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Author Topic: Advice on new recorder.  (Read 5800 times)

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Offline ashevillegeorge

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Advice on new recorder.
« on: May 23, 2018, 08:09:56 AM »
Hey all, I currently own a Tascam DR-70 which has served me well in getting started at recording.  I'm interested in getting a deck that can take six xlr/trs inputs so I can run 2 sets of mics and a board feed on the same deck.   I am aware of the DR-680(MKII) and the Mix Pre6 and 10.  Are there any other go to's that I am unaware of and folks are happy with.  I have been scanning the yard sale trying and this forum trying to learn what people like, but I figured it would be easier to just ask.  Thanks ya'll. 



Asheville George
(Audix M1280, Audix M1250 B, Tascam DR-70, Sony M10)

Offline heathen

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2018, 12:09:42 PM »
Zoom F8.  It has eight channels, can record to two SD cards,etc.  It's a great recorder for what we do.  Also, the F8n may push more F8s to the used market.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline kasu64

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2018, 12:23:46 PM »
Possessing 2 recorders 8 entries,
for me, the best is the Sound-Devices SD-788T
the second much cheaper: Zoom F8

You can see my message about Zoom F8
and go on the link listen to the audios made with the F8
https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=174843.msg2189189#msg2189189

I have this F8 in reserve, because I do not find it as convenient to use
than the SD-788T which is really pro.

In addition some elements of the F8 pose me problems.
Power Consumption, Ineffective Limiter,
But it is a superb device, very powerful, light, compact and
with quality pre-amps.

A very good choice for the price ...
><((((°> <°))))><            SD-722 Sample : https://archive.org/details/Damaris2015-07-31.Damaris-Concert_Collegiale_Bayonne_FR_Beltran_Pagola_Sonata
Maite dut Euskal Herria  Zoom-F8 Live records at "audio" : http://belharratrio.wix.com/belharratrio    
Le Pays Basque, J'aime !    SD-788T, Mics : Sennheiser = MKE 2002 "Artificial head", Blumlein-M/S : SP-LSD2, Ortf : Superlux S502
Debian 9.0 Stretch 64bits   Visit : http://belharratrio.wix.com/belharratrio  and   https://eobiarritz.wixsite.com/eobiarritz/presentation

Offline rocksuitcase

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2018, 12:33:04 PM »
Straight advice on DR 680 (vs Mix-pre6/10): I have not used the latter decks, but have been with folks using them.
The 680 does everything we need to do 4-6 channel stuff. We typically record PA amplified music.
The pros are well documented: 6 channels, runs well on internals and many external battery choices, menu is pretty easy, LCD screen is large enough to see in the field, will use SD cards up to 64 GB, not huge footprint in bag.
Cons for me:
1] The stock Pre-amps just are not THAT good, they are acceptable, but we have found using outboard pre-amps such as Grace V2 or Grace V3 or SD Mix-Pre going mic in via XLR to the 680 to very audibly improve the sound of each channel. (of course)
2] Phantom powering certain mics just sucks (specifically in our case AKG C414 ULS); however, we have had odd issues trying to run 6 phantom channels. (thumping, no signal(s) etc)
3] Using certain external power solutions seems to be problematic- as in the deck has powered itself off a few times without any "reason".

Fir the price, I feel it is a great solution, but If I am accurately representing his opinion-kindms would not buy one, nor recommend I buy another one, after using this one with me for almost 2 years (for instance)
My final opinion/advice, if you choose the 680, would be to purchase the OADE mod version of the DR-680, a bit more $$, but more versatile depending on if you need/want external pre-amps in the chain.
« Last Edit: May 23, 2018, 06:10:15 PM by rocksuitcase »
music IS love

When you get confused, listen to the music play!

