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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: 540Faction on January 14, 2014, 11:14:00 AM
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Hi, after a 10 year hiatus i would like to get out and tape some shows. I assume my DA-P1 is an ancient artifact by now, so what do want exactly? I've got some advice but am curious what you guys think. Thank you!
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Sony PCM-M10 is the most popular small 2-channel deck
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Thanks but im thinking something a few steps up from that with some Oade mods. Still i appreciate your time.
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I'd grab this then!
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=166199.0
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The R-44 JBell pointed you to is an excellent choice. Rugged, four-channel, reliable.
If you want something a bit smaller, the Roland R-26 is also four-channel, but with only two of them providing 48V phantom. Still, you can do an SBD feed for channels 3&4, or use an outboard pre.
I don't think many Oade mods are being done on newer decks, but if you wanted something smallish, I think Oade mods the Marantz PMD661, and by all accounts that's a nice 2-channel P48 machine.
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Do folks still rely upon mods (Oade Bros., Busman, or otherwise) in recorders these days? I just don't hear a lot of discussion about it (at least not like 5 years ago). I think a lot of folks are happy enough with stock decks.
But, by all means, get a deck you are happy with. 2-channel, no phantom power - Sony PCM-M10 would be (and is) my choice. If I needed phantom power, I'd probably go with the R-44 or maybe Tascam DR-680. If money were no object, a Sound Devices SD744T
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I wasnt being disrespectful of anyones advice im just so out of the loop i did't realize that something so small and inexpensive could replace the 15 lbs of preamps,external batts and recording deck on my portabag. Ill def check it out, thanks guys.
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I love the m10 in my view on life, it's the most reliable piece of gear in that price range, I love mine. ( yes at the price and size it kicks butt) if you don't want to use preamps then a tascam dr-40 is no bad choice, or maybe an edirol r26. A step up Is the tascam dr680 or r44, both are great. Then like vanark said the 744 or 722 is the best thing in the world.
Check this puppy out
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=166152.0
If you want 4 track ability on a budget, there you go.
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540faction -- what mics/etc would you plan on running? You might also be surprised by the developments in 3rd party active cable solutions and the advent of the tiny box/pfa as alternatives to mic bodies.
I'm pulling some really satisfying tapes running schoeps MK4>modKC5>naint tinybox>m10 (or MK4>modkc5>naint pfa adaptors>oadeM148>m10 -- the m10 has (imo) decent a>d converters and good ergonomics --
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If u have a huge budget, since I'm a schoeps guy, I would recommend schoeps>KCY/NBob actives>preamp>m10
If you're just doing two channel and have a budget, the m10 is a no brainier. But if you're looking for an all in one and can't afford the 744/r44, I would recommend an oade modded marantz 661
Unlike ten years ago, the possibilities are truly endless. I'd go on www.archive.org under the live music archive and listen to as many samples as you can handle ;)
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For strictly 2-channel, also worth consideration: Tascam HD-P2 and Fostex FR-2LE. I think the FR-2LE sounds mighty fine right out of the box. I had an Oade-mod HD-P2 at some point, and it sounded fantastic. You might also consider Busmna mods. Chris Busman has done analog mods to some decks, similar to Oade Bros -- op amp upgrades, etc.
There's a Busman-modded HD-P2 in the Yard Sale (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=164849.0). And a stock FR-2LE, also (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=164462.0).
Powering both is easy (RC NiMH or a variety of li-on), though I like the ability to store the FR-2LE RC battery inside the unit, rather than use an external li-ion as required by the HD-P2. Check the Remote Power forum for some discussion around 'DVD batteries' for use as external power for a variety of decks.
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Do folks still rely upon mods (Oade Bros., Busman, or otherwise) in recorders these days? I just don't hear a lot of discussion about it (at least not like 5 years ago). I think a lot of folks are happy enough with stock decks.
I think that fad (and the value proposition of it) may have faded some, for sure.
And just for the OP's benefit, the M10 cannot replace a DAP1, because it doesn't provide onboard phantom power and it lacks XLR connectors, among other things. Making analogies to that era's gear, it's more a replacement of the D100/M1 than of a DAP1. If you want an all-in-one box, the best 2-channel options are the PMD661 and the FR-2LE that Brian mentioned, and if you want four channels under $1000, the Roland R-26 or R-44.
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Wow! Thanks for the the help guys, the gear Brian mentioned is more what i have in mind. Thanks again.