Become a Site Supporter and Never see Ads again!

Author Topic: 6 channel recorder  (Read 5618 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Karl

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 377
6 channel recorder
« on: October 21, 2020, 02:08:01 PM »
Hi guys. I have been doing 2 track recordings for quite some time. Want to do more 5 or 6 channel recordings. Need feedback on a deck.

I am looking for something semi-portable.

$500 or less.

Ideally 5 or 6 XLR inputs with Phantom Power capability.

These look close to what I need: Marantz PMD-706 and Tascam 701-D

My portable rig:

AT853>Zoom F6

Offline heathen

  • Trade Count: (23)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3528
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2020, 02:47:23 PM »
Scrounge up $75 more and get that Zoom F6 in the Yard Sale!
Mics: AT4050ST | AT4031 | AT853 (C/SC) | Line Audio CM3 | Sennheiser e614 | Sennheiser MKE2 | DPA 4061 Pre: CA9200 Decks: Zoom F8 | Roland R-05

Online Gutbucket

  • record > listen > revise technique
  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 15700
  • Gender: Male
  • "Better to love music than respect it" ~Stravinsky
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2020, 03:30:42 PM »
^ I'd do that.

Even less is Tascam DR680, an older design but an easy to operate solid performer.  Phantom on all 6 balanced inputs, 1-4 XLR, 5-6 TRS, also digital in/out which can be used to record a total of 8 channels.
musical volition > vibrations > voltages > numeric values > voltages > vibrations> virtual teleportation time-machine experience
Better recording made easy - >>Improved PAS table<< | Made excellent- >>click here to download the Oddball Microphone Technique illustrated PDF booklet<< (note: This is a 1st draft, now several years old and in need of revision!  Stay tuned)

Offline IMPigpen

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 255
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2020, 06:54:26 PM »
Hi guys. I have been doing 2 track recordings for quite some time. Want to do more 5 or 6 channel recordings. Need feedback on a deck.

I am looking for something semi-portable.

$500 or less.

Ideally 5 or 6 XLR inputs with Phantom Power capability.

These look close to what I need: Marantz PMD-706 and Tascam 701-D

Tascam 701 only has 4 inputs (4 XLR w/ phantom or 2 XLR and 1/8" input).
Mics: Neumann KM184s; ADK TLs; Naiant X-R omnis & cards; MM-BSM-7M omnis
Pres/Battery boxes: Sound Devices MixPre; Naiant IPA; Sound Professionals SP-SPSB-6
Recorders: Tascam DR-70mkii; Tascam DR-60Dmkii; Tascam DR-40; Roland R-07
Cassette Transfers:  Nakamichi CR-1A->Tascam DR-60Dmkii
DAT Transfers:  Tascam DA-20mkii->Marantz PMD-670

My LMA uploads:  https://archive.org/details/@brandon_smith

**Have any old Strangefolk or Eddie From Ohio shows not on the LMA?  Let me know!**

Offline rocksuitcase

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 8282
  • Gender: Male
    • RockSuitcase: stage photography
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2020, 08:31:22 PM »
I have two DR680's. For the price used, you can almost afford 2 at your budget (I place current market value of a mkI DR680 at $250-300). If you don't need super HQ pre-amps, it is solid. Foot print isn't too large. Easy to power from USB power banks (internal AA's) Gets my vote.
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 Karl

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 377
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2020, 10:01:52 AM »
Zoom F6? I record a lot of local orchestras. I dunno, thing just looks goofy.

If I can find DR-680's easy enough I will probably scoop one of those up.

Let's shift the conversation to 4 channel with 4 XLR inputs with Phantom. What are the best options for that? I would *like* super HQ pre-amps, but not a must-have.
My portable rig:

AT853>Zoom F6

Online Gutbucket

  • record > listen > revise technique
  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 15700
  • Gender: Male
  • "Better to love music than respect it" ~Stravinsky
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2020, 10:12:13 AM »
More options for 4 channels.

Zoom F4
Used Roland R44 (an Ode Mod'ed version for improved quieter preamps) these pop up in the yardsale
Several Tascams (would not expect far different preamps from DR680)
others..

Edit- Yes F6 has an odd form factor, yet folks seem to really like it.
F4 is a more typical form factor, basically a smaller F8
« Last Edit: October 22, 2020, 10:18:38 AM by Gutbucket »
musical volition > vibrations > voltages > numeric values > voltages > vibrations> virtual teleportation time-machine experience
Better recording made easy - >>Improved PAS table<< | Made excellent- >>click here to download the Oddball Microphone Technique illustrated PDF booklet<< (note: This is a 1st draft, now several years old and in need of revision!  Stay tuned)

Offline vanark

  • TDS
  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (29)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *
  • Posts: 8510
  • If you ain't right, you better get right!
    • The Mudboy Grotto - North Mississippi Allstar fan site
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2020, 10:17:27 AM »
4 channel - Tascam 70D as long as you are using approved media.
In the YS:
https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=194886.0

If you have a problem relating to the Live Music Archive (http://www.archive.org/details/etree) please send an e-mail to us admins at LMA(AT)archive(DOT)org or post in the LMA thread here and we'll get on it.