Mics:         AKG460|CK61|CK1|CK3|CK8|Beyer M 201E|DPA 4060 SK
Recorders:Marantz PMD661 OADE Concert mod; Tascam DR680 MKI x2; Sony PCM-M10

Offline Perry

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2018, 04:05:57 PM »
I recently made the jump from the DR-70D to the F8 and I'm very glad I did. The F8 is much more versatile and the menu design is more intuitive (I was recording 10 minutes after opening the box). Much better headphone amp in the F8 (the DR-70 amp is pretty much unusable in loud environments). It handles 6 mics @P48 and a soundboard patch with no issues. I think the F8 preamps are a bit brighter than the DR-70 and that quality reveals a little more detail, but I'm not trying to make audiophile tapes at my local theater.

So far the only thing I miss about the DR-70 is the 1/8" line-in jack. And if you're old like me and carrying weight is a factor, you will know when the F8 is in your bag without looking. I've never had a SD box so I can't make any comparisons there.
"It hurts to lean back in handcuffs..."
^^~~~~~~~Todd Snider~~~~~~~^^

Offline heathen

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2018, 04:43:14 PM »
The F8 has an 1/8" line in.
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline Big Perm

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2018, 06:57:39 PM »
I have never used the F8. I am VERY loyal to Sound Devices. I have had them all: 702; 722; 744; 788 and now I use the mixpre 10t. At the price point I LOVE the 10t. I was shocked at how small the 10t is and how easy it is to use. I love how it writes a backup file to the usb drive. The AD is fantastic and the pre’s sound great as well IMO. I would recommend it to anyone doing what we do.
Mics: Schoeps mk4v| mk41v | mk22 | mk8 & mk5 (m/s)
         Schoeps m222> nt222dc (x2)
         Schoeps cmc 1k (x2)
         Schoeps vst62iu (x2)
         Schoeps KCY 250/5 IG (x2) Schoeps KC 5g (x2)
         DPA 4015c
Pre’s: Sonosax SX-M2D2
         Aeta PSP-3
         E.A.A. PSP-2
Recorder: Sonosax sx-r4+, SD702, Sony m10

Offline Perry

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2018, 08:29:35 PM »
The F8 has an 1/8" line in.

My F8 has one 1/8" jack- "SUB OUT 1/2". Are you saying this is an input jack? (I've used the F8 twice but still haven't read the manual).
"It hurts to lean back in handcuffs..."
^^~~~~~~~Todd Snider~~~~~~~^^

Offline Gordon

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2018, 09:35:50 PM »
George!!  About time you posted! Does Shuler know about the upgrade? ;)

BTW if it's not raining let's tape Josh Phillips at mtn sports Friday.
Microtech Gefell M20 or M21 > Nbob actives > Naiant PFA > Sound Devices MixPre-6 II @ 32/48

https://archive.org/details/fav-gordonlw

https://archive.org/details/teamdirtysouth

Offline heathen

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2018, 11:15:01 PM »
The F8 has an 1/8" line in.

My F8 has one 1/8" jack- "SUB OUT 1/2". Are you saying this is an input jack? (I've used the F8 twice but still haven't read the manual).

That's what I get for just going from memory.  You're absolutely correct.  I got the F4 and F8 confused.  The F4 has the 1/8" input.

Maybe the F8 can take an 1/8" input from that add-on thingy that can connect to the back of it?  I've never looked into that, really, so I might be wrong (again).
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Offline Perry

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2018, 11:49:37 PM »
The F8 has an 1/8" line in.

My F8 has one 1/8" jack- "SUB OUT 1/2". Are you saying this is an input jack? (I've used the F8 twice but still haven't read the manual).

That's what I get for just going from memory.  You're absolutely correct.  I got the F4 and F8 confused.  The F4 has the 1/8" input.

