Topic: Help needed finding an alternate Tascam DR-680 Shoulder Strap

[AndyGLA]

I have a Tascam DR-680 I will be taking into the mountains to use for film dialogue.
The included shoulder strap has plastic connectors which don't inspire confidence in me.

Is the strap connector on the DR680 a universal type where I can buy an alternate strap that will be stronger?

- Thanks

[George2]

http://www.portabrace.com/products/audio/recorders/24-audio-recorder-cases-tascam

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Agree with George above - you really need a bag, not a strap for the recorder.  There are a lot of options, and you don't need to spend big bucks.  I could write a lot about straps, but the bag comes first.  Or maybe you have a bag and have not mentioned it.  A lot of cheap bags have cheap strap attachment points.  That does not mean they are weak, but...

From your post, I can't tell the circumstances of this mountain shoot.  Whatever you do, test it.  Hike with it in the area around your home in the exact config, and duration of use, you will use in the mountains.   Same thing goes for rain and wind.  If those mountains get rain and wind (heh), you better be well tested and ready.

There is the difference between wanting to make a recording and absolutely needing to make a recording.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Third on the Portabrace bag. I love mine, and I only have the recorder over my shoulder from the car to the section. I'd think I'd really love it if I had to stand with it over my shoulder for hours.

That strap is super comfy.

[dlh]

I have a Tascam DR-680 I will be taking into the mountains to use for film dialogue.
The included shoulder strap has plastic connectors which don't inspire confidence in me.

Is the strap connector on the DR680 a universal type where I can buy an alternate strap that will be stronger?

- Thanks

4th + on the Portabrace bag.  Well worth the price.
 . . . but there is a strap:

http://www.portabrace.com/products/straps-and-accessories/camera-shoulder-straps/229-medium-duty-flex-straps
http://www.portabrace.com/products/straps-and-accessories/camera-shoulder-straps/232-heavy-duty-suede-shoulder-strap
http://www.fullcompass.com/product_image.php?imageid=54471

[AndyGLA]

Thanks for all the help.

I have the Tascam Case for the DR680, but I was concerned about the cheap plastic connectors on the end of the strap.

After reading the responses I looked up the Porta Brace AR-DR680 Case, but it's out of stock at B&H. I'm going to look for it locally this week.

I'm also glad to see that there are straps available to connect to the unusual connectors on the DR680 which I guess are similar to what you would find on a guitar.

[DigiGal]

If you can't find it locally, you can always purchase direct from Portabrace http://www.portabrace.com/products/audio/recorders/24-audio-recorder-cases-tascam

[sk-1]

You are right to discard the strap they supply with the DR680. They used the same one on the HDP2 and mine snapped during a take on a film shoot. The recorder dropped straight down and the broken end of the strap whipped over my shoulder and hit me in the eye. Worst accessory ever, zero stars.

I've now got a Petrol bag for my 680. It's a PS601 which is quite reasonably priced and has lots of config options. I'm not keen on the colour though (orange and black) - Portabrace wins in that regard.

[AndyGLA]

Well I did two things.

I purchased the Porta Brace AR-DR680 Case for $163. Luckily I found it at Coffey Sound in LA.

I also purchased a Petrol PL2002 Shoulder Strap from B&H. I wasn't familiar with the type of connector.
Petrol calls it a "Sony-type" ...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/686552-REG/Petrol_PL2002.html
Porta Brace calls it a "CAM-C" ...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/65609-REG/Porta_Brace_HB_40_CAM_C_HB_40_CAM_C_Shoulder_Strap.html