Topic: Can you recommend a portable 32bit-recorder??

[Niko.Springstein]

Hi!

I'm pretty new to this board (thanks lowlight10) and try not to fail with my first posting, so please be patient!

Since almost 10 years I am taping with my Zoom H6, now I think about buying a new recorder for my prefered 4-channel-audience-soundboard-tapes! I am thinking about buying some 32-bit recorder to avoid failing with the gear-levels!

Can you recommend any portable 32bit -recorder?? Why this one and not the other?

Thanks a lot

[detroit lightning]

I've used the Zoom F3 a few times and have been happy with the results thus far. My first experience with 32 bit, so nothing to compare it against, but it's extremely compact, has plug in power, and can be powered with USB-C. Looking forward to using it more...

https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/field-recorders/field-recorders/f3/

[goodcooker]

Since you need 4 channels I'd say look at the Sound Devices MixPre6ii or the Zoom F6. Both have 32bit capabilities and up to 6 channels.

[commongrounder]

Also, the Tascam Portacapture X8 has 32-bit float recording and meets your channel requirements. The Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii is the cream of the crop.

[hipporu]

Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii. Great preamps, you don't need any external ones. Works as a recorder and as an interface. Multiple power options. Convenient and friendly interface. Fantastic support from the manufacturer.

[checht]

Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii. Great preamps, you don't need any external ones. Works as a recorder and as an interface. Multiple power options. Convenient and friendly interface. Fantastic support from the manufacturer.

^ this.

[swordfish]

Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii. Great preamps, you don't need any external ones. Works as a recorder and as an interface. Multiple power options. Convenient and friendly interface. Fantastic support from the manufacturer.

^ this.

I just recognized that priced for the sound device recorders are going up, at least here in Germany.  Music store is out of stock and the new price is 1799.-€. Thoman's New price is 1399.- and they have some in stock..
Just my 2 cents

[pohaku]

You will need to check your local pricing, but in the states, the mixpre 6ii goes for @$1060USD and the Zoom F8n pro goes for $1099USD.  Both have 32bit float and the Zoom has 8 channels of preamps.  I have a previous version of the F8 as well as a SD 788, and I’m quite happy with the Zoom.  YMMV.

[hoserama]

Also, the Tascam Portacapture X8 has 32-bit float recording and meets your channel requirements. The Sound Devices Mixpre-6ii is the cream of the crop.

Tascam X8 would do that.

I have one for sale if there's any interest. Did not get any use in the field as it didn't quite meet my needs, but its in perfect condition with the additional bluetooth attachment.

[RyanJ]

I have a previous version of the F8 as well as a SD 788, and I’m quite happy with the Zoom.  YMMV.

I bought an F8 like a week before the new one released with 32 bit float. I wish there was a firmware update or something that allowed it on the older F8.

[Niels]

The Zoom F6 got to be the most attractive value/quality proposition that fits your requirements. The Mixpre will be a little more luxurious in feel and interface but unlikely in sound quality.

[jbell]

Sound devices Mixpre 6 II

[pohaku]

I have a previous version of the F8 as well as a SD 788, and I’m quite happy with the Zoom.  YMMV.

I bought an F8 like a week before the new one released with 32 bit float. I wish there was a firmware update or something that allowed it on the older F8.

Yeah, would be nice, wouldn’t it?  I have the original model and it works well.  Just have to pay attention to levels and hope the band and crowd don’t do anything unexpected to blow your settings.  Would make it easier to run and gun when you show up late for a show though.

[voltronic]

The Zoom F6 got to be the most attractive value/quality proposition that fits your requirements. The Mixpre will be a little more luxurious in feel and interface but unlikely in sound quality.

+1
While I obviously own an F6, I have used an MixPre-II 6 and find no difference in sound quality at all.

One advantage the Zoom F6 has over the MixPre-II is in compact external powering. Both can use NP-F style camera batteries, but the MixPre-II requires an separate adapter sled which puts the batteries at an odd angle. Most people here seem to prefer USB-C packs, but the MPII can be rather finicky about USB-C powering, as indicated by the long thread here about it. The F6 can run off NP-F style batteries without an adapter, and I use these which run the F6 powering 6 mics with phantom for a LONG time.