Maybe the F8 can take an 1/8" input from that add-on thingy that can connect to the back of it?  I've never looked into that, really, so I might be wrong (again).
Damn, I was hoping you were right and I just overlooked something. It's not a big deal with the right adapters. Last week I took a line-level out from a soundboard via XLR (mono) and the signal was way hot. I was desperately running through menus, trying to switch the input channel to line-level/turn off the mic pre but never found the option. I scrounged up a cable and two different adapters so I could use the TRS jack and all was good. At least Tascam allows the user to turn off the mic pre and still use a balanced cable for input.    I should read the manual.
"It hurts to lean back in handcuffs..."
^^~~~~~~~Todd Snider~~~~~~~^^

Offline ashevillegeorge

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2018, 11:17:10 AM »
Thanks ya'll.  I will consider this info and let you know how it goes in the search.

Offline rocksuitcase

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #12 on: May 25, 2018, 12:00:49 PM »
Thanks ya'll.  I will consider this info and let you know how it goes in the search.
Yes, keep us posted, and don't be afraid to ask questions in the gear threads. Good luck with the search.
music IS love

When you get confused, listen to the music play!

Mics:         AKG460|CK61|CK1|CK3|CK8|Beyer M 201E|DPA 4060 SK
Recorders:Marantz PMD661 OADE Concert mod; Tascam DR680 MKI x2; Sony PCM-M10

Offline rumbleseat

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2018, 04:25:23 PM »
The pros are well documented: ...will use SD cards up to 64 GB.
Cons for me:
1] The stock Pre-amps just are not THAT good, they are acceptable, but we have found using outboard pre-amps such as Grace V2 or Grace V3 or SD Mix-Pre going mic in via XLR to the 680 to very audibly improve the sound of each channel. (of course)
2] Phantom powering certain mics just sucks (specifically in our case AKG C414 ULS); however, we have had odd issues trying to run 6 phantom channels. (thumping, no signal(s) etc)
3] Using certain external power solutions seems to be problematic- as in the deck has powered itself off a few times without any "reason".

Not sure if all of the above applies to the MKII version.
The MKII will run SDXC cards up to 128 GB giving you lots of storage.
Tascam claims to have upgraded the preamps in the later release but its unlikely they are in the same league as Grace or Sound Devices.
Overheating, with temporary phantom power failure, has been reported with the MKII unit when running in very hot conditions.  The specs say 104F is the limit.

Last July, I ran two separate DR-680 MKII units (using the AC/DC adapters) with 1 or 2 pairs of phantom mics at an outdoor festival for 12+ hours a day with 128 GB cards and had no problems.
AKG C480B CK61 cards or AKG C568EB or Church CA-11 cards >  Canare L-4E6S with Neutrik EMC > Tascam DR-680 MKII or DR-44WL > memories

Offline rocksuitcase

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2018, 06:14:01 PM »
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Correct, I own the mkI version.
music IS love

When you get confused, listen to the music play!

Mics:         AKG460|CK61|CK1|CK3|CK8|Beyer M 201E|DPA 4060 SK
Recorders:Marantz PMD661 OADE Concert mod; Tascam DR680 MKI x2; Sony PCM-M10

Offline jbell

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #15 on: June 02, 2018, 09:25:47 AM »
Mics: DPA ST4011ER & 4018ER
Preamps: DPA MMA 6000 | Audioroot Femto
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-10 II | Sony PCM A10

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|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

Offline Gordon

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2018, 09:50:21 AM »
He got a mixpre! Saw all the pretty lights and couldn't help himself!
Microtech Gefell M20 or M21 > Nbob actives > Naiant PFA > Sound Devices MixPre-6 II @ 32/48

https://archive.org/details/fav-gordonlw

https://archive.org/details/teamdirtysouth

Offline jbell

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Re: Advice on new recorder.
« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2018, 10:43:54 AM »
Smart move!!

He got a mixpre! Saw all the pretty lights and couldn't help himself!
Mics: DPA ST4011ER & 4018ER
Preamps: DPA MMA 6000 | Audioroot Femto
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-10 II | Sony PCM A10

-20        -12         -6        TDS   (32/48)     
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__________________________
|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

 

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