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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: ashevillegeorge on May 23, 2018, 08:09:56 AM
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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)
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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.
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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 ...
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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.
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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.
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The F8 has an 1/8" line in.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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.
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Thanks ya'll. I will consider this info and let you know how it goes in the search.
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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.
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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.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Correct, I own the mkI version.
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George, this might fit your needs! You could get one modded by Oade
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1340332-REG/marantz_professional_pmd_706_6_channel_dslr_recorder_recording.html
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He got a mixpre! Saw all the pretty lights and couldn't help himself!
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Smart move!!
He got a mixpre! Saw all the pretty lights and couldn't help himself!