[jbell]

The Zoom F6 got to be the most attractive value/quality proposition that fits your requirements. The Mixpre will be a little more luxurious in feel and interface but unlikely in sound quality.

+1
While I obviously own an F6, I have used an MixPre-II 6 and find no difference in sound quality at all.

One advantage the Zoom F6 has over the MixPre-II is in compact external powering. Both can use NP-F style camera batteries, but the MixPre-II requires an separate adapter sled which puts the batteries at an odd angle. Most people here seem to prefer USB-C packs, but the MPII can be rather finicky about USB-C powering, as indicated by the long thread here about it. The F6 can run off NP-F style batteries without an adapter, and I use these which run the F6 powering 6 mics with phantom for a LONG time.

This isn't true if you use the newer L mount sled!  Also, you can buy a Hirose sled for the Mixpre 6.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1552857-REG/sound_devices_mx_lm1_l_mount_battery_sled_f_mizpre.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vfyodjG-QIVJxTUAR3Aog5OEAQYAyABEgIDs_D_BwE

https://www.adorama.com/ctmxps.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vfyodjG-QIVJxTUAR3Aog5OEAQYAiABEgKFJ_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=adl-gbase-p

[voltronic]

The Zoom F6 got to be the most attractive value/quality proposition that fits your requirements. The Mixpre will be a little more luxurious in feel and interface but unlikely in sound quality.

+1
While I obviously own an F6, I have used an MixPre-II 6 and find no difference in sound quality at all.

One advantage the Zoom F6 has over the MixPre-II is in compact external powering. Both can use NP-F style camera batteries, but the MixPre-II requires an separate adapter sled which puts the batteries at an odd angle. Most people here seem to prefer USB-C packs, but the MPII can be rather finicky about USB-C powering, as indicated by the long thread here about it. The F6 can run off NP-F style batteries without an adapter, and I use these which run the F6 powering 6 mics with phantom for a LONG time.

This isn't true if you use the newer L mount sled!  Also, you can buy a Hirose sled for the Mixpre 6.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1552857-REG/sound_devices_mx_lm1_l_mount_battery_sled_f_mizpre.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vfyodjG-QIVJxTUAR3Aog5OEAQYAyABEgIDs_D_BwE

https://www.adorama.com/ctmxps.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0vfyodjG-QIVJxTUAR3Aog5OEAQYAiABEgKFJ_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=adl-gbase-p

I'm glad to see they improved the original design. It's a shame it costs so much. I can't understand why SD didn't just have the L-mount built into the back of the recorder itself like the 6, 7, and 8-series.

I also can't understand why Zoom didn't make the newer version of the F8 have an L-mount like the F6 does. They could have put the TC BNCs on one of the side panels.

[checht]

[snip]
I can't understand why SD didn't just have the L-mount built into the back of the recorder itself like the 6, 7, and 8-series.
[/snip]

To accommodate diverse use cases? I've happily used usbc power banks w 4AA sled backup since I first got a mp-3 I, no inclination/need to do anything else. Anker and Mophie batts work 100% of the time and are inexpensive. Once one understands the power requirements, it's not difficult to select a bank that works. Also use a $14 Anker 20W charger (Nano Pro) with AA backup when I have ac.

For me, usbc powering has been dependable, fast, small/light, easy.

Different strokes...

[ol' dirty taper]

I really enjoy using my MP6 II, the power options have never been a hinderance and I have the L mount adapter, but I prefer using usb c with the 4 or 8 battery adapter as backup, I just loop a right angle cable through the front post a couple times so it wont budge.

That said, recently I picked up a Zoom F3 and the sound quality to my ears is nearly identical to the MixPre. SD units tend to be smoother, but for a run and gun recorder, the f3 is great. I'd imagine other newer Zoom products operate similarly.