom etc, and then mixing in the edit, oR put all 3 mics through a small mixing desk and mix the three. Can be tricky if youre not experienced. Again this advice has been given before but if you havent got the expreience consider hiring a pro. 1 day max and it will be worth while.
No one will praise you for ruining the audio. They will for recognising your limitations.
Dont just wing it and hope, unless youve a very understanding employer.

Id try to address the acoustic also. Use a room with carpet floor, and soft furnishings, and a non reflective ceiling. Hang a large drape / curtain/ bedspread on an OOV wall (out of vision).

Great sound is great, good is ok but bad is so memorable.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

How are you miking.
If its a singer and you want it to sound best, youll need mics like those found in a recording studio (Neumann u87i etc) AND acoustic treatment to the space. BUT if its a performance recording with a pa then youll prob have to make do with stage mics.
Depends whos in charge really and what the priorities are. Last thing you want is a load of pa spill in the pickup. And if its a gig then theyll not be too keen on a clapper in the singers face in the pre roll.

Yes a clapper will suffice for sync purposes, but theres more to think about than that.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Recording sound on a dslr is a no go in my book. Dreadful, and whats worse is people think its ok!
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

are we looking more for a sampler to manipulate audio, or a synthesis musical device?
peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

Agreed Richard
I always refer to 3 and 2 pole connections as balanced and unbalanced.

For my advice, dont use adaptors-ever. Get the right cable and always stay balanced.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Peter Groom]

h4n is really a 2 track recorder, both iputs on the rear xlrs/ jacks. if you have more surces you must either mix, cross jack or use 2 recorders.
i really would suggest you feed everything throug a f ield mixer and then to the recorders.
DONT allow audio to look after itself. It wont and will all go pear shaped. YOU MUST give it 100% attention. Let the pix loo after themselves.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer