Topic: 744 vs 722x2 or 722+702

[stevetoney]

I'm curious, given the 744t has just one pair of channels with internal preamps, what advantage does the 744t have over sync'ing say a couple of 722s or a 722 together with a 702 (or even a 702t for time coded files), which together runs a similar cost but gives two sets of internal preamps. 

One obvious answer is that the 744 is smaller than the duo.  What else?

(Edit to note that even though there is a smaller package with only one 744, it's offset by the fact that you need to carry an external preamp to run all 4 channels, so doesn't seem like much of an advantage to me.)

[thegreatgumbino]

Slut.   

[stevetoney]

Slut.   

Naw Matt...I'm not in the market.  This is one time when I really am just curious and have wondered for awhile. 

I'm never close enough to the board when I record to think about 4 channels, but what _IS_ interesting is that I've had lots and lots more conversations with sound guys lately, so maybe that's not so far off as I think...and if that starts happening then I know I'll start jonesing for a couple more channels.

[thegreatgumbino]

Just kidding you.  Couldn't help it considering you went SD 702 > R4 > 702 in the matter of a few days.   

[OFOTD]

I'll chime in here since i'm in the process of picking up a 744.

I've been running the R4 Pro that has four channels of pres.  I hardly ever ran both sets of pres at the same time.  I always had my ACM V3 in the chain.  So for me the added bulk of having 2x722 or 2x702 isn't necessary or worth it from both a space and need for pres standpoint.  As it stands i'll be running the ACM V3 into the 744 and run the pres to a second set of mics.

For four channels of pres I really don't think there is a better sounding box under $4000 than the R4 Pro.   For me I just didn't need all four.

[stevetoney]

Just kidding you.  Couldn't help it considering you went SD 702 > R4 > 702 in the matter of a few days.   

 

[KLowe]

Slut.   

what he said. 

The countdown to Steve's new 744 has just begun.

I'm taking 33 days.  Any other takers???

[stevetoney]

Slut.   

what he said. 

The countdown to Steve's new 744 has just begun.

I'm taking 33 days.  Any other takers???

Actually Kevin, it's a nice thought, but next on my gear list (thanks to you, Mr. M. S. Fluffer) is at least one AK20 capsule.

When I get the Aerco, I'll conduct the preamp bake-off and decide whether to sell the M148 or the Aerco.  Then I'll have to decide to use the funds from the sale to pay down the credit card or go for that new capsule.  Hmmm...now that might be a decision worth taking bets on!

[KLowe]

http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdown.html?year=2008&month=5&date=11&hrs=0&ts=24&min=0&sec=0&tz=local&lang=en&show=dhms&mode=t&cdir=down&bgcolor=%23CCFFFF&fgcolor=%23000000&title=Countdown%20To%20Steves%20744

[H₂O]

I think it's a wash and personal preference. 

In my sit I would rarely run the internal pre's in the 7xx so that wouldn't push me to the 2 x 7x2.   

The advantage I would see by having 2 x 7x2 is the ability to run two seperate rigs (i.e. at  a festie, in a venue where you don't know where the sound is best, or a loaner).

The disadvantage is there is more gear to carry.

[intpseeker]

http://www.7is7.com/otto/countdown.html?year=2008&month=5&date=11&hrs=0&ts=24&min=0&sec=0&tz=local&lang=en&show=dhms&mode=t&cdir=down&bgcolor=%23CCFFFF&fgcolor=%23000000&title=Countdown%20To%20Steves%20744

Nice!

[ianstone]

I think it's a wash and personal preference. 

In my sit I would rarely run the internal pre's in the 7xx so that wouldn't push me to the 2 x 7x2.   

The advantage I would see by having 2 x 7x2 is the ability to run two seperate rigs (i.e. at  a festie, in a venue where you don't know where the sound is best, or a loaner).

The disadvantage is there is more gear to carry.

the other disadvantage is no time code

but yes, it is pretty nice having two and having the ability to split them up at festivals...

[cfox]

why not get the 744, and use the 744 pre for channels 1/2 and the v2 pre for 3/4.  You can always add another pre if needed, there is no way I would consider using 2 decks when one will do it...and having to clink 2 decks, and word clock link 2 decks, is even more cables coming out the bag...

[boojum]

With six gear sluts there are twelve opinions.  Using two 7x2's in parallel will yield symmetrical sound: the recorders and the pre's are the same.  One difference is eliminated from the chain.  These are small recorders so size is not a really serious consideration.  Dealing with identical hardware also reduces the chance for error: if you know one, you know the other, also.  And, time synching can be done with the new release of firmware.

For these reasons it would seem to me that 2x7x2 is the way to go.  Unless SD comes out with a killer box to compete with the new Sonosax four channel which is in the same price range as the 744T.   YMMV

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

I'll take 4 Grace pres any day over 4 SD pres.  JMO 
plus w/ 2 units it's twice the transfer = hassle

[OFOTD]

I'll take 4 Grace pres any day over 4 SD pres.  JMO 
plus w/ 2 units it's twice the transfer = hassle

+T

[boojum]

I'll take 4 Grace pres any day over 4 SD pres.  JMO 
plus w/ 2 units it's twice the transfer = hassle

$6000 vs $2500 makes the choice pretty easy for me.  And lugging the gear around a lot easier, too.  Two pieces as opposed to five. With redundancy I always have a recorder that works.  And if I want to record two separate sessions, two channel, at the same time in different venues at the same hall I can.  I just lke the flexibility, redundancy and simplicity.

As for the xfer, well, hook up one fire wire or hook up two.  How hard is that? 

I am having good luck with the SD pre's.  Possibly the Grace is better.  I have never ABX'ed them so I cannot say.

As I said: six tapers; twelve opinions.   

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

I think you mean

744     4k
v2 x2  1400
------------
5400  (3 pieces not 5)

722 x 2
---------
5k  (2 pieces)


not much of a difference $$ wise IMO.  Take out the 2nd v2 (which you really don't need to run the 744) and it's cheaper than 2.

As for lugging gear?  :shrugs:  a 744 and 2 v2's weigh nothing to me.  Me strong like bull!   

[boojum]

I am sure you are right.

[H₂O]

722 x 2
---------
5k  (2 pieces)

or

702 x 2
---------
4k (2 pieces)