Link to LMA Recordings

Link to Team Dirty South Recordings on the LMA

Mics: Microtech Gefell M21 (with Nbob actives) | Church Audio CA-11 (cards) (with CA UBB)
Pres: babynbox
Recorders: Tascam DR-60D | Tascam DR-40 | Sony PCM-A10 | Edirol R-4

Offline jbell

  • TDS
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4567
  • Gender: Male
  • Spreadicated
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #8 on: October 22, 2020, 05:02:09 PM »
You could probably find a Mixpre6 legacy version for $600-650!  If you want quality preamps you might want to look in that direction.  4 preamps and you can run an extra 2 channels through the 1/8 input.
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)     
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][}   
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][} 
__________________________
|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

Offline Ozpeter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1399
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #9 on: October 23, 2020, 07:48:29 AM »
I'll throw in Panatrope's Second Law of Recording - the number of channels you need is one more than the number of channels you have.   So if you think you might need 6 channels, you probably shouldn't think of 4.

Offline Karl

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 377
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #10 on: October 23, 2020, 03:33:01 PM »
The more I look at these the more I get excited about the Tascam 701D. The nice pre-amps will be helpful when I record Orchestras. Looks like I can even find it used easily for about $300.

Thoughts on the 701D? Pros? Cons?

I'm confused about how many tracks it can record....can it do above 4 discrete tracks?
My portable rig:

AT853>Zoom F6

Offline darby

  • Trade Count: (108)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1357
  • Support artists and venues that allow recording
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #11 on: October 23, 2020, 04:16:30 PM »
The more I look at these the more I get excited about the Tascam 701D. The nice pre-amps will be helpful when I record Orchestras. Looks like I can even find it used easily for about $300.

Thoughts on the 701D? Pros? Cons?

I'm confused about how many tracks it can record....can it do above 4 discrete tracks?

only 4 plus mix tracks
the 701d and Zoom use about the same preamps
otherwise go with a first gen MixPre

Online Gutbucket

  • record > listen > revise technique
  • Trade Count: (15)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 15700
  • Gender: Male
  • "Better to love music than respect it" ~Stravinsky
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #12 on: October 23, 2020, 04:22:07 PM »
With classical in mind, I was going to question how good the 701d preamps really are (not being intimately familiar with it). I fully trust darby's assessment. 

IME for classical (as compared to most taping discussed at TS) low noise is key, and much depends on the sensitivity and self-noise of the particular mics employed.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2020, 06:21:28 PM by Gutbucket »
musical volition > vibrations > voltages > numeric values > voltages > vibrations> virtual teleportation time-machine experience
Better recording made easy - >>Improved PAS table<< | Made excellent- >>click here to download the Oddball Microphone Technique illustrated PDF booklet<< (note: This is a 1st draft, now several years old and in need of revision!  Stay tuned)

Offline Karl

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 377
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #13 on: October 23, 2020, 05:11:35 PM »
The more I look at these the more I get excited about the Tascam 701D. The nice pre-amps will be helpful when I record Orchestras. Looks like I can even find it used easily for about $300.

Thoughts on the 701D? Pros? Cons?

I'm confused about how many tracks it can record....can it do above 4 discrete tracks?

only 4 plus mix tracks
the 701d and Zoom use about the same preamps
otherwise go with a first gen MixPre

Like the Zoom H6?

As far as pre-amps go....you are saying 701d, Zoom use about the same pre-amps. Would 680mkii be in the same ballpark? Does anything in the sub-$500 blow those pre-amps out of the water? (I will look into the first gen MixPre's)
My portable rig:

AT853>Zoom F6

Offline darby

  • Trade Count: (108)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1357
  • Support artists and venues that allow recording
Re: 6 channel recorder
« Reply #14 on: October 23, 2020, 06:11:16 PM »

Like the Zoom H6?

As far as pre-amps go....you are saying 701d, Zoom use about the same pre-amps. Would 680mkii be in the same ballpark? Does anything in the sub-$500 blow those pre-amps out of the water? (I will look into the first gen MixPre's)

NO... F6 or F8n are about the same as NEW gen Trashcan, I mean Tascam (701d/680mkii)
the older Zoom had issues with overloading the input stage
I did not like the limiters on the 701d, and have not used an 8n personally, but have heard good things about them
the Sound Devices are Class A preamps, but I didn't like the limiters on the MixPre gen i either compared to my USBPre2 or old 702t
that's why I went with MixPre gen ii that utilizes 32bit Float and NO LIMITERS
if you record orchestras you might like the ability to not have to ride your levels thru dynamic transitions
otherwise you will need to spend some $$$ on a proline Sound Devices (664/688/833/888/Scorpio) to get better preamps and limiters for 24bit

 

RSS | Mobile
Page created in 0.093 seconds with 43 queries.
© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF